Watch Cracking Up

Cracking Up is a 1983 comedy film directed by and starring Jerry Lewis, and featuring an ensemble cast that includes the likes of Milton Berle and Sammy Davis Jr. The film follows the misadventures of Lewis' character Warren Nefron, a young man who has just graduated from college and is eager to make a name for himself in the world.

However, Warren is plagued by a variety of neurotic quirks and bizarre phobias that inhibit his ability to function in the real world. He is afraid of heights, he cannot touch anything that is dirty or contaminated, and he is consumed by an irrational fear of being crushed by falling objects. Despite these obstacles, Warren is determined to forge ahead and find success.

Cracking Up is a madcap comedy that veers wildly from one zany situation to the next, as Warren encounters a wide variety of eccentric characters and finds himself in increasingly absurd predicaments. Along the way, he takes on a variety of odd jobs, including working as a dishwasher, a gardener, and even a private investigator.

Throughout the film, Lewis employs his trademark physical comedy to great effect, flinging himself about with wild abandon and mugging for the camera in classic style. He is ably supported by an all-star cast that includes such luminaries as Berle and Davis Jr., both of whom get their own moments to shine.

Berle, in particular, stands out as a washed-up comedian who takes Warren under his wing and tries to teach him the art of comedy. Berle's character is a melancholy figure, reflecting on his past glories and struggling to come to terms with the fact that his star has faded. However, he finds new life in Warren's enthusiasm and is eventually inspired to make a triumphant return to the stage.

Davis Jr., meanwhile, plays a mysterious character who seems to be following Warren around, always popping up at the most unexpected times. He is a constant source of confusion and frustration for Warren, who cannot quite figure out who he is or what he wants.

Despite its manic energy and wacky hijinks, Cracking Up is also a surprisingly poignant film, exploring themes of loneliness, alienation, and the search for meaning in a chaotic world. Lewis' character is a classic outsider figure, someone who is never quite at ease in his own skin and always feels like he doesn't quite fit in. As he struggles to overcome his various phobias and obsessions, he becomes a sympathetic figure, and the film becomes a touching tribute to the resilience of the human spirit.

Overall, Cracking Up is a delightful romp of a film, full of laughs, heart, and a deep appreciation for the absurdities of life. If you're looking for a fun and offbeat comedy that defies conventions and keeps you guessing from start to finish, this is definitely one to check out.

Cracking Up is a 1983 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 23 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.7.