He Hates These Cans!

There’s a moment of realization in the Apatow-produced television series Freaks and Geeks when young, gangly Sam Weir realizes he hates his popular cheerleader girlfriend. They’re sitting in a movie theater. She’s heavily primped and wearing an angora sweater. He’s nervously attempting to find common ground by sharing his favorite...

By Jamie Laughlin

December 13, 2012

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There’s a moment of realization in the Apatow-produced television series Freaks and Geeks when young, gangly Sam Weir realizes he hates his popular cheerleader girlfriend. They’re sitting in a movie theater. She’s heavily primped and wearing an angora sweater. He’s nervously attempting to find common ground by sharing his favorite movie, The Jerk. When she calls it stupid, his eyes become fireballs, then he dumps her. We, watching from our couch caves, spill our snacks, weed, smoking paraphernalia, shells and cheese and assorted Gen X comfort items on the ground as we stand, applauding young Sam from our distant living rooms. Steve Martin’s entrance to the comedy world simply changed everything, raising the bar for comedy and its potential. And The Jerk? The movie that made us fantasize about bathtubs shaped like clams, pizza in a cup, private disco rooms with fancy dancing friends, can-shooting detectives and Opti-Grabs? Still, one of the greatest films ever made. And if anyone tells you otherwise, follow the path of young Sam Weir and dump their ass. Like, yesterday. The Texas Theatre (231 W. Jefferson Blvd.) shows the film for one glorious weekend with a 35mm tribute Thursday through Sunday. Showtime is 8 p.m. and tickets cost $10. Visit thetexastheatre.com.
Dec. 13-16, 2012

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