Critics Hate Dark Comedy Starring Rare Stand-Up Legend Lead Role, Stream and Judge for Yourself Uptrends

By TeeJay Petit | Published

If you are a fan of the legendary comedian and Saturday evening live alumnus Norm MacDonald, you’ve probably spent a lot of time laughing at his stand-up specials, his late-night appearances, or his own short-lived talk show on Netflix. What you may not realize, however, is that Norm previously starred in a critically reviewed feature film, which is full of his signature blend of irreverent comedy, slow-burn humor, and sarcastic, deadpan delivery . The film, 1998 Dirty workis currently streaming on Freevee via Amazon Prime Video, for those who want to check it out today.

Norm MacDonald in the dirty work

Norm MadDonald in Dirty work

For those who have not yet had the pleasure of catching Dirty work streaming, the film focuses on two hapless slackers named Mitch Weaver and Sam McKenna. What the duo lacks in strength, intelligence, beauty, and work ethic, they more than make up for in schemes, intrigue, and petty revenge fantasies.

This is demonstrated by a few cases of childhood abuse that involve accusing their bully of a crime to get him kicked out of school, and using themselves as live bait to have a sexual predator arrested and thrown in jail.

As adults, none of the men are capable of holding down jobs, leaving them completely penniless, rudderless, and unable to save Sam’s father when his heart collapses. In an effort to raise $50,000 to give Sam’s father a heart transplant, the duo decide to start “Dirty Work,” a revenge-for-hire business that uses their penchant for evil at a high price.

By time Dirty work Until its shocking conclusion, Mitch and Sam manage to leverage their skills for some of the funniest gags you’ll see streaming today. This includes tanking a shady used car salesman by hiring prostitutes to play dead in the trunk of his vehicles, showing pornographic material in a regular movie theater, and destroying an apartment to spite the owner.

From flop to cult status

Dirty work

Long before Dirty work Released for streaming, the film achieved cult status with fans of Norm MacDonald’s offbeat comedy, despite its abysmal critical response and status as a major box office bomb. As someone who grew up loving Norm MacDonald’s very specific and niche comedic delivery, I loved Dirty workalthough I can understand why it might not suit everyone.

This is especially true when watching the film in 2024, as its low budget is quite evident, its forced PG-13 rating leaves the jokes neutral, and the repeated use of sexual assault as a punchline has definitely aged like a glass of milk under a film. heat lamp.

Free streaming

Norm MacDonald is joined in the cast by comedy legends such as Artie Lange, Christopher McDonald, Don Rickles, Chevy Chase, John Goodman, Gary Coleman and David Koechner. Adam Sandler and Chris Farley also have uncredited appearances in the film, making it Farley’s final on-screen performance. Dirty work is the feature film debut of Bob Saget, who was a frequent collaborator of MacDonald before and after the film’s production. Those who are interested in catching Dirty work You can stream the film on Freevee via Amazon Prime Video.


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