Critics Hate Dark Comedy With Stand-Up Legend’s Rare Leading Role, Stream And Judge For Yourself
If you’re a fan of legendary comedian and Saturday Night Live alumnus Norm MacDonald, you’ve likely spent plenty of time keeled over laughing at his stand-up specials, late-night appearances, or his own short-lived Netflix talk show. What you may not realize, however, is that Norm once starred in a critically panned feature film, which is rife with his trademark blend of irreverent comedy, slow-burn humor, and sarcastic deadpan delivery. The film, 1998’s Dirty Work, is currently streaming on Freevee via Amazon Prime Video, for those interested in checking it out today.
Norm MacDonald In Dirty Work
For those who have not yet had the pleasure of catching Dirty Work on streaming, the film centers on a pair of hapless slackers named Mitch Weaver and Sam McKenna. What the duo lack in strength, smarts, good looks, and work ethic, they more than make up for in schemes, plots, and petty revenge fantasies.
This is demonstrated by a few instances of childhood hijinks that involve framing their bully for a crime to have him kicked out of school, and using themselves as live bait to have a sexual predator arrested and thrown in jail.
As adults, neither of the men are capable of holding a job, leaving them completely penniless, rudderless, and incapable of saving Sam’s father when his heart fails. In an effort to bank $50,000 to get Sam’s dad a heart transplant, the duo decides to launch “Dirty Work,” a revenge-for-hire business that utilizes their penchant for mischief at a steep price.
By the time Dirty Work builds to 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 hookers to play dead in the trunks of his vehicles, playing pornographic material in a normal movie theater, and smashing up an apartment to spite the landlord.
From Flop To Cult Status
Long before Dirty Work hit streaming, the film achieved cult status with fans of Norm MacDonald’s off-beat 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 Work, though I can recognize why it might not be for everyone.
This is especially true while watching the film in 2024, as its low budget is quite evident, its forced PG-13 rating leaves the jokes neutered, and the repeated use of sexual assault as a punchline has definitely aged like a glass of milk under a heat lamp.
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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 cameo appearances in the movie, making it Farley’s final on-screen performance. Dirty Work serves as the feature film directorial debut of Bob Saget, who was a frequent collaborator with MacDonald both before and after the film’s production. Those interested in catching Dirty Work can find the film streaming on Freevee via Amazon Prime Video.
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