Steve! (Martin): A Documentary in 2 Pieces

It’s compelling in its much more amiable golden years second half...

...intimate portrait of a comedy legend.

Following Martin slavishly as he rehearses with Martin Short, creates a cartoon memoir, or bikes around LA reminiscing, the film mistakes access for interest.

It’s heartwarming and even moving to see where Steve Martin is today, comfortable with his emotions enough to cry when reading the “Planes, Trains, & Automobiles” script, and obviously enriched by being a father late in life.

Watching his 30-year-old rubber limbs flail across the stage is hilarious, but seeing him tear up over John Candy’s Planes, Trains And Automobiles performance half a century later is unexpectedly touching.

...from star to failure – and back again.