Unable to leave New York City because of his probation and sentenced to community service at a soup kitchen following a stint in jail, Jackie tries to reconnect to humanity through his steady comic patter with the homeless. He also starts a furtive romance with Harmony (Leslie Mann), a mobster's daughter who's also doing community service and has temper problems of her own.

Everyone in Jackie's orbit suffers from his abuse, including his agent, Miller (Edie Falco), brother, Jimmy (Danny DeVito), and sister-in-law, Florence (Patti LuPone).

Director Taylor Hackford and a quartet of screenwriters capture a bickering, yet affectionate, show-business milieu, somewhat reminiscent of Woody Allen's "Broadway Danny Rose" from 1984. But in Jackie, they have too unpleasant and pointless a character to sustain a compelling narrative.

The film contains references to nonmarital sexual activity, occasional profanity and frequent rough language. The Catholic News Service classification is A-III -- adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R -- restricted. Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.

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Jensen is a guest reviewer for Catholic News Service.

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CAPSULE REVIEW

"The Comedian" (Sony Classics)

Mirthless story of an aging insult comic (Robert De Niro) who tries to revive his career and get out from under the burden of being best-known for his role in a catchphrase-laden 1980s sitcom. But his anger issues get in the way both at work and in his relationships (most significantly with girlfriend Leslie Mann). Director Taylor Hackford and a quartet of screenwriters capture a bickering, yet affectionate, show business milieu. But in De Niro's sour protagonist they have too unpleasant a character to sustain a compelling story. References to nonmarital sexual activity, occasional profanity, frequent rough language. The Catholic News Service classification is A-III -- adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R -- restricted. Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.

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CLASSIFICATION

"The Comedian" (Sony Classics) -- Catholic News Service classification, A-III -- adults. Motion Picture Association of America rating, R -- restricted. Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.