“Roxanne” is the movie I’ve been waiting to see for a very long time because it’s finally a film that proves Steve Martin (“Pink Panther”, “The Jerk”) is comedic gold. It’s a funny yet heart-warming film that succeeds in every possible way, kind of like Eddie Murphy’s “Coming To America” or Jim Carrey’s “Truman Show”.

In “Roxanne”, chief firefighter C.D. Bales (Martin) lives a nice life in a quiet town. When a beautiful and intelligent girl, named Roxanne (Daryl Hannah “Blade Runner”) comes along, he’s determined to win her affection with his romantic wit and genuine kindness. However, he has a problem, he has a ridiculously large nose. Physically, Roxanne is interested in a young hotshot firefighter Chris (Rick Rossovich) but he struggles to talk to women so C.D. and Chris pool resources.

Steve Martin has been funny in movies before and he’s been funny in touching movies before. He was great in films such as “Planes, Trains & Automobiles”. He’s also made more than his fair share of bad films including “Cheaper By The Dozen” and “The Pink Panther” remake. This movie showcases him at his best because there are excellent jokes. We get physical, emotional, verbal and even stand-up jokes as the film incorporates several minutes’ worth of a routine without feeling forced. Daryl Hannah and Rick Rossovich also provide some laughs and work well in the film.

“Roxanne” is righteously funny and overwhelmingly charming. The gags include watching an obvious stunt double repeatedly climb buildings, watching the large-nosed C.D. inhale his wine and the funniest scene regarding a cat stuck in a tree that I think I’ve ever seen. I also love how the film is touching as many of the better comedy films out there are. “Roxanne” takes a concept that could very easily make for a boring film but nurtures it with such fine craftsmanship that it makes a masterpiece of the comedy genre. Despite his numerous bad flicks, I’ve defended Martin but now this movie gives me a little more fighting power.