Joe Dirt (David Spade) is not the first redneck to come along with an epic human-interest story. That honor arguably goes to “Forrest Gump.” He is not the first redneck to garner an Academy Award, either. He likely will not be the second.

Aside from the differences in production quality, acting performances and an Academy Award for best picture, the two films have some striking similarities. Both films feature characters with below average intelligence on mission from coast to coast (Dirt was searching for his parents, Gump for nothing), blazing classic rock sound tracks, and clever life lessons. “Life is a garden?dig it!” is sure to stick in the same way the old “box of chocolates” saying did.

If “Gump” explored existentialism, then “Joe Dirt” is a little less subtle. It plays on a reliable movie theme of triumph over adversity. For all of the toilet humor, “Joe Dirt” is a feel good comedy along the lines of “Gump.”

Maybe we?re taking this a little too seriously?.

Those of you seeking to see Joe Dirt covered in raw sewage need not fear. Likewise, those of you wishing to see Dirt eat breakfast off of petrified sewage can also rest assured. The crowd seeking images of incest will not leave the theater unsatisfied. Much of the rest of the film goes on like this. Those decent citizens among you who would gasp at the above, don?t worry, it?s often funny.

Unfortunately, much of the film?s humor remains at the third grade level. This is typical with most gross out comedies. But you can?t help but root for our shoddily clad protagonist, who never gives up on his plight, in spite of making an absolute fool of himself. David Spade is right on the money as the simple Dirt. His accent and demeanor fall just short of overbearing while remaining hilarious. He captures the exaggerated redneck stereotype well. He is all together unbelievable, which suits the film fine.

Dennis Miller does not work so well as Zander Kelly, the unforgiving radio talk show host. Throughout the film (as Joe Dirt tells his story on the air), Miller slips awkwardly between his role as listener and belittler.

Other characters do not go beyond typecasting, the most notable of these is rock star Kid Rock, who plays Robby, a local boy in Joe Dirt?s hometown. Rock is noticeably comfortable in the role of jerkwater redneck.

While “Joe Dirt” will not raise your Intelligence Quotient, or snag any accolades, the film has its moments. And can even be touching at times. In this fashion, “Dirt” plays like an accidental spoof of “Forrest Gump.” It is not anything new in the realm of gross out humor, but is worth seeing. Just sit back and let your mullet down.