A funny and emotional doc on the comedy star Steve Martin.

The new 2-part made-for-AppleTV+ doc “STEVE! (martin)” tells the story on how the legendary Steve Martin has had his humble beginnings as a magician, a comedian, and an actor. The movie is presented in 2 parts, each running for a little over 90 minutes, and each comical and honest in his life story.

In his early days as a comedian, he refused to succumb to the cliches of ending the joke with a punchline, but rather actually make the joke hilarious in his own goofy and honest ways, some of them inspired by the works of Lewis Carroll. There’s even a distinction between those who do get his humor and those who don’t.

Following his years of stand-up comedy, he lands a job as a writer for “The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour,” which started to get him more attention. And him being a guest host on “Saturday Night Live” was a risk at first, but he appeared on that show a few more times. But he was not without critics at the time. Now, this can get confusing with the likes and dislikes, but it’s all about how the narration tells Martin’s story for what it was and is.

He’s also has his doubts and cynicisms on his career, which he was able to overcome. He also struggled to gain an audience, which took years and years for him to reach to higher standards. His relationship with his father was strained, especially when he’s asked about what he thinks of his son’s breakout performance in “The Jerk,” he says: “Well, he’s no Jerry Lewis.” And the double feature also talks about his loneliness within his timeline, and how playing fathers in movies (“Parenthood,” “Cheaper by the Dozen,” etc.) has inspired him to become a real one, in his 60s that is. But better late than never.

You also have his collaborations with Martin Short during their movie “The Three Amigos,” stage work, and their hit Hulu series “Only Murders in the Building.” There’s a lot of humor and consistency within their conversations. And you also get some insight from Martin’s loved ones, as well as Tina Fey and Jerry Seinfeld. I love the scenes between Martin and Seinfeld, and how the movie uses animation segments to represent Martin’s life and work.

“STEVE! (martin): a documentary in 2 pieces” was directed by Morgan Neville, who is best known for “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?,” “Roadrunner: A Film About Anthony Bourdain,” and “20 Feet from Stardom.” His latest entry speaks from the heart of Martin, and relates to the comedian in all of us. Comedy stars shouldn’t just be known for their humor, but also for their personalities and reactions towards life. And the way his story is presented here (in two parts) is truthful.

I’m glad I knew who he is when I was a kid, and I’m glad I get to know more about him as an adult. This is a documentary for anyone who gets or doesn’t get his humor, because it works on both sides of the equation. “Well, Excu-u-use Me!”

Now Streaming on AppleTV+