Quem é Harry Crumb?

John Candy was exploring his performing roots in the character of Harry Crumb. I imagine he enjoyed that. The Indian air conditioner repair man, the Hungarian hair stylist, the overweight jockey. Candy did a ton of these types of characters for years on stage and TV. It's a nice return for fans of SCTV like me. Fans of that show would remember Yosh Shmenge, Tommy Shanks, Mr Mambo, Harry: the guy with the snake on his face, Divine, Johnny La Rue and who knows how many others on stage. This film offers a view of Candy's ability to create comic characters like that. Harry Crumb himself is an excellent comic character. A detective who stumbles on his own ego and family legacy but still manages to back into solving the case. It is a good vehicle for his talent in this regard.

Most of Candy's films explored his range as an actor but this movie is comedy. Not many (or any) moments of pathos like in his work for John Hughes. I like this alot more than movies like The Great Outdoors and Delirious. Cable TV played Candy's movies alot in those days and this one usually kept me watching and happy.

Responsible for kidnapping his latest client's daughter, the head of a private detective agency hires his least competent employee to work this case, only to be baffled when the man's incompetence helps him make headway in this lively comedy starring John Candy. Donning several different disguises (thanks to some stellar makeup work) as he goes about solving the case, Candy's performance has brought about comparisons to Chevy Chase in 'Fletch', however, with Candy's utter incompetence, this is actually a very different sort of film. Candy is thoroughly likable throughout with his heart (if not his mind) always in the right place and there is a lot to like in how he benevolently takes the victim's neglected teenage sister under his wing without any trite romantic sparks igniting between them. Above all else though, 'Who's Harry Crumb?' is a laugh-out-loud affair with such zaniness as a footsies scene in which three characters at a table each think that someone else is playing with them. A large number of gags are admittedly foreshadowed too heavily in advance for full effect, such as Candy landing in a sitting position in a living room sofa and Candy crashing into a glass cabinet, however, they are still funny thanks to Candy's near nonchalance towards his buffoonery, carrying on in almost all cases as if nothing has even happened. Indeed, while some have dismissed the movie due to the slapstick nature of most of the gags, it is how Candy handles himself in these moments rather than the physical humour itself which generates the most laughs.

John Candy was a comedic powerhouse. Over the course of his all-too-short career, he starred in a treasure trove of great films. 'Planes, Trains & Automobiles' and 'Uncle Buck' are now enshrined as classics, but even his lesser-known gems have that unmistakable Candy charm. The likes of 'Summer Rental,' 'Delirious' and 'Only the Lonely' may not get as much fanfare, but they're packed with the same mix of heart and hilarity that made him so beloved: prime examples of Candy's ability to elevate any role with his effortless charisma.

Paul Flaherty's 1989 effort 'Who's Harry Crumb?' isn't often counted among Candy's best, though his larger-than-life energy keeps things entertaining- even when the film itself doesn't always rise to his level. It follows Candy's titular private detective, a bumbling yet oddly confident investigator who finds himself entangled in the case of a kidnapped young woman. Against all odds, can Crumb crack the case, or will his investigation turn to disaster?

While the film never reaches the dizzying heights of films like 'The Naked Gun', it still has plenty of fun on offer. At its best, it delivers a string of enjoyably silly gags, bolstered by Candy's endless enthusiasm and knack for physical comedy. The mystery itself is entertaining, if predictable, with the plot mostly serving as a vehicle for Candy to cycle through disguises, pratfalls and deadpan one-liners. For his fans, that alone is worth the price of admission.

However, if one removes the rose-tinted glasses of fandom, one can see the film's issues more clearly. Some gags, which might have landed perfectly with a bit more time or sharper editing, fall flat. Additionally, although Candy's performance is consistently engaging, Bob Conte and Peter Wortmann's script doesn't always support him as strongly as it should, leaving some sequences underdeveloped or overly drawn-out.

However, it is well shot by Stephen M. Katz, with vibrant colours and a playful visual style that suits its zany tone. Further Michel Colombier's score is a delight, packed with punchy synth-heavy melodies that are the very essence of 1980's nostalgia. Conversely, as mentioned above, Danford B. Greene's editing is a bit choppy, interrupting the film's flow and- on occasion- dulling the impact of jokes.

On the other hand, the cast all deliver strong performances, especially Candy as the titular character. As the off-beat, eccentric Crumb, he shines, clearly enjoying the material. His comedic timing is impeccable, and even when the script falters, he finds a way to make the most of every scene. Shawnee Smith is great as the kidnapped woman's sister Nikki, who becomes the Watson to Candy's Sherlock, bringing a natural warmth to the role. The two share an excellent chemistry, and their dynamic is one of the film's highlights.

Additionally, Jeffrey Jones does typically commendable work as Crumb's smarmy associate Eliot Draisen, while Annie Potts also impresses, adding a sharp wit and playful energy to proceedings as Nikki's nymphomaniacal stepmother. Further, Tim Thomerson and Valri Bromfield, in smaller but no less important roles, cannot be faulted. Overall, it's clear that the cast, especially Candy, are having a blast with their roles, and that sense of fun is contagious.

Despite its shortcomings, 'Who's Harry Crumb?' remains an enjoyable watch for those who appreciate star John Candy's unique brand of humour and charm. It may not be on the same level as 'The Naked Gun' or 'Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid,' but it's light-hearted tone and the cast's committed performances elevate it beyond its predictable plot and pacing issues. Ultimately, it's a movie that's more about the journey than the destination, though with Candy at the helm, that is more than enough.

I'm glad to talk about of John Candy, l have almost all his movies, even those that weren't so funny, even so in this case when he was at its peak of his career is quite good, playing the character as he looks like, clumsy fat guy, not so smart not so stupid, however often hilarious and enjoyable.

In this movie he has the opportunity to prove his worth in a agency that take his family's name, working in a kidnapped case, all embarrassing situations end up a disaster like always, there's a lot of gags and jokes, anyhow l've enjoy the movie, sad to know that John Candy is no longer with us, we're very sorrow about his death.

Resume:

First watch: 1992 / How many: 6 / Source: TV-Cable TV-DVD / Rating: 6,75.

John Candy co-produced this very movie so he must have had more control over his own role. I guess that this is the reason why this movie didnt flop, like many of the other movies John Candy has made.

Candy does, what he is best at: be silly in slapstick situations.

Nobody like John Candy can look like an absolute dork and be this funny!

Not any bad? It's completely silly. Obviously targetted at a teenager audience but however silly the jokes are, the jokes are (after 30 years) still good enough that grown ups can enjoy them as well. Although I would not recommend this John Candy movie in particular, once you start watching it, it is hard not to laugh and keep watching...