Who's Harry Crumb?

1989

Action / Comedy / Mystery

24
Rotten Tomatoes Critics - Rotten 46% · 12 reviews
Rotten Tomatoes Audience - Spilled 46% · 10K ratings
IMDb Rating 5.9/10 10 19082 19.1K

fool leave disappearance disguise private detective

Plot summary

Harry Crumb is a bumbling and inept private investigator who is hired to solve the kidnapping of a young heiress which he's not expected to solve because his employer is the mastermind behind the kidnapping.

Director

Paul Flaherty Photo
Paul Flaherty

Top cast

Jeffrey Jones Photo
Jeffrey Jones as Eliot Draisen
Manny Perry Photo
Manny Perry as Cop In Car
P. Lynn Johnson Photo
P. Lynn Johnson as Kelly
Valri Bromfield Photo
Valri Bromfield as Detective Casey
720p.BluRay 1080p.BluRay
779.23 MB
1280*682
English 2.0
NR
Subtitles us  
23.976 fps
1 hr 34 min
Seeds 4
1.45 GB
1920*1024
English 2.0
NR
Subtitles us  
23.976 fps
1 hr 34 min
Seeds 17

Movie Reviews

Reviewed by reelreviewsandrecommendations 6 / 10

For Candy Fans

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.
Reviewed by imseeg 7 / 10

Candy does some good slapstick acting. Co-produced by John Candy himself.

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...
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