On D List of Movie Reviews
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Delirious (1991)
Rate:
7
Viewed:
4/18, 2/22
4/18:
Here's a film that I saw many times during the early 90's: Delirious starring John Candy.
Basically, it's about a writer of a daytime TV soap opera who wakes up, after passing out, in his own creation and can
shape the outcome of what's happening by using his typewriter.
I've found the plot clever, and the movie still holds up today. It's a lot of fun to watch, and this one has plenty of
good moments. Poor guy, the heiress' brother keeps falling apart in appearance. To this day, I still remember many great
lines such as:
"Of course! The Sherwoods hired Robert Wagner! It's Sweeps Week!"
"They're tryin' to kill me! Goddamn you, Fetterman!"
"What a mistake Len was. Boy, did we get letters."
"I can't...this can't be! I...I must be dead. I am dead! I'm in hell! And my punishment...is spending eternity on my own show!"
"Robert Wagner! Wow!"
"I have to go to...Cleveland? Jesus, I hate Cleveland!"
It's evident that good writing is the key. With the exception of Muriel Hemingway, the acting isn't bad, but the flow can
be inconsistent at times. I won't go so far as to call it a "laugh out loud" picture, but I appreciate the ingenuity.
By the way, it's the final film for Raymond Burr who's eternally famous as Perry Mason.
All in all, Delirious is a long forgotten cult flick that deserves a look, and getting John Candy on board goes a
long way.
4/18:
Delirious earns a strong '7', weak '8' from me.
It's a clever, funny movie with a lull here and there. The characters are well-sketched. There are many moments that are
appropriately soap operatic. John Candy is terrific; it's one of his top five pictures. Emma Samms is also good as Rachel
Hedison/Laura Claybourne. As Blake who keeps falling apart, Dylan Baker is unforgettable. I feel bad for Mariel Hemingway at
times, but it works out well at the end. Raymond Burr appears in the final film of his career.
All in all, Delirious will never get old and is a funny, enjoyable John Candy movie.