50 reviews
Maybe you have to be a writer...
Just as I disagreed with the critics whom universally panned DELIRIOUS, I must disagree with most IMDB reviewers. I believe this is a genuinely funny movie, quite original and inspired. Sure, there are more than a few things in it that don't work (particularly the casting of Mariel Hemingway as the love interest); but, what writer hasn't a fantasy of being a part of his creation? The high point of the movie is the "guest" appearance by Robert Wagner. The big surprise is how funny Raymond Burr turns out to be. Despite her "spoiled brat" vixenishness, I would still take Emma Samms over the awkward, nerdy Miss Hemingway. The cruelist humor in the movie is the disintegration of Samm's brother. It's also probably the funniest thing about the film.
DELIRIOUS may not be to EVERYONE'S taste, but I happily purchased the laser disc a few years back. I watch it about once a year, and call it my "writer's fix". Enjoy it if you are a mind to...
DELIRIOUS may not be to EVERYONE'S taste, but I happily purchased the laser disc a few years back. I watch it about once a year, and call it my "writer's fix". Enjoy it if you are a mind to...
Help, I'm Trapped In My Own Soap Opera
That's John Candy's dilemma in Delirious. Candy's a writer for a popular television day time soap which seems to bear more resemblance to the night time big budget soaps so popular in the Eighties. Anyway after some creative differences with fellow writers Jerry Orbach and Renee Taylor, Candy gets into a nasty car wreck and when he wakes up finds himself in the hospital of his own show being treated by a couple of the characters of same, doctor David Rasche and nurse Andrea Thompson.
After seeing this, I see where the creators of Pleasantville got their idea. Pleasantville of course was a bit more serious in its subject matter. Delirious was a good idea that didn't quite come off although the players do give it a good try.
Part of the problem is that even in the fantasy Candy's thinking with his hormones. He's got it bad for his show's star Emma Sammes who is doing a nice Joan Collins impersonation. There's good girl Mariel Hemingway who is auditioning in real life for a part on Candy's soap opera and she shows up in the fantasy as well.
I have to give special kudos to Raymond Burr who plays the family patriarch of this soap opera with tongue firmly in cheek. Burr's occasionally flashes a twinkle which you have to be sure to catch just to let you know how much he's enjoying this. Nice he took time off from Perry Mason here.
Sammes and Burr are the real treats of Delirious. It could have been a lot funnier, but I think someone like Mel Brooks should have directed it.
After seeing this, I see where the creators of Pleasantville got their idea. Pleasantville of course was a bit more serious in its subject matter. Delirious was a good idea that didn't quite come off although the players do give it a good try.
Part of the problem is that even in the fantasy Candy's thinking with his hormones. He's got it bad for his show's star Emma Sammes who is doing a nice Joan Collins impersonation. There's good girl Mariel Hemingway who is auditioning in real life for a part on Candy's soap opera and she shows up in the fantasy as well.
I have to give special kudos to Raymond Burr who plays the family patriarch of this soap opera with tongue firmly in cheek. Burr's occasionally flashes a twinkle which you have to be sure to catch just to let you know how much he's enjoying this. Nice he took time off from Perry Mason here.
Sammes and Burr are the real treats of Delirious. It could have been a lot funnier, but I think someone like Mel Brooks should have directed it.
- bkoganbing
- Sep 6, 2008
- Permalink
Funny John Candy movie.
This is a really good movie to watch if you like silly/fun movies, parody movies, or john candy. It has a great blend of comedy, wit, action and all sorts of other things. I am pretty surprised by the low rating. Its not the best movie by any means, but greatly above standard and really enjoyable. The actors/actresses were funny and did their parts nicely. Its not exactly original though, and it doesn't look like it had the best budget, but it does what its suppose to.. make us laugh. Definitely worth checking to see if your video store rental has it. I rate it 7/10. Rated PG for sensuality, crude humor, language and comic violence.
- Cablebot3000
- Aug 17, 2008
- Permalink
A decent Candy vehicle
This is a much more watchable film than many of the lightweight vehicles Candy took part in in his post-SCTV career. His part could have been played by any number of comic actors, but John steps in and gives it his best shot. He's always fun to watch on screen, and he has a good time here without going over the top, which he tended to do.
DELIRIOUS is a weird mixture of Groundhog Day, Soapdish, and various Rod Serling scripts in which the characters in a story are being controlled by someone at a typewriter. It's a workable premise, and the actors make the most of the stock soap opera characters they play. David Rasche, Emma Samms, Raymond Burr et al were well-chosen for their parts. Bit parts by Robert Wagner and Marvin Kaplan (the voice of Choo-Choo on TOP CAT) are also memorable. Mariel Hemingway takes some flak on this comment board for her part, but she seemed suited for the role and moved smoothly from her gawky character to the soap opera "devil woman." This is a pleasant comedy but not as consistently funny as SOAPDISH. The script by veteran writers of Gilligan's Island and Bewitched suffers from a lot of unnecessary "language" (for what could otherwise be a family film) but moves along at a brisk pace (except for the longish horse-riding scenes).
DELIRIOUS is a weird mixture of Groundhog Day, Soapdish, and various Rod Serling scripts in which the characters in a story are being controlled by someone at a typewriter. It's a workable premise, and the actors make the most of the stock soap opera characters they play. David Rasche, Emma Samms, Raymond Burr et al were well-chosen for their parts. Bit parts by Robert Wagner and Marvin Kaplan (the voice of Choo-Choo on TOP CAT) are also memorable. Mariel Hemingway takes some flak on this comment board for her part, but she seemed suited for the role and moved smoothly from her gawky character to the soap opera "devil woman." This is a pleasant comedy but not as consistently funny as SOAPDISH. The script by veteran writers of Gilligan's Island and Bewitched suffers from a lot of unnecessary "language" (for what could otherwise be a family film) but moves along at a brisk pace (except for the longish horse-riding scenes).
- LCShackley
- Jan 9, 2007
- Permalink
A Nice Comedy
I have recently re-watched one of John Candy's more interesting films done around the subject of the soap opera. This film stars Candy as a producer of a Soap Opera that ends up being pulled into his own world where he has the opportunity (or misfortune) to interact with the characters that he created to love and hate.
This movie is pretty good. I felt that the entertainment value is fair and it is re-watchable. The cast interacts well and there are some very funny moments. I enjoy this film but unfortunately it falls in around the same basic feel that most comedies had at this time so don't expect the spectacular or a film that is gut wrenchingly funny. If you are looking for a film that is enjoyable and fairly pleasing this one has a good feel to it.
This movie is pretty good. I felt that the entertainment value is fair and it is re-watchable. The cast interacts well and there are some very funny moments. I enjoy this film but unfortunately it falls in around the same basic feel that most comedies had at this time so don't expect the spectacular or a film that is gut wrenchingly funny. If you are looking for a film that is enjoyable and fairly pleasing this one has a good feel to it.
Delicious in parts
The all time best line in the movie -- John Candy rescuing Emma Samms on horseback -- "This stranger knows no danger!"
A bit spotty -- can't maintain a high comedy level throughout but nonetheless is enjoyable and a vehicle for John Candy to demonstrate comic range. Excited he will get to spend a romantic weekend tryst with Emma Samms (and misunderstanding her feminine wiles), he finds himself lugging umpteen of her suitcases to the taxi cab, then knocks himself out with the trunk door as he tries to load the suitcases. Wakes up in the pleasant little village where she reappears as new character, daughter of Raymund Burr, along with others in town, Mariel Hemingway et al. Plenty of lines for Candy in trying to write the new soap opera about family conspiracies with a stolen formula, and the rapid disintegration of Emma's brother while none in the family seem to notice or care. Again the highlight to me was the rescue chase by Candy when Emma's horse took her on a wild ride and Candy rides up and self congratulates later as modern day Zorro or Lone Ranger. All in all, enjoyable.
A bit spotty -- can't maintain a high comedy level throughout but nonetheless is enjoyable and a vehicle for John Candy to demonstrate comic range. Excited he will get to spend a romantic weekend tryst with Emma Samms (and misunderstanding her feminine wiles), he finds himself lugging umpteen of her suitcases to the taxi cab, then knocks himself out with the trunk door as he tries to load the suitcases. Wakes up in the pleasant little village where she reappears as new character, daughter of Raymund Burr, along with others in town, Mariel Hemingway et al. Plenty of lines for Candy in trying to write the new soap opera about family conspiracies with a stolen formula, and the rapid disintegration of Emma's brother while none in the family seem to notice or care. Again the highlight to me was the rescue chase by Candy when Emma's horse took her on a wild ride and Candy rides up and self congratulates later as modern day Zorro or Lone Ranger. All in all, enjoyable.
- hatchersan
- Feb 8, 2007
- Permalink
Soap Opera fantasy/spoof - typical John Candy comedy but not his best
Slightly along the lines of My Aunt Julia and the Scriptwriter but the other way around and with fantasy rather than contrivance, with similar comedy and cheesy soap opera acting/story lines. It's silly, ridiculous but typical of soap opera shenanigans and it's quite a good spoof in that regard. John Candy is typical John Candy and everyone else is over-the-top, including Robert Wagner as himself and Raymond Burr in a comedic role, and Jerry Orbach too!
Delirious is a crazy romp set in a fantasy town created by a lovesick soap opera scriptwriter. In a concussion-induced delirium Jack Gable (Candy) thinks he's inside his own soap opera and uses his writing to make himself into a dashing hero. It's Hollywood schmaltz but rather enjoyable and good for silly giggles. Lots of silly stunts (pretty impressive horsemanship) but shockingly bad sound/dubbing and there's lots of holes in the production. Overall a nice rainy afternoon watch. Wouldn't recommend it or necessarily watch it again although I really like John Candy, however, this was by no means Uncle Buck.
Delirious is a crazy romp set in a fantasy town created by a lovesick soap opera scriptwriter. In a concussion-induced delirium Jack Gable (Candy) thinks he's inside his own soap opera and uses his writing to make himself into a dashing hero. It's Hollywood schmaltz but rather enjoyable and good for silly giggles. Lots of silly stunts (pretty impressive horsemanship) but shockingly bad sound/dubbing and there's lots of holes in the production. Overall a nice rainy afternoon watch. Wouldn't recommend it or necessarily watch it again although I really like John Candy, however, this was by no means Uncle Buck.
no surprise that a combo of John Candy and "Hungarian Rhapsody #2" comes out fairly neat
I guess that "Delirious" was mostly one of John Candy's innocuously silly placeholders in between his really great roles, but it's still a fairly entertaining one. Maybe not rip-snorting hilarity - after "Planes, Trains and Automobiles", it's hard to imagine Candy in a funnier role - but an OK way to pass time. As a screenwriter who gets knocked out and wakes up a character in his own show, Candy makes the most of his role. Among the other cast members are Mariel Hemingway, Raymond Burr (in his final theatrical role), Jerry Orbach, Robert Wagner and Margot Kidder.
Oh, and if you think that you recognize "Hungarian Rhapsody #2", the classic Looney Tunes cartoons often used it: "Rhapsody in Rivets", "Rhapsody Rabbit", "Wise Quackers" and "What's Up, Doc?", to name a few. Later, "Who Framed Roger Rabbit" had Daffy Duck and Donald Duck play it on pianos and undermine each other's performances.
Oh, and if you think that you recognize "Hungarian Rhapsody #2", the classic Looney Tunes cartoons often used it: "Rhapsody in Rivets", "Rhapsody Rabbit", "Wise Quackers" and "What's Up, Doc?", to name a few. Later, "Who Framed Roger Rabbit" had Daffy Duck and Donald Duck play it on pianos and undermine each other's performances.
- lee_eisenberg
- Oct 16, 2007
- Permalink
John Candy's charms can't save this
Jack Gable (John Candy) is the writer of a successful soap opera in NYC. He's in love with manipulative diva Laura Claybourne (Emma Samms). Louise (Mariel Hemingway) is the bumbling new actress. The Sherwoods are interfering producers looking to kill off Laura's character. He gets hit on the head and finds himself in the soap opera in Ashford Falls Community Hospital after a car accident. He discovers that he can manipulate the characters by rewriting the story.
John Candy's ample amount of charms can't salvage this movie. The problem is that the soap opera is fake and the only compelling character is Candy. It also doesn't help that the best he has to work with in this movie is Mariel Hemingway. At least, she's game even if she's not that able. This is a miss.
John Candy's ample amount of charms can't salvage this movie. The problem is that the soap opera is fake and the only compelling character is Candy. It also doesn't help that the best he has to work with in this movie is Mariel Hemingway. At least, she's game even if she's not that able. This is a miss.
- SnoopyStyle
- May 31, 2015
- Permalink
Fun film, not a classic, but has its moments
Not funny
The only funny thing about this movie is that the very manly Hemingway plays the love interest and not the transvestite mechanic. The huge plot hole at the end will make you regret watching this.
It's...Groundhog Day! Only This Time, The Master Of Comedy, John Candy...
John Candy made this film.
The story involves a soap opera writer (Candy) who gets knocked out, and enters his own, type-written, created world, where all the characters are alive and playing their roles - or so he thinks. They are actually living them.
So, Candy finds that whatever he writes on the 'ol typewriter happens in the world he's in, because, after all, he created it on the typewriter, right?
Built off the same foundation as "Groundhog Day," Delirious is by no means great, and not John Candy's best, (I give that to Planes, Trains and Automobiles) but it does have an actual soap opera feel to it - that cheap feel - and has some laughs along the way.
Not great, but worth watching. Candy was one of the best comedians of his time, God rest his soul...
John "Candy" Ulmer
The story involves a soap opera writer (Candy) who gets knocked out, and enters his own, type-written, created world, where all the characters are alive and playing their roles - or so he thinks. They are actually living them.
So, Candy finds that whatever he writes on the 'ol typewriter happens in the world he's in, because, after all, he created it on the typewriter, right?
Built off the same foundation as "Groundhog Day," Delirious is by no means great, and not John Candy's best, (I give that to Planes, Trains and Automobiles) but it does have an actual soap opera feel to it - that cheap feel - and has some laughs along the way.
Not great, but worth watching. Candy was one of the best comedians of his time, God rest his soul...
John "Candy" Ulmer
- MovieAddict2016
- Dec 3, 2002
- Permalink
Good but a bit goes a long way.
"Delirious" is an amiable comedy starring John Candy. I liked it but also must admit that the story is slight and the concept, though interesting, seems difficult to maintain for 96 minutes.
Jack (John Candy) is the writer and producer for a daytime soap opera. However, when he's in an accident, he awakens to find himself living in the soap...and everything is very real. However, he also learns after a while that when he writes on his typewriter, things in this world change. So, he soon manages to become a 'Wolf of Wallstreet'...a rich playboy who is catnip for women and with almost god-like powers! What's next? Well, you can pretty much predict it from the clumsily written meet cute with Janet early in the story.
I enjoyed this one but just felt it had difficulty maintaining its momentum. It also was incredibly easy to predict much of what happens as a result of this weird experience...so much so that the finale seemed like a foregone conclusion. A good time-passer but not among Candy's best.
Jack (John Candy) is the writer and producer for a daytime soap opera. However, when he's in an accident, he awakens to find himself living in the soap...and everything is very real. However, he also learns after a while that when he writes on his typewriter, things in this world change. So, he soon manages to become a 'Wolf of Wallstreet'...a rich playboy who is catnip for women and with almost god-like powers! What's next? Well, you can pretty much predict it from the clumsily written meet cute with Janet early in the story.
I enjoyed this one but just felt it had difficulty maintaining its momentum. It also was incredibly easy to predict much of what happens as a result of this weird experience...so much so that the finale seemed like a foregone conclusion. A good time-passer but not among Candy's best.
- planktonrules
- Feb 11, 2022
- Permalink
GREAT IDEA, BUT...
...unfortunatelly not that great realization. All in all, throughout the movie i have a feeling that it could be done a lot more with a first-class producer and a actors, though John Candies is quite allright, but sadly nothing more. But, despite that, the comedy brings a few great laughs and that's why i give this movie 5 out of 10.
- matija-trost
- Jul 18, 2001
- Permalink
John Candy's best... Hilarious all the way through...
I can watch this movie over and over and never get tired (then again, I haven't ever tried watching it 10 times in a row in the same day)... Candy does his own sort of persona with his trademark charm without getting annoying, and the way the film turns constantly as he tries to solve his dilemma is great (particularly when he starts to write while drunk). Not a masterpiece by any standard, but a fun flick...
Good By John Candy Standards
A soap opera writer (John Candy) gets hit on the head and wakes up as a character in his own show.
I have to say I am not generally a fan of John Candy's films. Some are better than others, but I never think of his as a starring role kind of guy. This film was different. I guess it flopped, but I am not sure why -- it is clever, charming and an overall fun little film. I would recommend to friends and family.
The whole concept of a writer being able to write his world is awesome, and while it has been done elsewhere, I am not sure it has ever been done with such wit as it was here. I mean, really... cold deer? Hilarious.
I have to say I am not generally a fan of John Candy's films. Some are better than others, but I never think of his as a starring role kind of guy. This film was different. I guess it flopped, but I am not sure why -- it is clever, charming and an overall fun little film. I would recommend to friends and family.
The whole concept of a writer being able to write his world is awesome, and while it has been done elsewhere, I am not sure it has ever been done with such wit as it was here. I mean, really... cold deer? Hilarious.
Not Candy's best, but still a lot of fun.
- FiendishDramaturgy
- Dec 28, 2003
- Permalink
A waste of a great comic talent
John Candy worked so hard trying to make something of this turgid script, but it was a waste of his time. Bad writing by untalented people. This movie was just a series of scenes with no forward momentum to the plot. And how many times did they have to run the same boring riff about soap opera plots twists? Once was enough 'cause it wasn't funny the first time! Not an original idea anywhere, but you sure could tell the writers had seen "Groundhog Day." You have to wonder how a studio could commit to making this script, since it appeared that they spent quite a bit of money on this turkey. Another in a long series of films that prove comedy is harder than it looks.
If you could write the script for your life
- view_and_review
- Mar 28, 2020
- Permalink
Not Once Did I Laugh Or Smirk
An unsung Candy classic.
I thought I'd delve into the lesser known movies of John Candy and this really did have many laugh out loud moments, 90 enjoyable minutes.
- tonyross-728-972850
- Apr 25, 2020
- Permalink
If only it were just a little bit better
This is one of those John Candy films that you wish was just that 10% better, to be worthy of the great man's talents.
It all starts well enough, but the one joke premise outstays its welcome pretty quickly, and Candy can't save it.
It all starts well enough, but the one joke premise outstays its welcome pretty quickly, and Candy can't save it.
Creative
Delirious is a creative and funny master piece. I enjoyed every minute that I watch of the show. It was very nonpredictable and suprised me many of times. The writers of this show wrote this movie with style, and having John Candy, the greatest actor in the world, made the movie that much better. It was enjoyable and fun to watch. It is even a great show to bring your kids to. i would recommend this show to anybody who likes comedy and likes John Candy.
Not John Candy's Best, But Still Pretty Great!
Many people on IMDB say this movie is boring and that there is no laughs. That is ridiculous! This movie is great! OK it's not the most original idea for a movie, but I'm a real John Candy fan and he makes me like it. Basically, this movie is about a writer Jack Gable (Candy) who writes for a popular TV soap opera called 'Beyond Our Dreams' when one day, after being knocked out, he appears in his own soap and is able to write what happens in it! Candy carried this movie well with support from the lovely Mariel Hemmingway and Emma Samms, but I feel I have to note that the ending to this film was a complete let down and just too obvious! But overall I enjoyed this perfectly watchable movie from THE LATE, GREAT JOHN CANDY! 8/10
- sixstringscouser
- Aug 31, 2001
- Permalink
As the candy dish turns.
- mark.waltz
- Aug 4, 2024
- Permalink