MovieChat Forums > Who's Harry Crumb? (1989) Discussion > Grossed only 10 million in the US?

Grossed only 10 million in the US?

posted 10 years ago by Hendry_William_French
9 replies | jump to latest

I was surprised to read that on here. I always thought this movie was a hit since it was on TV all the time when I was growing up (and it just looks like a big budget, successful movie). John Candy was a big star when this movie came out, so it makes no sense that it would bomb so badly. Did it have really bad promotion or was it just released at the wrong time of year or something? This film is an absolute comedy classic. Really underrated. Probably Candy's best after Planes, Trains & Automobiles and Spaceballs.

Motown, get your Detroit jukebox Jheri curl ass in this chicken$hit chop-chop! ASAFP!

[–] Pmdmnym 9 years ago

I know!!! When this movie came out, critics panned it mercilessly. It only got 1 star. I believe you are correct about it being released at the wrong time. I couldn't believe it. I loved it! It is my favorite John Candy movie (Planes, Trains and Automobiles, 2nd then Splash) But I am happy to see now at IMDb a lot of nice and good reviews plus way higher ratings. I guess people are finally realizing how good and absolutely hysterical this movie is!

Wait! Wait! Where are you going? I was gonna make Espresso!

[–] Hendry_William_French 9 years ago

I know!!! When this movie came out, critics panned it mercilessly. It only got 1 star.

That's a shame, it didn't deserve it, especially when you see all the garbage that passes for comedy films that come out nowadays.

I think this movie is really underrated. It's got so many funny scenes, and it's a great looking movie. I always thought it was much better than some of Candy's more overrated films such as Uncle Buck (never really got the appeal of that).

we're almost certain that ghouls and werewolves occupy high positions at city hall

[–] Pmdmnym 9 years ago

Yes, me too! I NEVER really got Uncle Buck, but I do love Planes, Trains and Automobiles and Splash. In Harry Crumb, you couldn't go more than a minute without having a great funny scene. and his quick one-liners? OMG, I laughed non stop. I guess we will never know why it didn't do well when it came out.

Wait! Wait! Where are you going? I was gonna make Espresso!

[–] Hendry_William_French 9 years ago

In Harry Crumb, you couldn't got more than a minute without having a great funny scene

Exactly! This movie was tailor made for Candy's style, that's why I think it's so good. It's the ultimate John Candy vehicle. He's having so much fun with the material, and the director/writer are getting so much out of him - it's like everyone is hitting the right notes. Candy is so into his character, it's just great fun to watch.

On the subject of Uncle Buck - I'm really not fond of that movie. That came out in 89 as well and made all the money and got all the attention, while this movie tanked. It should've been the other way around!

we're almost certain that ghouls and werewolves occupy high positions at city hall

[–] Pmdmnym 9 years ago

Bingo! :)

Wait! Wait! Where are you going? I was gonna make Espresso!

[–] tstrader79 9 years ago

I'm glad I'm not alone in feeling like Uncle Buck is overrated. Who's Harry Crumb on the other hand is terrific. I watched it when it came out in theaters when I was 10. I enjoy it just as much now as I did then.

[–] Hendry_William_French 9 years ago

Definitely! This is such a great movie, always makes me laugh more each time I watch it. Candy hits all the right notes in this. One of his best.

And yeah, Uncle Buck is mediocre as hell. Never got the appeal of it.

He was my C.O. in Nam. CIA listed him as MIA but the V.A. ID'd his M.O. and put out an APB.

[–] bishop-69757 8 years ago

You uncle Buck haters should be ashamed but I agree this is so underrated

[–] csweetleaf2 (3669) 2 days ago

I was shocked that it was a flop considering the popularity of John Candy at the time, I feel this movie was very underrated and overshadowed.

I personally give "Who's Harry Crumb?" a 9/10