Blu-ray Review – Going Berserk

In 1983, John Candy already appeared in many movies, making an impression in "The Blues Brothers" and "1941," and he stole scenes in 1981's "Stripes," establishing a big screen career for the "SCTV" performer. "Going Berserk" attempted to promote Candy to leading man status, with the Canadian comedy giving the actor room to show some range and display his love of silliness. To help the cause, the producers also bring in "SCTV" vets Eugene Levy and Joe Flaherty to support Candy, perhaps trusting such television gold might translate to a cinematic success. "Going Berserk" is an interesting failure, as it tries to latch on to a plot about the assassination of a congressman, but co-writer/director David Steinberg is an easily distracted man, endeavoring to work in as many skits and asides as possible, hoping to make something supremely wacky when the effort is, at best, mildly amusing. Candy works extremely hard to sell the mediocrity here, and it's always fun to see the late, great comedian onscreen. It's the starring vehicle that fails him, attacking funny business without a clear plan for story or character. Read the rest at Blu-ray.com