Customer Reviews

Crazy People [VHS]

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Crazy People is a one joke movie, but the joke is given enough amusing variations as a very unwell looking adman Dudley Moore (in a part he took over when mystifying original choice John Malkovich walked out) starts designing honest ad campaigns and finds himself committed to a mental hospital alongside several benignly stereotyped cuckoos (this is NOT an attempt at an accurate portrayal of mental health) only to draw them into his brutal-truth-in-advertising campaign when the concept catches on. Some of the mock ads are great ("Don't go to France. The French are annoying. Come to Greece instead - we're nicer."), although there is one that falls horribly flat for modern audiences due to events long after its production - in this case a campaign for United Airlines stressing the dangers of flying but adding "Most of our passengers get there alive."

As usual per Paramount's back-catalogue releases, no extras, just a decent widescreen transfer.

saw this movie so very many years ago and was thrilled to have been able to purchase it after so many years...loved seeing it again

"Hello." This movie would have done better at the box office if it had been cleaned up some because the story is the kind that children like. While this movie has no nudity it does have some bad language and sexual discussions that are inappropriate for children and are probably why it received an "R" rating.

I enjoyed this movie for its advertisements which show the power of truth. I teach marketing at the University of Southern Mississippi and use this movie in my class to introduce several ideas about the art of marketing communications. Everyone howls at the ads and it is very popular with my students.

But... you kind of have to enjoy Dudley Moore's type of humor to sit through the whole movie at one time. I personally find his movies to be tedious but that is just me. For instance, while the ads are funny this movie raises some questions. Why are any of these people in an asylum (they don't look dangerous)? Are Crazy People really smarter than the rest of us? Would these types of truthful advertisements actually increase sales?

In short, it is a shame that this movie had to have a plot to hang the advertisements on. Taking the serious parts of this movie seriously is a big mistake. So enjoy it for what it is, a silly little comedy with a romantic twist. This movie is best seen in large groups, so invite your (grown-up) friends over for the viewing.

"Hello." (an inside joke- watch the movie)

I decided to write a review because time and time again there are things that I come across in life that harken back to this movie. It's been nearly 15 years since the movie was released and yet I still remember many of the jokes from this film and many of the characters. I always recommend that people go get this movie. It's good for laughs and while it's no Oscar contender, you'll never forget it!

Dudley Moore plays a burnt out ad-exec who suddenly loses his ability to keep from being honest. His most recent ideas (for movies scary enough to [mess] you up, for boxy but safe Volvos, and for the tourism boards of countries a whole lot friendlier than France) are enough to see him committed to an idyllic sanitorium. Meeting with other "crazy people" like him, Moore's character not only fails to curb his new compulsive honesty, but spreads it around, turning the asylum into some new age marketing firm. When Moore's ideas, accidentally published, become unexpected marketing coups, his former colleagues visit his asylum and take creative nods from his newer colleagues, making the new pathological honesty in advertising the rule of thumb (like men buying cars or traveling to exotic destinations only for sexual favors they receive from women they don't know, or buying cigarettes because lung cancer isn't as definate as the great taste). This was a surprisingly fun movie, funny but innocuous. The script gives Moore's supporting cast some definate pathologies, but doesn't make them pitiable or outright laughable. Even if this light film falls out of your head, the sympathy given the "crazy people" will stick with you about as long as the catchy ideas they dream up.

funny, very creative and helpful for the ones starting on the advertising activities.

Those not in the advertising industry may find this film less than hilarious, but for ad people, it hits home on so many levels, I roared with laughter through it all. Viewers may find themselves redefining the term "crazy" and perhaps even looking at advertising from a whole new perspective.

This isn't a comedy that's hysterically funny, but it is made quite pleasant by Moore (a natural born charmer) and the ads he concocts. Daryl Hannah is better than usual.

This is classic comedy. Dudley Moore plays Emery, a goofy little ad ex who is fed up with the lies consumers are fed every day. His TRUTH IN ADVERTISING idea wins him a one way ticket to the loony bin where he meets sweet and naive Cathy (Daryl Hannah) Together the staff and other clients at the mental hospital are determined to make something of themselves. They are energized and inspired by Emery, who unwittingly wins back his former company's interest after an accidental truthful ad campaign makes headlines! This movie is full of fun, and will have you remembering a few clever lines. Wouldn't you just LOVE to tell someone off who is driving while talking on a cellular phone like Emery did ! It will also make you think twice about the advertising jibberish you see around you every day, since virtually NOBODY tells the truth in advertising.

I can't imagine it not being in my collection. Always good for smiles. I got a mint used copy from an Amazon "marketplace" supplier. Widescreen, too.