merklekranz

Way, way above average "Spaghetti Western" that takes it's time getting to several superior action scenes. Notable acting by George Hilton, Gilbert Rowland, Van Heflin, and Klaus Kinski. The four prospectors each have a motive for eliminating the other three. Definitely not predictable in the way things evolve, with each needing the others at times to survive. Kinski is especially slimy in his role, while Van Heflin and Rowland are uneasy anti heroes. Although somewhat "Americanized", the film is both unpredictable and entertaining. MERK.

Meticulous look at the lack of honor among thieves. Robert Mitchum is caught and facing a prison term. His efforts to make a deal to lessen his sentence puts into motion a prolonged negotiation. Who is ratting on whom is the basic question that drives the film. There are few sympathetic characters and some questions that hang uncomfortably, yet the excellent acting and dialog maintain interest. Those looking for action should look elsewhere. MERK.

The positive here is John Candy in one of his early movies. "Going Berserk" unfortunately is one of Candy's lesser films. It is strictly a hit or miss rambling narrative of skits that really don't have any glue holding them together. Pat Hingle is the foil instead of John Vernon, but overall everything is at best average. This is more of a curiosity for seeing a very young John Candy and his potential that was on the horizon. Eugene Levy is unfortunately mostly wasted as a manic film producer. MERK.