Critical Condition, released on Jan. 16, 1987, is a wild and often outrageous comedy that showcases Richard Pryor‘s comedic genius.
Pryor plays Kevin Lenahan, a con artist who is attempting an insanity plea after being framed for a crime and ends up posing as neurosurgeon Dr. Eddie Slattery at Empire State Hospital and attempts to maintain order during a major storm.
The film is packed with Pryor’s signature brand of raunchy humor, with plenty of quotable lines and laugh-out-loud moments.
Richard Pryor, Bob Saget and Garrett Morris in Critical Condition (Photo/Paramount Pictures)
Rachel Ticotin, Ruben Blades, Bob Saget, Joe Mantegna, Bob Dishy, Garrett Morris and Randall “Tex” Cobb round out the cast.
In an early role, Wesley Snipes also makes an appearance as an ambulance driver.
While the plot is undeniably far-fetched, Critical Condition is a pure entertainment spectacle. It’s a reminder of Pryor’s comedic brilliance and his ability to deliver unforgettable performances.
Reception for Critical Condition
Critical Condition grossed $5.7 million in its opening weekend and was the No. 1 movie at the domestic box office. The film topped Star Trek: The Voyage Home ($4.1 million) and The Golden Child ($3.9 million) starring Eddie Murphy.
The weekend’s other new releases were The Bedroom Window starring Steve Guttenberg (No. 7, $2.9 million) and Wanted: Dead or Alive starring Rutger Hauer (No. 8, $2.8 million).
Richard Harrington, in his review in The Washington Post, said “Critical Condition is DOA” and went on to add “It doesn’t help that Critical Condition is ineptly shot, or that the script is cheap, crude and subsophomoric, or that the sound track is so noisy and cluttered that much of the inane dialogue is unclear.”
Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert both gave Critical Condition “Thumbs Down” saying “Richard Pryor once again fails to play someone as funny as we know he can be.”
Siskel & Ebert also named the film to their Worst of 1987 List, along with films such as Beverly Hills Cop II, Like Father Like Son, Burglar, Ishtar and Leonard Part 6.
Legacy
Critical Condition may not be a masterpiece of cinema, but it’s a hilarious and entertaining comedy that showcases Pryor’s comedic genius. It’s a must-watch for fans of the legendary comedian.
