(RECOMMENDED) There is more tragedy than joy in J. R. Cutler's sad yet entertaining documentary about comedian John Belushi. The movie effectively shows his life story in fragments, although it seems unnecessarily more hyperactive than the man himself, if that is possible. Audio tapes, photos, and many interviews with famous friends and loved ones are interspersed with his personal letters, stylized animation, and home videos. The highs are there as well as the low of his short life in this well-researched film. (He died at the age of 33.) Classic bits from his films and SNL skits are evidence of his unique talent and make his loss even more poignant as the documentary strangely builds to a powerful indictment about the perils of instant fame, fortune, and excessive drug abuse. Ultimately, Belushi is a loving testament to a comic icon whose legend lasted longer than his brief but memorable career. (GRADE: B)

It's Showtime documentary on the tragic legendary comedian John Belushi. They obviously had help from most of his family and friends. While I don't think people held back their punches, this is not damaging for anybody. It's interesting for what it doesn't say. Nobody claims to have tried to stop his drug use although John's list does suggest that Judy complained about it. I like the animation style. This is a fine documentary.

Everything about this fiasco is wrong.

It's 90 minute of trebly audio table featuring friends and wife of Belushi telling their side of his story.

The audio is laid over photos and bad animation. It's horrible. Much if the audio sounds like they were tapes over a phone call and the quality is the pits.

The also reconstruct some quotes of John's using a bad actor who sounds nothing like him. This adds to the annoyance.

Further complicating this is the fact that there is nothing new here. No insights you havent heard before. Nothing.

Literally 20 minutes in you are bored out of your mind and praying there is going to be real video.

This is perhaps the worst documentary I've seen in 20 years.