The Brain (1988)

Dr. Blake runs a TV show called "Independent Thinkers", which is sort of a Scientology-like self-help/religion program. But he's not making his audience think any more independently - with ... See full summary »

Director:

Ed Hunt

Writer:

Barry Pearson (screenplay)

Stars:

Tom Bresnahan, Cynthia Preston, David Gale

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Tom Bresnahan	...	Jim Majelewski (as Tom Breznahan)
Cynthia Preston	...	Janet (as Cyndy Preston)
David Gale	...	Dr. Anthony Blakely
George Buza	...	Verna
Christine Kossak	...	Vivian (as Christine Kossack)
Bret Pearson	...	Willie
Bernice Quiggan	...	Mrs. Driscol
Susannah Hoffmann	...	Becky
Justine Campbell	...	Doreen
Robert King	...	Mr. Sweeting
Kenneth McGregor	...	Mr. Woods (as Ken McGregor)
Vinetta Strombergs	...	Ms. Chisolm
Richard Gira	...	Mr. Majelewski
Wendy Springate	...	Mrs. Majelewski
Harry Booker	...	Officer Marks

Storyline

Dr. Blake runs a TV show called "Independent Thinkers", which is sort of a Scientology-like self-help/religion program. But he's not making his audience think any more independently - with the help of an alien organism he calls The Brain, he's using brainwashing and mind control. The only thing that stands between them and world domination is a brilliant but troubled high school student with a penchant for pranks...

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Plot Keywords:

brain | high school | alien | hallucination | tv studio | 

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Taglines:

Mind over Matter.

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Genres:

Horror | Sci-Fi

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Certificate:

R

Details

Country:

Canada USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

4 November 1988 (Canada)

Also Known As:

Az agy

Filming Locations:

Mississauga, Ontario, Canada

Company Credits

Production Co:

Brightstar Films, Shapiro-Glickenhaus Entertainment

Technical Specs

Runtime:

94 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Quotes

Vivian: We've got to stop! There have been eight deaths since the work began!

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Crazy Credits

WARNING: The washroom scene is a dramatic representation. Combining sodium and water may cause serious injury. Do not attempt it!!!

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Connections

Referenced in Cinemassacre's Monster Madness: Fiend Without a Face (2010)

User Reviews

Caution: sodium in use

The Brain is the story of an evil alien brain that tries to take control of the world through a threadbare looking self-help show. When it fails to take control of a rebellious teenager it sets him up as a murderer which as it turns out is pretty easy. If you shout "he killed them" to the cops they will believe you, even if you are holding an axe and there is a headless cop at your feet.

The effects for this movie range between shoddy and outright hilarious. The brain itself is obviously the comedy highlight but also memorable is the explosion where two very obvious fireworks can be seen. The story itself isn't that bad and there is some good acting, the thing is though you'll just be laughing at the effects too much to notice much else. I'm not saying it's well written though, the ending is spelt out in mile high letters within 20 minutes which is a bit of a shame.

People are always saying that bad movies are "so bad they're good" but this is one film that's genuinely deserving of that accolade. I really enjoyed it, if you feel like some cheap laughs and a watchable story you'll find them with this movie.