So, yesterday, I headed down to my local library to return some stuff and get some new movies. And I just recently rediscovered/discovered my like for the legendary Kids in the Hall, a great Canadian export of the early 90s, so I was stoked when I came across Brain Candy.
The movie features the Kids in the typical cross-dressing, mustache wearing, comedic selves in a story about drug companies. Ok, this aspect, I liked. I liked the idea of a movie released in 1996 poking fun at pharmaceutical companies and the Prozac crazy/scare of the time. I liked the concept and most of the delivery, but I’m sad to say that I won’t be buying this used on Amazon anytime soon.
The acting seemed sort of forced by most, like they all thought it would be an awesome idea to do a movie, and then got it picked up, and then hated it. Dave Foley (who, I think is probably one of my favorites…News Radio, duh) seemed to just phone this whole performance in. On a 1996 cell phone. While on vacation. And I liked the doctor role, played by Kevin McDonald, but he was kind of overshadowed the whole time by other, more ridiculous characters.
The rest of the Kids’ performances were good, sort of bringing back people from the TV days and featuring a lot of their best skills as performers. Mark McKinney was great as always, playing the CEO of the drug company with a spot on corporate exec impression. Scott Thompson again brought out the best old lady characters, singing gay guy-in-denial and a lady? scientist. And Bruce McCulloch played songs, a woman, and the infamous “I guess it would be in 1996″ Cancer Boy. But it just seemed like they were the ones really wanting the whole thing to work.
ANYWAYS, it’s a fun watch, especially if there are snacks and ridiculous people around. Just be warned though there are quite a few ‘boy-related bathroom humor’ jokes right from the start. I wouldn’t suggest a purchase–not because it’s unbearable; it just seems a little forgettable.
Cheers!