Kids in the Hall - Brain Candy (1996)
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38% of critics liked it
(34 reviews) -
71% of users liked it
(9,310 ratings)
The Canadian sketch-comedy masters hit the big screen with Kids in the Hall: Brain Candy, their send-up of psychopharmacology and its social ramifications. Each "kid" plays a plethora of roles; in fact, nearly every character in the film is played by one of the five "kids". When… More The Canadian sketch-comedy masters hit the big screen with Kids in the Hall: Brain Candy, their send-up of psychopharmacology and its social ramifications. Each "kid" plays a plethora of roles; in fact, nearly every character in the film is played by one of the five "kids". When Roritor Pharmaceuticals finds itself on the verge of bankruptcy, research chemist Chris Cooper (Kevin McDonald) finds himself pressured to push his latest development to market without adequate testing at the risk of losing his job. The product -- Gleemonex, an anti-depressant bearing more than a slight resemblance to Prozac -- seems at first to be a wonder drug; users find themselves in a perpetual state of bliss as they relive their fondest memories time and again. Success goes awry, however, when a fatal side-effect surfaces -- users become catatonics. The craze has caught on, however, and the entire world seems to be taking Gleemonex, forcing Dr. Cooper to fight his employers and warn the masses before disaster strikes. The plot is really just an excuse for a series of funny, hallucinogenic sketches involving the memories and fantasies of its users; the funniest include a grandmother's all-too brief holiday visit with her family, and a married man's homoerotic experiences in the military. Another winning scene: a brooding grunge-rock idol (Bruce McCulloch) who's taken the drug unexpectedly changes his tune at a concert to the bewilderment of his angst-hungry fans. Kids in the Hall: Brain Candy is hit-or-miss satire, but much of the humor finds its mark in this humble, surprisingly intelligent film. ~ Jeremy Beday, Rovi
- Directed By
- Kelly Makin
- Written By
- Norm Hiscock, Bruce McCulloch, Kevin McDonald, Mark McKinney, Scott Thompson
- Genres
- Comedy, Special Interest
R,
- In Theaters
- Apr 12, 1996 Wide
Critic Reviews
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Leonard Klady, Variety
The ensemble is assured and adroitly gets the gags across without telegraphing punch lines.
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David Ansen, Newsweek
A twisted comedy for twisted times, this movie made me happy. Go figure.
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Geoff Andrew, Time Out
A quintet of Canadian TV comedians hit the cinema screen with a splat.
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Edward Guthmann, San Francisco Chronicle
A splendid showcase for their diverse, frisky talents.
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Rita Kempley, Washington Post
[A] shrill and slovenly opus.
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Cast
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Dave Foley
as Marv, New Guy, Psychiatrist, Raymond
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Bruce McCulloch
as Alice, Cancer Boy, Cisco, Cop #2, Grivo,...
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Kevin McDonald
as Dr. Chris Cooper/Chris' Dad/Doreen/Lacey
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Mark McKinney
as Cabbie, Cop #1, Don Roritor, Gunter, Nin...
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Scott Thompson
as Baxter, Clemptor, Malek, Mrs. Hurdicure,...
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Janeane Garofalo
as Woman At Party
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Paul Bellini
as Bellini
- Christopher Redman
- Erica Lancaster
- Jackie Harris
- Kathryn Greenwood
