''The Brain'' is a 1988 Canadian

science fiction Science fiction (sometimes shortened to Sci-Fi or SF) is a genre of speculative fiction which typically deals with imaginative and futuristic concepts such as advanced science and technology, space exploration, time travel, parallel unive ...

horror film Horror is a film genre that seeks to elicit fear or disgust in its audience for entertainment purposes. Horror films often explore dark subject matter and may deal with transgressive topics or themes. Broad elements include monsters, apoca ...

depicting a giant

brain A brain is an organ that serves as the center of the nervous system in all vertebrate and most invertebrate animals. It is located in the head, usually close to the sensory organs for senses such as vision. It is the most complex organ in a v ...

-like

alien Alien primarily refers to: * Alien (law), a person in a country who is not a national of that country ** Enemy alien, the above in times of war * Extraterrestrial life, life which does not originate from Earth ** Specifically, intelligent extrater ...

that terrorizes. The film has developed a small cult following.

Plot

Dr. Blakely runs a TV show called ''Independent Thinkers'', which is a Scientology-like self-help/religion program. But he is not making his audience think any more independently - with the help of an alien organism he calls The Brain, he is 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.

Cast

David Gale David (; , "beloved one") (traditional spelling), , ''Dāwūd''; grc-koi, Δαυΐδ, Dauíd; la, Davidus, David; gez , ዳዊት, ''Dawit''; xcl, Դաւիթ, ''Dawitʿ''; cu, Давíдъ, ''Davidŭ''; possibly meaning "beloved one". w ...

as Dr. Anthony Blakely *Tom Bresnahan as Jim Majelewski *

Cynthia Preston Cynthia Preston, sometimes credited as Cyndy Preston (born May 18, 1968), is a Canadian actress. Life and career Preston was born in Toronto, Ontario. She made her screen debut in the 1986 television film ''Miles to Go...'' playing Jill Clayburgh ...

as Janet * George Buza as Varna *Brett Pearson as Willie *Sarah Chapple as Debbie Hodges *Christine Kossak as Vivian

Release

''The Brain'' was shown in Toronto, Canada on November 4, 1988.

Reception

From contemporary reviews, "Devo." of '' Variety'' reviewed the film on November 3, 1988. "Devo." stated the film was a "cliche-ridden effort, with little comic or ironic relief to put a spin on it sci-fi banalities." The reviewer went on to declare that the film's "ambition to comment on the power of tv and gullibility of its viewers vanishes quickly."

References

Sources

External links

* * * 1988 horror films 1988 films English-language Canadian films Fictional amorphous creatures Films scored by Paul Zaza Giant monster films 1980s science fiction horror films Alien invasions in films Canadian science fiction horror films 1980s exploitation films 1980s English-language films 1980s Canadian films {{sf-horror-film-stub