Leofwine_draca THE BRAIN is a solid entry in the 'rubbery monster' B-movie cycle of the 1980s: many of these films were highly entertaining, and this is no exception. It may not reach the heights of genre classics like RE-ANIMATOR, FROM BEYOND, or NIGHT OF THE CREEPS, but for what it is, THE BRAIN delivers. It reminded me of a slightly higher budgeted version of films like THE DEADLY SPAWN and THE ABOMINATION.The biggest drawback is the plot. What we see of it is fine, but half of the film is spent on repetitive chase sequences with our hero narrowly averting being captured by the cops time and again. The first few times, this stuff is fresh and exciting, but then it becomes boring and you wish they'd get on with telling the story. This is what stops THE BRAIN from being an outright camp classic.Still, there are plenty of pluses here too. The opening sequence, in which a teenage girl is assailed by slimy tentacles and bleeding teddy bears in her narrowing bedroom, is exceptionally done. I liked how the brain kept growing in size as the film progressed, until it reaches tremendous proportions at the climax. I also found the special effects to be superb, especially the brain itself: this is what special effects were all about, and it's obvious that plenty of time and care went into its creation. Fine by me! The casting is less impressive, as we're saddled with a particularly unsympathetic lead. Not to worry – further down the cast is the great David Gale, once again playing a rotter (in line with his appearances in the RE-ANIMATOR flicks!). Plus there's the gorgeous Christine Kossak, providing some completely gratuitous nudity, and the hulking George Buza, who runs amok with an axe for the most part; you can't really complain about that.Despite the multitude of rubbery effects, the film is surprisingly free of gore. There's a beheading in here and some gruesome scenes of the brain chomping on victims, but that's about it. There's also an impressive car flip and a fun explosive ending. This will go down as a classic in nobody's mind, but for some fun '80s cheesiness, you've come to the right place.

gavin6942 Dr. Blake (David Gale) runs a TV show called "Independent Thinkers", which is sort of 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.It is always wonderful to see David Gale, who had far too few movie roles and we shall miss him. His role here is not one that requires a large amount of screen time, but he is a crucial part of the story.There are some cool monster effects here. Monster arms, jaws, a brain... definitely better than average and I hope the effects crew has gone on to do something notable.

lost-in-limbo You are going to have a good time. Repeat it. You are going to have a good time. No need for brainwashing in what is an outrageously silly and strange, but very fun low-budget Sci-fi / horror b-grade hokum with cult actor David Gale's straight-up glee to his clinical mad doctor role adding much more to the amusement. But the real star has got to be the hideously throbbing human brain with its huge beady eyes, sharp pointy teeth, snarling, telepathic abilities in controlling people's thoughts, presenting hallucinations (the opening sequence has a nightmarish pull to it) and it seems to be growing thanks to its diet for human flesh. Oh it's a sight watching it chomp down on someone's head?! It's nasty, but rather daft. Watching it move about is just as laughable. Barry Pearson's imaginative screenplay is obviously a satirical pot-shot on the TV's hypnotic influence in swaying the viewers and how it can be taken advantage of through particular scientific/religious groups. The ironic delivery does come off and you got to love the use of sodium. Even with this on mind, there's no doubts that none of this is taken all that seriously with it mixing that 50s cheesy drive-in mentality with 80s over-the-top visual intensity. What actually occurs is a predictable pattern (no one believes our rebellious teen protagonist with the things going on behind the scenes at psychological research centre) and despite what has happened some of the character's decisions are dumbfounding. Director Ed Hunt's sporadic handling works well keeping a sharp pace to this taut on-the-run formula and giving many scenes much needed punch with its shocks and twisted surrealism. While the make-up FX and special effects are cheap-looking and tacky, they're effectively done and somewhat colourful. The performances are limited, but Tom Breznahan and Cyndy Preston make for likable heroes. Low-grade, but enjoyably shoddy entertainment for those that have trouble dealing with reality. "Give yourselves a hand you independent thinkers".

trashgang It was all over with the slashers around 88 so it was time for the cheesy rip offs of those older movies. The Brain is well done, the script reminded me of Videodrome but then in a more cheesy way as said before. The acting can go through with it. But it's the effects that makes you laugh, the so called Brain is really a turkey and the blood is never shown. The opening sequence is what makes this movie worth watching, the hallucinations are really nicely done and reminded me of Nightmare on Elm Street, remember the telephone coming alive.... Some how you keep watching this flick, waiting what is happening next. It's viewable for all freaks out there cause there isn't any gore in it and as said the blood isn't there neither but there is nudity for the perverts. I have seen worser movies than this one, only wished they had made it bloodier...