THE BRAIN (1988)
Creepozoids rules! Yes, I'm talking about the 1987 David DeCoteau creature feature. It started up automatically after I watched The Brain on Amazon Prime. I had to watch it, didn't I? Turns out, it was way better than I remembered. Maybe I should start over. The Brain rules! I don't think this counts as a subgenre, but for what it's worth, I'm a big fan of brain-themed sci-fi/horror. Give me everything from Head of the Family to The Brain That Wouldn't Die. This film doubles as a droll satire, though I wouldn't call it a horror/comedy hybrid. The regal David Gale stars as Dr. Blake, a Dr. Phil type who claims to know how to control your wild teenager (okay, so maybe he's more Jenny Jones than Dr. Phil). Behind closed doors, Blake is mining the power of a giant brain monster to manipulate his viewers into committing acts of violence. We don't learn much about the monster. Now that I mention it...
...Gale is the true villain, and while I do wish he was given a meatier role, his presence alone nudges The Brain into 4-Z'Dar terrain. The special effects are splashy and flamboyant. I don't care if I can see a couple of crew members pushing the brain (y'know, in The Brain) down various corridors. It's not flagrant, and besides, that is one great monster. The protagonists are on the bland side. They don't do anything wrong, but they are overshadowed by their surroundings. For whatever reason, I didn't care for Tom Bresnahan as Jim, the focal point with high school quarterback looks. Here again, he does nothing wrong, but he has a punchable face. These are piddling objections. The Brain is yet another 80's flick that deserves more plaudits than it receives. At 94 minutes, it doesn't overstay its welcome. Creepozoids only runs for 72 minutes, so you might as well watch both.
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