Man with the Screaming Brain
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“Man with the Screaming Brain” is Bruce Campbell’s baby. He Wrote it, Directed it, and Starred in it. This is also Bruce Campbell’s balls to the wall B Movie. It may not be original or innovative, but for any fan of Bruce, it is a must see.

“Man with the Screaming Brain” is the Story of William Cole, played by Bruce Campbell. He is successful American business man who is looking to diversify his business in Bulgaria. William’s marriage is falling apart, but luckily his street smart Taxi driver finds him a ring that William’s wife is sure to love. Things go wrong when the ring is stolen by an evil gypsy women, and when William goes to retrieve the ring, both him and his taxi driver are quickly dispatched. Meanwhile, an eccentric scientist has figured out how to fuse body tissue from two different people together, and he sends his henchman Pavel, played by Ted Raimi, to gather up the remains of William so he can bring him back to life, and hopefully get a contract for new discovery. Things don’t go as planned, and William is stuck with a brain that is only half his while the other half belongs to his Taxi driver. Hilarity ensues.

“Man with the Screaming Brain” in many ways resembles a remake of Steve Martin’s “The Man with Two Brains.” Granted “Man with the Screaming Brain” never reaches the level of brilliance that Martin’s film did, it is still a whole lot of fun. Campbell puts in his most physical performance since the “Evil Dead” films. Scenes where his body is battling itself with bring a smile and a strong sense of nostalgia to any “Evil Dead 2” fan. Ted Raimi also puts in a hilarious performance as Pavel, an Igor figure who happens to love hip hop. The film even includes a scene where Pavel is not only on Turntables, but is full out rapping. Pavel is like and even more inept version of “Ali G”, but it is all in good fun, and will have you chuckling to say the least.

The “Man with the Screaming Brain” is goofy to its core. It is a pure B-Movie, that never gets close to taking itself seriously. This is where the movies weaknesses rear their ugly head. Though it is amusing, it is a mostly “been there, done that” affair. It is not up to snuff with Campbell’s last major film “ Bubba Ho-Tep” which managed to mix genres into a truly satisfying film. “Man with the Screaming Brain” manages to be a fun ride, but may leave the viewer a little disappointed when the credits role. Of course this a B Movie, and while I wasn’t expecting Hamlet, I couldn’t help but think this could have been better. Maybe this is because it is so similar and yet ultimately inferior to “The Man with Two Brains.” It is always great to see Campbell, and “Man with the Screaming Brain” is fun, but a little more effort in the screenplay could have reaped a much better film.

In the end, “Man with the Screaming Brain” is a must see for Campbell and B Movie fans. You will get your moneys worth. It is a fun way to spend an hour and a half. It has been done before, and better, but it is still a fun watch. Here’s hoping Sam Raimi will cut the Spiderman crap and give Bruce Campbell fans what we all want, Evil Dead 4. I can dream, can’t I. Until then, “Man with the Screaming Brain” is good filler. 3 Cans.

Added:  Monday, October 03, 2005

Related Link:  Anchor Bay Link
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