Kids in the Hall: Brain Candy

views updated

Kids in the Hall: Brain Candy ★★ The Drug 1996 (R)

The Canadian Kids bring their Monty Python-meets-SCTV humor to the big screen with moderate success. Dr. Cooper (McDonald), facing corporate downsizing, allows his new, untested antidepressant to be released to the public after it shows promise. The drug, Gleemonex, sweeps the country by forcing the user's mind to focus on a favorite memory. As befits the troupe's twisted vision, these happy memories aren't always pleasant to the “Family Values” crowd. The easily offended should be warned—there's a character named “Cancer Boy.” The story wanders a bit, giving everyone a chance to show their versatility (these Kids collectively play 32 different roles). Sophomore director Makin served the same duty on many of the TV episodes. 88m/C VHS, DVD . Dave Foley, Bruce McCulloch, Kevin McDonald, Scott Thompson, Mark McKinney, Janeane Garofalo; D: Kelly Makin; W: Bruce McCulloch, Kevin McDonald, Scott Thompson, Mark McKinney, Norm His-cock; C: David Makin; M: Craig Northey.