MovieChat Forums > Brewster's Millions (1985) Discussion > Outdated or Unfunny??

Outdated or Unfunny??

posted 17 years ago by o1977jp
35 replies | jump to latest

Just watched this for the first time last night. Had high hopes for it but didn't laugh once. Actually, I did laugh once, at the beginning when Montgomery said "How can I concentrate when there's a god damn train going through the outfield?"

I feel that the movie portrayed what a real person would do in that situation. There was really no comedy to the story or to the acting, other than people thinking Montgomery was nuts (which was humorous for about 3 minutes). Even John Candy, who is usually very funny, really had no funny bits in the film, and couldn't really "flex his muscles" with the role he was given. Seems almost like a waste of time for two of the top comedians of 1985.

I'm guessing this was considered funnier back in the 80s. I feel like the comedy of today has a totally different edge to it, and I guess I've gotten lost in it.

Does anyone really think this is a laugh-out-loud funny movie, or just more of a humorous situation?

[–] RockytheBear 17 years ago

While I agree this movie is not laugh out loud funny, that does not disappoint me. This movie HIGHLY entertains me (every time I watch it) and I'm sorry you were disappointed. I'm old enough to have actually seen this in theaters (I was nine) and it wasn't laugh out loud funny then. Just a very entertaining movie. The only thing outdated about this movie is today's inflation. It sounds like your hopes were built up because of the combination of Pryor and Candy, but keep in mind both guys were past their prime in 1985.

Pryor's comic genius can be found in movies like Bustin' Loose, Stir Crazy, Which Way Is Up (also with Lonette McKee) and of course, all 3 of his concert movies.

Candy, who I never found 100% hilarious anyway, just a fun, lovable guy had his best work in Splash, Stripes, and Planes, Trains & Automobiles (especially Splash.)

Having said that, give Brewster's another chance. Maybe now that you know what you're in for, you'll like it better the second time. Like you said, it's just a humorous situation and people like to imagine themselves in Brewster's position with all that money. Also keep in mind it's a lighthearted, PG rated, family film also. Can't be too raunchy or edgy like the comedies you were probably speaking of as far as today's times. But don't be upset that it wasn't laugh out loud funny. Not everything that's funny is-- that's why they came out with the term, "laugh out loud funny." Hell, 75% of the time I write "lol" on my computer screen, I'm not truly laughing out loud, lol.

"I fulfilled a lot of people's predictions about me. I've become a real scumbag."

Danny Vermin

[–] sumbitch212 16 years ago

can there be a third option? Like you have a *beep* sense of humour?

[–] 16 years ago

[deleted]

[–] Splarne 11 years ago

can there be a third option? Like you have a *beep* sense of humour?

that's the option i vote for...

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Thread ender.

[–] RobBase086-1 14 years ago

This movie was comical in my opinion and Richard Pryor was also comical to watch when he acted with his buddy Gene Wilder. You cannot complain about See No Evil Hear No Evil because that was hilarious to watch!

Plus, when John Candy broke into comedy I liked him in Who's Harry Crumb which is comical and a classic film to really bust up laughing watch the film with Eugene Levy and John Candy working together where they both lose their jobs and have to go to work as security guards. That is totally hilarious when John Candy dresses up like a transvestite in that film and Eugene Levy wearing the chaps with his ass hanging out playing a gay couple leaving a adult shop. Trust me you will be busting up laughing from that film.

Dedicated to USA UP ALL NIGHT and the fans! www.usaupallnight.webs.com/

[–] stevenackerman69 17 years ago

I think the movie had the potential to be a good screwball comedy (consider the scene involving the icebergs) but they dumbed it down too much. Maybe the problem was the fact that Pryor couldn't tell them about the money and I think he could've told them and swore them to secrecy.

[–] rickb69 11 years ago

the only way 2 people can keep a secret is if one of them is dead

[–] sexyabibi 17 years ago

I agree. It was mediocre but it had the potential to be a classic.

[–] MooseWithFleas 17 years ago

10 MILLION 10 MILLION 10 MILLION DOLLARS! 10 MILLION 10 MILLION 10 MILLION DOLLARS!!!!!!

[–] enfilmigult 16 years ago

I'm guessing this was considered funnier back in the 80s. I feel like the comedy of today has a totally different edge to it, and I guess I've gotten lost in it.

No, this wasn't very well liked when it first came out, either. It's a pleasant movie full of nice people, but it was never very funny. The 80s have done better for movie comedy, believe me.

[–] jenniferles1000 16 years ago

Yeah i was really disappointed i chuckled once or twice but not very good.

[–] willydoe71 16 years ago

Like RockytheBear pointed out, this movie wasn't laugh out loud funny, but it was very humorous and extremely entertaining. The scene of John Candy walking in, all pimped out, after he said the money wouldn't change him was absolutely hilarious. To date, this is still one of my all-time favorite movies.

[–] truegrit1962 15 years ago

unfunny.

[–] 15 years ago

[deleted]

[–] puschit-1 15 years ago

Maybe it just isn't meant to be an all-out comedy!? It's also a story about rich vs. poor, about the power of money and what great amounts of it can do to you and of course it was a story about friendship and the things in life that are really important.

The story itself is timeless and thus can't ever be "outdated". In fact this is about the 4th or 5th remake, the original being a silent movie from 1914!

[–] flashpenguin86 15 years ago

The message of the movie is: "To be careful what you wish for because it might come true!" and "In the end, the best and only friend you can rely on is yourself".

I havent seen the movie in years, but it still stays with me. I dont think it was supposed to be a slap-stick, but a touching and endearing film about finding oneself. I thought it was well acted and Pryor and Candy definitely hit it off.

I hope you gave it another try.

House: Hey I can be a jerk to people I haven't slept with. I am that good.

[–] kedrell 14 years ago

1914? Even that was just an adaption of the original 1902 book of the same name. In the book, he has a year to blow the money(1 million there to get 7 million) but he not only can't tell anyone WHY he has to spend it, but he can't even just tell anyone that he's trying to spend it all away without the WHY. He basically has to keep the entire thing a secret.

[–] rickb69 11 years ago

I don't think the 1902 book was to spend $1million to get $7million. The 1945 movie version was $1million to get $7 million. I don't think there were millionaires in 1902, maybe there were but, that would be like a BILLIONAIRE by today's standards.

Charles Chaplin Making a Living (1914) $150/week

[–] matt-whittall 15 years ago

its one of my fav pryor movies, i mean the part where he first meets ms drakes fiance and they leave, and he goes, "now that was a real *beep* or something to that effect. perfect comedic timing.

now close your eyes and picture this... mesopotamia... meets busby berkeley.

ITS A KNOCKOUT!

i mean come on thats just plain funny.

[–] dboone1025 14 years ago

It's not laugh out loud funny, but its a good character movie.

"America, what a country, love it!" Haha. Between the cab driver, mrs drake, the crooked lawyers, rupert horn. Pryor wasn't hysterical, but he gave good energy. Stephen Collins. Jerry Orbach. I think the characters save the movie from complete disaster.

I can quote this movie, more than other 80's flicks. I think morty king, king of the mimics was hysterical. Luther. The movie is sort of a case study in who you run into if you make a lot of money. The accountant. He was pretty funny.

A lot of little people and situations that add up to make it funny.

The way he spent the money was pretty good, like the stamp. Also the music, and soundtrack were good. A solid 6/10.