FBMR - Brewster's Millions

Based on a 1902 novel, and the seventh film adaptation of the story, this film leaves a bit to be desired. Increasing the monetary amounts to the mid-eighties, Brewster (Richard Pryor), a minor-league has-been must spend $30 million in 30 days and have no assets in order to receive his $300 million inheritance. With such an outrageous concept you'd think that this movie would be outrageously funny. On the contrary, the joke gets old fast.

I suppose in 1985, nobody would have much of a problem watching someone squander $30 million as recklessly as Brewster does, and have nothing to show for it at the end of the month. Actually, even though we try to believe that we are above that, and are more socially conscious, we still stand by and watch millions upon millions be squandered on movies much worse than this one.

Actually, watching poor Brewster spending all that money senselessly, and having everyone think he's gone nuts (he's not allowed to tell anybody why he has to spend all that money and have nothing to show for it), was quite painful. The viewer is helpless, unable to come to Brewster's aid. There were a couple of humourous parts, but they were few and far between. Brewster's mayoral election campaign was one of the highlights.


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BREWSTER'S MILLIONS (1985) ** Based on a 1902 novel, and the seventh film adaptation of the story, this film leaves a bit to be desired. Increasing the monetary amounts to the mid-eighties, Brewster (Richard Pryor), a minor-league has-been must spend $30 million in 30 days and have no assets in order to receive his $300 million inheritance. With such an outrageous concept you'd think that this movie would be outrageously funny. On the contrary, the joke gets old fast. I suppose in 1985, nobody would have much of a problem watching someone squander $30 million as recklessly as Brewster does, and have nothing to show for it at the end of the month. Actually, even though we try to believe that we are above that, and are more socially conscious, we still stand by and watch millions upon millions be squandered on movies much worse than this one. Actually, watching poor Brewster spending all that money senselessly, and having everyone think he's gone nuts (he's not allowed to tell anybody why he has to spend all that money and have nothing to show for it), was quite painful. The viewer is helpless, unable to come to Brewster's aid. There were a couple of humourous parts, but they were few and far between. Brewster's mayoral election campaign was one of the highlights.