Customer Reviews

Brainscan

5 star:		(36)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Oh, man, I love this movie. It's not perfect, but it takes such a fresh and juicy approach to horror that I can only wonder why more horror fans haven't feasted of the virtual flesh that is Brainscan. Sure, the climax of the film is predictable, and the plot requires the mega-indulgence of your imagination, and the final, final twist is something of a letdown (of little importance), but this film has pizzazz and originality, a heavy rocking soundtrack, and a genuine element of creepiness that flowed through my veins like liquid nirvana.

Edward Furlong of T2 fame plays Michael Bower, a rather solitary computer nerd of a teenager who lives in a world of horror films, computer games, and rock music; like many a horror fanatic, he is always on the lookout for the ultimate horror experience (although, as typically happens, he's afraid to make a move on the girl next door whom he secretly pines for). He sounds a lot like me, actually, but this kid has an awesome computer system (especially for 1994) which includes a virtual assistant named Igor. When his best (and only) bud tells him about this new interactive game called Brainscan (dude, it's advertised in Fangoria), he calls up the number and soon finds himself engaged in an experience he was not prepared for. The first disk promises him a realistic experience of killing from the viewpoint of the killer himself. Don't get hung up on the details because he basically just sits there and the game sends out some kind of special hypnotic waves toward his brain or something. Anyway, he's pretty stoked about the experience until he learns that a local man was actually murdered in an identical fashion - it was supposed to be just a computer game. Naturally, he starts to freak out a little bit, but the friendly Brainscan mastermind is there to help him. Trickster (T. Ryder Smith) even keeps popping into his room in some kind of magically electronic fashion to guide (more like compel, actually) him through the other three game disks - he has to take care of witnesses, you see. Meanwhile, the law is circling in on him, he doesn't know what's real and what's not, and he's basically forced to keep playing the game. We all know who the last victim will be, of course, but we have to wait and see whether he can go through with the final kill. The ultimate conclusion comes as no surprise because there is really only one way to end a film such as this, but it was pulled off fairly well, throwing in a couple of elements that seemed a little left of center.

This was not some high-budget theatrical production, and that's fine - in fact, more money would probably have ruined this film. The acting isn't the best in the world, although Furlong improves as he goes along, Amy Hargreaves has that cute girl next door thing working to perfection, and T. Ryder Smith is an absolute joy to watch in the role of Trickster. Some mysteries are left a little murky, such as those about a trauma in Michael's past, and much of the secrets of the game play itself are basically just ignored, but there's no need to overanalyze this gloriously over-the-top film. I was a little annoyed at first by the darkness of the film print, but I soon concluded that this was a good thing; Brainscan really should be watched in the dark. Just sit back, give yourself over completely to the film, and reap the rewards of this ingeniously different kind of horror/science fiction/suspense classic.

Finally, I have to throw out some kudos to the makers of this film for including Zak the dog in the credits; Zak had a significant albeit supporting role in the film, but this canine earned his money and certainly deserved credit for his work.

BrainScan is a great (and very sadly underrated) movie that is definitely one of the better horror films of the 1990s. It has a good and strong plot, as well as great effects, top-notch acting, great soundtrack, and Trickster is a very cool and funny Villain. For those of you who seek Gore, you'll be very surprised at how gory this film is. Very entertaining with a lot of replay value as well. Hopefully this film will be on DVD soon and will get a good treatment.

I decided I had to review this when I read that some people didn't see the trickster as scary. I agree the trickster isn't scary. That being said, I don't really want to see him as scary because, to me, this movie isn't about being scared. To me this is a great nineties gem that reminds me of all the horror media I enjoyed growing up. Granted it's rated R and is a tad more extreme (being that it is brought to you by the same man who brought a movie about the seedy underground pornography industry [8mm]), but to me, it still has the same appeal of an are you afraid of the dark or a goosebumps. The kind of story that is somewhat of mix between friday the 13th, and stand by me.
Part my attraction lies in that the protagonist is a horror obsessed computer nerd, whom I resembled at more than one point in my life. I can relate to this kid of many levels and I guess I longed for an adventure like this to come along and sweep me up
No this isn't an epic, it's a movie of the week, but it's very sentimental to those of us who remember having the time of our lives reading a goosebumps or watching an are you afraid of the dark. If nothing more, the appeal of this movie lies in the less than popular kid getting the girl and having a few creepy encounters along the way. That story,no matter how many times told, will always draw my interest.
So I guess this is to me what back to the future/ star wars is to many others. They can have that. I'll take my brainscan

Unlike a lot of underground "B-rated" horror movies, this one actually has great production and great direction. I think a lot of people, including myself, can identify with Edward Furlong's character. I know besides working, all I do is stay inside all day and play video games, so I know what that "distance" from people feels like, which seems to be sort of an underlying theme in the movie, at least to me. I recommend this movie to fans of Edward Furlong, gamers, horror fans, and/or loner types.

Without a doubt, this is one of the most entertaining horror flicks of the early 90s packed with plenty of suspense and thrills and of course, EYE CANDY! "Brainscan" is an incredibly fun, psychological nightmare that stars Edward Furlong (who also starred in "Terminator 2: Judgment Day" in 1991) as troubled teen Michael Bower who lost his mother as a child and seldom ever gets to see his father who is always away on business trips. He finds refuge with close friend, Kyle (James Marsh) and his collection of violent low-budget horror movies, while having a crush on the sexy girl next door, Kim (Amy Hargreaves).

After reading an add for the all-new virtual reality game (the title name of the movie itself) in an issue of Fangoria magazine, Michael receives a trial version in the mail and decides to try it out, considering that it is claimed to be the ultimate experience in terror! The gameplay is simple: Michael must find and kill someone within a certain time limit, or it's Game Over! But soon, Brainscan turns out to be more than just a game when Michael discovers that people die for REAL!

The police arrive to the scene of the crime and Michael must clear his name off the list of suspects with the help of the mischievous Trickster (a creepy and campy performance by T. Ryder Smith) However, to do this he must continue playing all four parts of the game. The only problem is that now the whole neighborhood is on the search for the serial killer and Michael will have to remain anonymous, while destroying all pieces of evidence before the clock runs out! A(n) original plot and script, great acting, and awesome special effects make up this 1994 low-budget blockbuster hit! Take my word for it, there normally isn't that many good modern horror flicks, but this is one of the very few that actually ARE! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! :)

This movie is wicked. This movie is funny. And it is certainly wickedly funny. It will also change the way many people who watch it look at the world.

It delivers in every facet of movie making. Each of the main characters owns his role so thoroughly that the viewer can't imagine anyone else doing it. The cinematography is lush, the sound is riveting, and the pacing is so tense it's almost painful.

It is everything good that this sort of surrealist phantasy usually isn't. It is mind-blowingly weird, yet each step of the plot follows step like an equation. No character is a one-dimensional cartoon. Frank Langella manages to be ominous and sympathetic. Edward Furlong does the alienated teen bit but with a moral sense rare for that kind of part.

There are even scenes which are painfully gruesome to watch which yet leave the viewer chuckling when the movie is over in the same way that a really improbable punch line makes a joke memorable.

Nobody will think the money nor the time spent watching wasted.

Not to sound overdramatical, but this has GOT to be the best movie I have EVER seen! In one breath, you get a suspense, thriller, horror, sci-fi, fantacy and more! The ending of THIS movie will DEFINITELY be a jaw dropper! I just hope they come out with a "BrainScan Part II" to this movie! I've been looking for the vcd of it, but have had no luck. This movie isn't very widely known, nevertheless, it is a movie EVERYONE must see! If you have any items dealing with "BrainScan", and want to just talk about it or the movie, E-Mail me, and maybe we can chat on ICQ!

I absolutley LOVE Brainscan, and unfortunately for me I didn't discover this film until just recently, and have thus been denied Brainscan and all of it's glory for 5 YEARS! OH! THE TRAGEDY! I'm an Edward Furlong fan like no other, because I have SENSE, but even if you're tastes don't include young Eddie you will LOVE THIS MOVIE! They don't make them this entertaining, anymore, no-sir-ee! Take the opinion of a sixteen yr. old for once in your life! I'm tellin' ya! It's wonderful!

you have to ask yourself that when you see this comical, sick and twisted and powerful sci fi adventure/ horror movie
the ending is brilliant
the cast is amazind
Edward Furlong could never let me down with the roles he does
he was amazing in the Terminator 2 movie. he was amazing in Pet Semetary 2. he'll never let me down
I have this on dvd
saw it when I was 14 with my dad for rent on vhs
the visuals and story haunted me
that's how powerful this movie is
it really lets you realize that sometimes the game you play is the real life thing and what you thought you didn't really do you really did ;)
a lesson learned from this movie you will get
I could watch this again and again
truly a great movie

When I first heard about this film I thought it was going to be a piece of garbage. Come on, when Edward Furlong has the lead role you know your in trouble. The movie revolves around Furlong's character playing a new game called Brainscan. People then begin dying in the neighborhood, and we are introduced to the Trickster, who gets Furlong to play the game. The movie is well-written and the acting is better than you would expect. Also, the plot twists in the film are a nice touch and will keep you entertained to the movie's end. I promise that you won't be disapointed with the movie.