Brain Candy

Brain Candy, released in 1996, is a cerebral satirical comedy about a speculative mood-altering pill, featuring a production by Kids in the Hall - a Canadian sketch comedy troupe of the same name which comprises comedians David Foley, Bruce McCulloch, and Kevin McDonald, among others. Although not as well-known as other 90s comedies, this film remains a cult classic due to its quirky humor that's paired with a thought-provoking premise.

The protagonist, Chris Cooper, is an underdog scientist portrayed brilliantly by Kevin McDonald. Cooper works at Roritor Pharmaceuticals, a large corporate-style research facility that is suffering from substantial financial pressure to churn out a breakthrough medication. Consequently, Cooper is forced to rush his promising and revolutionary antidepressant drug, 'Gleemonex,' to meet corporate deadlines.

Gleemonex brings something new to the table; it functions by altering the brain's chemistry to proceed as if it's reliving its happiest memory. It makes users locked in a perpetual state of euphoria, which the company quickly realizes is a goldmine. This so-called "happiness in a pill" offers a seemingly perfect solution to those affected by depression, grief, and mental despair.

The supporting cast comprised of David Foley and Bruce McCulloch, along with the other Kids in the Hall players like Mark McKinney and Scott Thompson, takes on multiple roles, creating a vivid array of bizarrely endearing characters. You'll come across everyone, from bickering corporate suits driven by pure greed, to eccentric patients struggling with their inner demons, to the low-profile scientists striving to find the magic cure for happiness.

Despite its comic overtones, Brain Candy serves more than just laughs—it presents a dark skewering of the pharmaceutical industry, and a parody of society's addiction to instant gratification and quick fixes. By spotlighting the concept of manufacturing happiness, it poses profound moral and ethical dilemmas. It asks philosophical questions about the nature of happiness, our reliance on external substances to obtain it, and the potentially problematic path of painting over grief, pain, and sadness with artificial euphoria.

The cinematography and production design of Brain Candy are meticulous and immersive, producing a unique aesthetic that combines the sterility of a medical facility and the zaniness of a comedy spectacle. The pacing is well balanced with moments of irreverent humor strung along a dramatic plot framework, which keeps the viewer engaged and entertained throughout the film.

Brain Candy's dialogue is filled with Kids in the Hall's signature brand of wit, which often leans towards the absurd. There's a nonchalant, dry humor that underpins even its darkest narratives, blending together darker themes of depression, commercial exploitation, and societal norms with relatable humor and satire.

The tone of Brain Candy can vary dramatically, from the hilarity of mundane office politics, to the despair of a grieving widow, to the absurdity of a suddenly platitudinous rockstar. The film's style is offbeat and unconventional, alternating between sequences of deadpan comedy, visual gags, farcical caricatures, and even heartbreaking humanity.

Moreover, the performances in Brain Candy are multifaceted and skillfully executed. The transformations of the cast into various characters exhibit their sheer range and talent, and their comedic timing and delivery are consistent throughout. Kevin McDonald's Chris Cooper stands out as a sympathetic figure caught in the clutches of his own creation.

Brain Candy, underneath its wrap of humor and satire, emerges as a poignant commentary on society's dependence on medication to mitigate emotional pain, posing challenging questions about prescribed happiness. It's a unique blend of wit and wisdom, humor and heartbreak, absurdity and profundity. While it packs plenty of laughs, it’s also a film that leaves audiences pondering long after the end credits roll.

In conclusion, Brain Candy is a fun yet thought-provoking satire that seamlessly blends comedy and commentary, making it one of the hidden gems of 90s cinema. For those willing to venture beyond mainstream tales, this film provides both entertainment and food for thought. If you love clever satire and are a fan of Kids in the Hall's irreverent humor, Brain Candy is a dose you wouldn't want to miss.