Strange Brew

Strange Brew, a 1983 comedy movie directed by Dave Thomas and Rick Moranis, features these two talented actors in lead roles. Besides them, the extremely skillful Swedish actor Max Von Sydow, known for his collaborations with Ingmar Bergman, also plays a crucial role. The movie serves as an extension of the immensely popular Canadian sketch comedy show, "Second City Television" (SCTV).

The film follows the comedic adventures of brothers Bob and Doug McKenzie, protrayed by Moranis and Thomas, respectively. The characters were initially developed for SCTV, where they managed to win a massive cult following for their quirky depictions of Canadian stereotypes.

In Strange Brew, the McKenzie brothers are beer-loving, hockey-obsessed dimwits. Both are unemployed and live at home with their parents. The story unfolds when their mother tells them to buy beer but they find themselves penniless. Their plan to get free beer by inserting a live mouse in a bottle and pretending it was there when they opened it leads them to Elsinore Brewery, the node of the entire story's events.

Upon reaching the brewery, they meet Pamela, played by Lynne Griffin. She is a receptionist and also the heiress of the brewery since her father (owner of Elsinore) recently passed away. Highly suspicious circumstances surround his death, adding a hint of intrigue to the comedic plot.

Max von Sydow gives an outstanding performance as Brewmeister Smith, the movie's antagonist. Smith, with a vague accent and a mysterious past, oversees the brewery's operation and has evil plans up his sleeve that pose a significant danger not just to the brewery but also to the entire city of Toronto—and possibly the world.

Bob and Doug, in their inimitable style, stumble upon these malevolent plans. What follows is their hapless but hilarious attempts to save the day, all while exhibiting their profound love for beer and hockey. The plot combines elements of comedy, suspense, surrealism, and a bit of goofy yet endearing patriotism to Canada.

The humor in Strange Brew is quintessentially Canadian, flavored with classic slapstick comedy, witty one-liners, and bizarre situations. The McKenzie brothers' thick Canadian accents and their frequent use of catchphrases like "Take off, you hoser!" add to the film's distinctive, quirky charm.

In addition to comedy, there are also elements of satire in the film. The movie takes a dig at large corporations and their potential for unscrupulous activities. The Elsinore Brewery, with its secrets and questionable management, represents such corporations. It also lampoons the ubiquity of product placement in movies, with the brothers' excessive love for beer and donuts bordering on the absurd.

While the overall narrative of Strange Brew is quite unique and offbeat, the underlying inspiration for the plot is Shakespeare's Hamlet. There are potential allusions to characters and plots from the classic play such as hinting Pamela as Ophelia, her uncle as Claudius, and Brewmeister Smith as Polonius. These connections create an unexpected yet intriguing layer of depth in the film's story.

The production values are high, with excellent cinematography by Bill Butler and a tightly knit, engaging screenplay by the lead actors themselves. As a result, the film never drags and keeps audiences entertained and engaged throughout its runtime.

The performances by Moranis, Thomas, and von Sydow stand out, effortlessly straddling the boundary between comedy and suspense. The secondary characters, too, lend good support and add their unique quirks to this delightful chaos.

In summary, Strange Brew is a movie that puts a refreshing spin on the comedy genre. It offers a unique blend of humor, suspense, and cultural commentary, with enjoyable performances and engaging writing. It's a treat for the fans of SCTV, Moranis, and Thomas, and those who appreciate unconventional comedy and quirky plotlines. It's a classic example of how hilarity can merge with a compelling narrative while reflecting social and cultural nuances in an entertaining manner.