Brain Donors [VHS] [1992]: John Turturro, Bob Nelson, Mel Smith, Nancy Marchand, George De La Pena, John Savident, Spike Alexander, Juliana Donald, Teri Copley, Irene Olga López, Warren Thomas, Dick Monday, Dennis Dugan, David Zucker, Gil Netter, James D. Brubaker, George S. Kaufman, James Kevin McGuinness, Morrie Ryskind, Pat Proft: Amazon.co.uk: Video

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A widow has to run a ballet company with her inheritance, helped along by a lawyer Roland T. Flakfizer and his two incompetent assistants.

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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful mindless humour, 5 May 2002

By A Customer

This movie is actually based off an old Marx Brothers movie "A Night at the Opera". I have owned 4 different copies of this movie, only to have them borrowed and not returned. It is slapstick humour at some of its best. The movie does start a bit slow with some predictable and over done bits, but by the end me and my mates are in stiches. If you are looking for a movie with meaning, this is not it!! If you are looking for something to lighten your mood and have a good time, then I would definetely recommend it.

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3.0 out of 5 stars A Marx inspired mediocrity, 9 Sep 2008

By	Mr. R. Mcelwaine "Edexley77" (Clydebank, Scotland) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Brain Donors [DVD] [1992] [Region 1] [US Import] [NTSC] (DVD)

Most people will probably not have heard of 'Brain Donor's. A spoof comedy which was inspired by the early 'Marx Brothers' movies of the 1930's. Starring the great John Tutorro, British comic and director Mel Smith(most famous in his native Britain as one half of the famous comedy double act, Smith & Jones)and the more obscure Bob Nelson. 'Brain Donors' was an attempt to update the comedic formula of the Marx brothers to a nineties audience. Written by Pat Proft probably most famous for writing the 'Police Academy' movies. 'Brain Donor's' was a monumental flop and this has been mainly attributed to the fact that Paramount studio's who had backed the movie weren't sure how to sell it to the public.

The film's plot is clearly taken from 'A Night at the Opera' which is arguably the brothers most famous film to this day. Tuttorro plays Roland T. Flakfizer. A small time ambulance chasing attorney who is summoned by his biggest client, Lillian Oglethorpe to hear the reading of her late husbands will. Lillian sent out her late husbands most loyal and faithful employee Jacque(Bob Nelson)to bring Roland to her mansion were the will was being read out. On the way the pair of them met cab driver Rocco Meloncheck (Mel Smith) who also happens to have had a number of other professions going at the one time.

Upon arrival and the reading of the will. It's revealed that most of Lillians late husbands money will go to her while the rest will go towards the running of a ballet company which is to be run by Lillians other 'trusted' lawyer, Edmund Lazlo played here with oily, snide brilliance by John Savident. A British actor who would come to be best known in his native homeland for his career defining role as Fred Elliot in 'Coronation Street'. But of course Roland convinces the slightly naive Lillian that he should also run the opera. And in doing so he employs both Rocco(who Roland is obligated to do a favour for) and Jacque in the process. It's only the beginning of what's left to come.

'Brain Donors' marked something of a brave attempt by Proft to update the Marx Brothers formula. Primarily because these 'classics' are held in such high regard by critics and fans of the movies. Personally I find these films to be all too dated and can't compare now to some relatively contemporary comedies. Which is partly why I partially enjoyed this brave experiment.

While by no means a classic movie in It's own right. 'Brain Donors' is never the less an entertaining all be it rather short affair. Combing crude, schoolboy humour and innuendo much of which has been seen in previous spoof movies which include 'Airplane' and 'The Naked Gun'.

The casting although not entirely inspired is by no mean without notable credit. John Tutorro who heads the main cast is perfect as the Groucho of the picture. Making Roland T. Flakfizer the character to watch. He commands each scene with his comedic presence. Wisely opting not to impersonate Groucho but rather than to cherry pick certain aspects of Marx's mannerisms and apply his own style. Portraying Flakfizer his own way. And this culminates in possibly the most satisfying and hilarious performance of the movie. Mel Smith offers solid support although his general acting is nothing spectacular. He is more or less competent as as one half of Flakfizer's employee's. But that's the best what can be said. As he phone's in his performance. Delivering his quips with rehearsed methodical precision. While Bob Nelson handles the more physical humour as the Harpo of the team. Performing each clown like gag to the best of his well honed ability. It doesn't always pay off. But It's for the most part endearing and on occasion brings a little grin to your face.

Which brings me nicely to the script. Proft's little attempts at a tribute to 'Night of the Opera' is a rather patchy affair. The gags at best are gut wrenchingly funny, moderately amusing or barely raise a smile.And It's this lack of consistency that most effects the picture as a whole. The direction from Dennis Dugan is more than satisfactory and while the lead trio make a cohesive comic team. As hard as they try they can't prevent 'Brain Donors from descending in to mediocrity.

The supporting players for the most part offer sterling support. Late veteran actress Nancy Marchand is Excellent as Lillian Oglithorpe who is partially the butt of many of Roland's knife edged quips. Imbuing Lillian with good natured naivety as well as notable grace. Marchand was a pro and Lillian is a character that allows the veteran to show off her skill as an excellent foil to Tutorro's fast paced delivery. John Savident is fantastic as Edmund Lazlo. A thoroughly objectionable wolf in sheep's clothing while American Ballet dancer Geroge De La Pena offers fantastic egotistical smarm as Roberto Valare. The experienced performer who Flakfizer wishes to front the Oglithorpe Ballet company.

So there you have 'Brain Donors'. A notable flop and a movie that might have been better suited to the small screen. Given It's relatively small length of 77 minutes. It's perhaps a little disheartening that It's become so obscure. Considering there are those lesser, abysmal excuses for humour which are at times thoroughly pretentious and just plain unfunny. It's a film that although not a complete success as a tribute film to a bygone era. Is never the lass a nice little time waster.

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Brain Donors [VHS] [1992]

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