Man with the Screaming Brain (2005) User Reviews

*huge sigh*

[unakaczynski · 6/10 · 27 September 2005]

Disappointing. That would be one way to put this film. Not that it's terrible or anything, but… well, ahhh hell. Just read on…

This film stars the legendary Bruce Campbell—legendary for his classic underground, cult, and, *ahem* "B-movies." Well, hell, I love the guy. A lot of people do. His films are entertaining, he's entertaining. So why wouldn't a film starring the guy, written by him, and directed by him be good? It turns out there's a lot of reasons, but here's the quickie story:

Capitalist American businessman (Bruce Campbell, of course) travels to former "Red" Socialist Bulgaria on business. Well, crap happens and suddenly he's dead. When next he's alive, well holy hell, he has half another man's brain in his cranium. A communist man's brain! Well, following this, some craziness ensues and Bruce and his "dead" wife, and his half-Commie brain hunt for the gypsy woman that done killed 'em all. Sounds pretty good so far…

Here's the breakdown:

The Good:

--The acting, for the most part, is much better than I would have expected—especially from Stacy Keach and Ted Raimi.

--Bruce Campbell beating himself up—always entertaining.

--Bizarre story—always good.

--Some really good humor.

--Wacky throw-back to bad 50's Science Fiction films with adequate cheesiness.

Didn't Hurt It, Didn't Help:

--The special effects are kind of poor, but entertaining nonetheless.

--Over-all somewhat lackluster writing.

--Decent action.

The Bad:

--Some pretty tedious parts, unfortunately.

--Poor atmosphere. I personally wish Bruce had enlisted Don Coscarelli to Direct.

--Capitalist brain melded with a Socialist brain? Seems like there should've been some more depth in those two extremes fighting each other. Pity.

The Ugly:

--Bruce is a great actor, and a funny and entertaining guy—and really cool. Know what he really isn't? A director.

--Again, for those like me—Bruce Campbell fans—this film is kind of a disappointment. Here's why: It was a long time coming, it was written, directed, and starring Bruce Campbell. And after the brilliant Bubba Ho-Tep (helmed by Phantasm's Don Coscarelli), the Evil Dead Trilogy, and many of Bruce's other successes—well, for fans, there's a lot of hype in preparing for this one. Also, the idea that it was kind of Bruce's "pet-project" and one he'd been planning and working on for years gave this film some added heft when it comes to "getting one's hopes up."

Memorable Scene:

--When Bruce is first running around and battling the idea of having two brains.

This is not a bad film, but it's not exactly great. And after the hype going into it, and after seeing how talented Bruce Campbell really is (Bubba Ho-Tep), this film just feels rather weak.

Acting: 8/10 Story: 8/10 Atmosphere: 4/10 Cinematography: 6/10 Character Development: 6/10 Special Effects/Make-up: 5/10 Nudity/Sexuality: 0/10 Violence/Gore: 7/10 (not much of either, but decent quality for it) Dialogue: 7/10 Music: 6/10 Direction: 6/10

Cheesiness: 5/10 Crappiness: 1/10

Overall: 6/10

This one is for general Science Fiction fans and Bruce Campbell fans. But don't get your hopes up too high. Like, watch it if you forgot a lot of his previous work, or haven't seen it at all. Not bad, not great, and don't get your hopes too high. (Also, it should be noted that I'm being awfully generous in this review...)

www.ResidentHazard.com

Schlockorama

[Samizdata · 6/10 · 1 August 2005]

Granted, there wasn't actually a screaming brain.

We (myself, the wife, a good friend, and my sister in law) just saw this in a local showing in conjunction with a book signing of his new book, "Make Love The Bruce Campbell Way." And, keeping in mind I'm rather a big fan of the esteemed Mr. Campbell, and have been for years, I must, unfortunately, only give it a 6 of 10 score. And that partially due to Mr. Campbell's apologies in advance.

The movie was a happy melange of slapstick and ideas happily lifted from a variety of other old horror films. Given that I was tipped by the title that this wouldn't probably be on this year's Oscar list, I didn't go in expecting too much.

I was right. What I saw was an amusing little film (and I did find many of the jokes funny, by the way) which was a pleasant way to waste a couple of hours, along with a confirmation of long held ideas about Bulgarian motor sports which have plagued me for years. In addition, it does give an interesting view of Mr. Campbell's own world view.

Don't walk into the movie expecting much and you won't be disappointed. Expect a masterpiece and you will be.

(Now to avenge myself on Mr. Campbell for introducing my wife to an excitingly ethnic and film geek approved way to criticize my driving.)

Only for Die-hard Bruce Fans

[brandonrerickson · 6/10 · 30 June 2005]

I saw this film at a screening last night in Portland.

In general, I would only recommend this film to people who are hardcore Bruce fans. It contains some humorous moments, and the final scene in which Bruce is cradling his dying robot wife almost makes up for the more boring stretches in the film.

Considering that the film was made on such a low budget, I think that they did a relatively good job, but it just isn't a very proficient film in terms of the craft that went into it - but again, this is basically a consequence of working off an extremely small budget.

The most interesting part of the screening was Bruce's opening Q&A with the audience, in which he revealed a future project of his. Apparently, he will be making a film in conjunction with Dark Horse comics in which he plays himself. The premise is that there is a town that is being terrorized by some monster and somebody suggests that they bring in "the Evil Dead guy" to help out. But since Bruce Campbell the actor doesn't really have any monster fighting abilities, his arrival only results in more people dying as a result, and things just end up getting much, much worse. I think the idea is brilliant and it will be interesting to see how it is executed.

But getting back to The Man With The Screaming Brain, my suggestion is to not go in with your expectations too high. It's a disposable made-for-TV movie that has a few good Bruce Campbell moments. It isn't going to convert anybody over to Bruce, but if you're already converted, then it's worth a watch.

A Disappointment For This Campbell Fan

[Dodonna · 3/10 · 2 August 2005]

As a Bruce Campbell fan for nearly two decades, I was thrilled to have an opportunity to see his latest film on the big screen with the man himself in attendance. Unfortunately, "Man with the Screaming Brain" was itself a disappointment.

Set in Bulgaria--where the Sci-Fi Channel makes its Saturday night original films--"Man with the Screaming Brain" is a curious mix of '50s B-movie horror, body-switching comedy, violent revenge flick, and overdone slapstick with a touch of romantic reconciliation. If that doesn't make sense, well, neither does "Man with the Screaming Brain." Campbell plays a pharmaceutical company CEO who visits Bulgaria with his estranged wife in an inexplicable attempt to invest in the former Communist country's half-finished subway system. The two fall in with a former KGB agent turned cab driver, and all three ultimately meet their demise at the hands of a vengeful gypsy woman.

A local scientist (Stacy Keach) and his goofy assistant (Ted Raimi), who have developed a technique to allow tissue transplants without the possibility of rejection, steal the bodies and place a portion of the cab driver's brain into Campbell's damaged skull. Also, they put his wife's brain into a robotic body they just happen to have at hand.

Campbell escapes, and with a hastily-restitched skull and the voice of the cab driver--whose transplanted brain tissue controls the left side of his body--echoing in his head, sets off to find and kill the gypsy. (His robot wife does the same.)

But first, there's an attempt to emulate Steve Martin/Lily Tomlin's "All of Me" when Campbell's two personalities battle for dominance over a restaurant dinner. Just as he was playing his own evil hand in "Evil Dead II," Campbell is adept at making his body appear to be inhabited by more than one mind.

At times, "Screaming" comes closest to another Steve Martin film, "The Man with Two Brains," as it also takes a silly approach to '50s sci-fi clichés. However, it tries too hard for too little result, and that goes double for Ted Raimi's semi-comprehensible Bulgarian oaf, who gets entirely too much screen time. (Nothing against Raimi, it's just that he's better in smaller doses.)

In the end, it's neither outrageous (or funny) enough to satisfy as a spoof, nor is it serious enough to enjoy as a B-movie pastiche. I was glad that Campbell had already left the screening by the time it ground to a halt, as I feared having to say, "Gee, Bruce, that was really...something."

Perhaps the best praise I can give it as a film is that at least the images stuck to the emulsion. And it was twice as good as "Alien Apocalypse."

Robots.

[triggerthumbs · 7/10 · 9 August 2005]

Okay, so I love silly movies. If you enjoy silly sci-fi movies, over the top movies, or if you are a fan of Mr. Bruce Campbell, i would go see this movie. This movie is all that i wanted it to be. Being a fan of over the top movies, this fit the bill. Every time i thought to myself "this movie would be the sillest, best movie ever if *blank* would happen...." then just as i thought it, *blank* would happen. It's a wonderful silly 'b'-movie. If you are a fan of Campbell i'd say 'see it', bring your friends, laugh at it. It's fun. It's not classic, or anything, but if it's on TV some night, watch it. It has become, for me, a movie i would file under "indulgent movies". Movies that may not be good, but after a hard day of work, i could come home and watch, (this list also includes 'harold and kumar go to white castle', 'army of darkness', and ' Intolerable Cruelty' )

If you feel like a over the top, wonderfully slightly bad movie, watch this. if not, go rent "Bubba Ho-tep"

If he only had a brain.

[michaelRokeefe · 3/10 · 11 September 2005]

Written by, directed by and starring the champ of camp Bruce Campbell. Easy on its easy to tell this is a budget on a shoestring affair; filmed independently in Bulgaria. All I can really say for sure is that silly is not always funny. Campbell plays an affluent American business man with a cheating wife(Antoinette Byron)and trying to close a business transaction before he is murdered. He hires a cabbie to drive him around a strange little town; not knowing that his wife is 'carrying on' with the taxi driver. Within moments of Campbell being bludgeoned; the cabbie is killed in the same location. A mad scientist(Stacy Keach)proceeds with an experiment putting the cabbie's brain inside the American's head. With massive stitches on his forehead, Campbell breaks free and roams the streets looking for his wife; all the while he is arguing with a strange voice inside his over-sized head. Campbell contorts his rubbery face making silly expressions as he argues with himself. Thus, Bruce is doing what he does best and no doubt his many fans will be pleased. I get the impression this must have been written as a straight comedy. Rounding out the cast are Ted Raimi, Tamara Gorski, and Vladmir Kolev. Watch for this on the Sci-Fi Channel.

Well, you know Bruce Campbell...

[lee_eisenberg · 7/10 · 16 June 2007]

Or if you've seen the "Evil Dead" trilogy and/or "Bubba Ho-Tep", then you should know that his movies are total farces. With "Man with the Screaming Brain", he goes all out again. In this case, he plays smarmy American businessman William Cole visiting Bulgaria - when do we ever get to see that country? - when a woman kills him. So, strange scientist Ivan Ivanov (Stacy Keach) replaces half of Cole's brain with the brain of a former KGB agent, leaving him acting sort of like Steve Martin in "All of Me".

Yes, the whole movie is pretty much an excuse for pure nonsense. Much of the real humor comes from "Evil Dead" director Sam Raimi's brother Ted as Ivanov's nearly brain-dead assistant Pavel. The two men have a relationship more like Laurel and Hardy or Gilligan and the Skipper.

So just understand that this is a totally silly movie, and you won't be a bit disappointed. I liked it, anyway.

Wow...this movie is REALLY awful

[kenstru · 1/10 · 11 July 2005]

I just saw this movie last night at a midnight sneak preview screening (I work for an independent theatre chain in Colorado - it's one of the perks)...I'm sorry, but this is one of THE WORST movies I've ever seen! I know that there are some Bruce Campbell fanatics out there who (like Star Wars die-hards) will string you up from the nearest tree if you DARE speak any ill of their beloved cinematic icon...nevertheless, Campbell-teers, this particular work from The Chin is a celluloid black hole.

Before you make any assumptions that I'm some hoity-toity film buff who only watches "real" movies like "Ladies in Lavender" and "Sideways", think again - I'm a huge fan of B-movies, and Bruce Campbell in particular. His trademark character Ash is one of my favorites, and his portrayal of the aging Elvis in Bubba Ho-Tep was phenomenal.

But hey, B-movies still have the potential to be reeeeally, reeeeally bad (and not in that "good" campy way we all love)...and that's what watching this particular one was like for me and my fellow co-workers. With the exception of that one tracking shot where Bruce runs through the square and scares the kids, there were no laughs to be had. Overall, we found the story to be mind-numbingly stoopid, the pacing mollasses-like, and the so-called humor dumber than a bag of hammers. (I'm sorry, but Ted Raimi's "Pavel" character was not comic relief...he was just plain retarded!) Believe me, we all went into this really wanting to like it, but left feeling incredibly disappointed and robbed of two hours.

If you absolutely loved this movie, plan to see it multiple times, want to marry and have kids with it, etc., that's fantastic - we all like what we like, so you get no judgement from me. But don't go questioning the sense of humor or fan loyalty of those who aren't having multiple orgasms over Campbell's latest cinematic coupe. This flick was a steaming turd sandwich in my humble opinion...and as a true Campbell fan, I'm allowed to say that!

A real treat! The best time I had at the movies! (mild spoilers)

[frag-5 · 7/10 · 28 July 2005]

I haven't seen so many people packed outside a theater since Star Wars Episode III. Both shows sold out, and for good reason. The Man With the Screaming Brain was the best movie to see with a crowd full of geeks. (Hey, I'm a dork too.)

Bruce Campbell was present and had the whole crowd in stitches! The movie was cheesy in the best possible way. It may be the funniest movie that Bruce has done. Ted Raimi steals the show with his Bulgarian hip hop-itude and zany facial expressions, he is a laugh riot! Who knew that Ted could rap?

I changed my mind, the person who stole the show was actually a robot. There is nothing funnier than a robot...doing the robot.

As for Bruce's performance: "I take the 5th." Thanks Bruce. Thanks for being cool, thanks for taking the time, thanks for all of the fun.

Stick with acting Bruce.

[mrph0enix · 1/10 · 27 September 2005]

I saw this movie at a special screening in Dallas with Bruce himself doing a Q&A. I was so excited to see this movie and even more excited due to the fact that Bruce would be there. All he did was bash Hollywood and how the movies suck, I do agree him for the most part. But this movie was supposed to be his rebellion against Hollywood. Let me tell you, he needs to go back to acting and quit making movies. This movie was awful, its no surprise he tried to pitch this idea for the last 20 years. This movie was poorly acted, shot and written. The only thing I remember is wanting this movie to end and I finally realized why he did the Q&A before the movie instead of after due to the fact that a lot of people would want their $14 back we paid to see this thing.

Thank god for Bruce Campbell

[FedMex · 8/10 · 7 August 2005]

I was fortunate enough to catch a midnight screening of this movie tonight. I must say, I was expecting a horribly cheap movie with bad acting and a mediocre plot. I was completely mistaken. This movie was not only incredibly entertaining, but everything about it I simply loved. Bruce Campbell was as amazing as ever. The biggest surprise was none other than Ted Raimi, you know, Sam's little brother. He played the mad doctor's henchman to the greatest extent. Somewhere between physical comedy and clever dialogue, he did nothing but shine. But i really cannot ignore the magic that is Bruce Campbell. Though I did think that Ted Raimi stole the show, Bruce did what he does best on the big screen. Somewhere between the sketchy nasty American business man and the tragic victim, he displayed the same energy that he has always shown to be incredibly attractive to audiences. The movie itself was often interrupted by applause from the viewers. The crowd was definitely excited with each little turn that the movie took.

This movie may not be Oscar material, but my goodness, it was amazing. I would highly recommend this to any Bruce Campbell fan. Also, anybody that likes campy sci-fi movies, do yourself a favor and watch this. Can't wait till this makes it out to DVD.

Take it as you want to....

• the fed

Ted Raimi gets acting lessons from Shemp Howard

[StanleyStrangelove · 8 May 2006]

I like Bruce Campbell from his Evil Dead and Army of Darkness roles so I was hoping The Man With The Screaming Brain would be better than it is. Unfortunately most of it is a bore. There is some good satire at the beginning of the film then it degenerates into a wannabe horror film.

Ted Raimi steals the show doing a Shemp Howard (Three Stooges) impersonation which is certainly over the top but it's the only funny thing in the movie. The two women in the film look great -- Antoinette Byron and especially Tamara Gorski with her fiery eyes. Vladimir Kolev as Yegor the cab driver is very good. Stacy Keach is wasted, another aging actor placed in a horror film like so many have been in the past.

You can see Bruce Campbell trying to pay homage to Sam Raimi's directorial style in a few scenes. Filmed in Bulgaria.

Evil Dead meets Eternal Shining of the Spotless Mind

[siderite · 7/10 · 25 April 2006]

This was a funny movie. Just having seeing the Evil Dead trilogy not a week ago (and left wanting for more), I got as many Bruce Campbell movies as I could, including really bad ones. This one is funny, without being exceptional, but as sure as hell original.

I mean you've got mad scientists, superhuman cyborgs, half brain freaks, gypsies, ex KGB cab drivers, jealousy, murders of passion, love, romance, sex, action and what more, all with the same 6 actors :)

You really have to see it and enjoy it, I can't explain it in a text box. I guess it is not so much a cult movie as Evil Dead was, but it certainly has that Bruce Campbell touch I love. Ted Raimi lends a hand, Tamara Gorski looks both beautiful and interesting (she has gone a long way from the hooker in Friday the 13th) and Vladimir Kolev also shows a lot of promise as an actor, although he will probably be cast as secondary character in Hollywood movies his entire career.

Bottom line: funny movie. If you liked Evil Dead you'll like this, too.

Damn this sucked.

[skammeraasen · 1/10 · 6 August 2005]

this was hands down the worst movie i've seen all year. i completely understand why it isn't in wide theatrical release and going to the sci-fi channel. it really felt like i was watching a piece of crap sci-fi channel movie. i guess that's because i was.

i like bruce campbell from what i've previously seen. bubba ho-tep, jack of all trades, brisco county, and of course the evil dead movies. i've seen him at a book reading before and found he's pretty funny. none of this showed at all in this movie.

i thought that since he was writing, directing, and starring, it had a chance of being alright. i cannot remember a time that i was this wrong.

i wouldn't recommend wasting your time even if you get to see this for free. definitely not worth paying to see, unless bruce is there himself on a promotional tour (as he was when i saw it, he was funny, the movie still was not). in which case, pay to listen to him, ask him a question or something, then leave when the film is about to start. it may sound dumb, but trust me. you'd make better use of your time if you were doing anything else.

i reiterate: awful, awful, awful, awful, awful, awful, awful, awful, awful, awful, awful, awful piece of cinema.

Bruce should just stick to acting

[bazmitch23 · 1/10 · 20 March 2013]

I'm an Evil Dead fan and a few years ago, I ordered this DVD from America. The first time I watched it, I thought "Yeah, it was........ good. I guess." I watched it again a couple of years later, and my love for this film decreased.

It's so boring and unfunny. It's really slow and nothing exciting or memorable happens in it. Even if you are a Bruce fan, you might not like it.

The jokes have been done before. Ted Raimi's character is not funny. He speaks in rapper talk. His scenes are just dull. We get some slapstick from Bruce that is also unfunny. He does reference Evil Dead here and now, but you'll be yawning so much, you won't care.

Because this is a TV movie, it's really cheap. The music and editing are all crap. You feel like you're watching a bad Hallmark film.

There is nothing memorable or exciting in this film. If you can call it a "film".

Is there anything good in it? Well, Stacy Keach and Antionette Byron are really good in this. Other than that, Man With The Screaming Brain is just forgettable.

Bruce fans, just watch Evil Dead or Bubba Ho-Tep instead.

A valiant effort, but sadly flawed

[Bezenby · 4 August 2011]

Anyone who is a fan/stalker of Bruce probably knows that he's been trying to make this film for about 20 years or something, and now that he's finally managed to birth his own movie baby the question is this: Is it good? I've had to import the copy I watched from America for my misssusususus birthday, so I dunno where people in the UK are gonna get their copy. I'm not entirely sure of the full story of the making of this film, but the cover has the artwork taken straight from the comic books of the same story (dunno what came first like), so from the outset it looks like Bruce is aiming for a kind of kooky b-movie niche type movie.

good? I'm getting to that bit...

William Cole (Bruce Campbell, from the last 20 seconds of Darkman and Moontrap) and his wife Jennifer are two overfed, rich American upper middle class corporate types who head to Bulgaria to spread democracy and create and wee tax break. They don't like each other much either, because he's a loudmouth moron and she's a spoilt bitch. However, after meeting taxi driver Igere (I think) and mental murderous gypsy Tatanya, their lives are changed forever or something.

BASICALLY Bruce ends up getting killed, and so does Igere. Luckily Stacy Keach (Long Riders) and Ted Raimi (from Seaquest DSV) are two scientists who have just almost perfected a method of getting cells to live with each other, and Bruce becomes their new subject.

So that's the set up: Murderous gypsy baddie, Bruce with two brains, and Ted Raimi being Ted (which is good) - Just when I thought that the film was awfully draggy and uneventful, it turned out that Bruce was deliberately acting subdued so that when he did start fighting himself and screaming it worked all the better. You get what you'd expect from Bruce here, rather than the sublime performance we got in the admittedly better Bubba Ho-Tep. But f*ck it - I want to see Bruce punching himself in the face! And Ted doing the slapstick bit! This is a film for Bruce fans, mainly. Ted's in there too, so you're basically getting two for the price of one. For a directional debut (save for episodes of Xena) Bruce does okay, although the lack of budget stands out a mile (not a really a problem that though). There's maybe a slight lack of originality to what he does here, but it's an entertaining 90 mins nonetheless.

The DVD has a good few extras on it too, and unlike other DVD extras, I'm always willing to watch Bruce Campbell blabbing on about this and that. He's just a likable fellow, which is why we love him.

See it now if your a Bruce fan or a fan of kooky low-budget films. Those expecting otherwise may be disappointed.

Fabulously Bad!

[larry.launders · 6/10 · 8 August 2005]

Yes, "Fabulously Bad" is what my friends and I came up with to describe this movie.

Of course that does NOT mean it is not entertaining. It is, and in some cases, highly entertaining. Bruce Campbell's number 1 priority is entertainment, everything else comes after.

I gave it a 6 because it IS entertaining, it is a lot of what you should expect from Bruce Campbell, but it is not a great movie, just a good bit of fun.

Bruce's fans should appreciate the style of the movie and the level of plot/storyline. No, it is not Evil Dead (et al) caliber, but then Sam Raimi isn't directing it, Bruce is.

Now for my own perceptions -- The cast is wonderful, and in some cases surprising (Stacey Keach as the Doctor was fantastic). And yes, there are homages to previous films, particularly the Evil Dead series, but I found it humorous that most of them involved Ted Raimi and not Bruce Campbell.

The robot was just dumb. I just couldn't like the robot. As a plot device I guess it works, but I have to wonder how difficult it would have been to have made it come across better.

It took a little while for the movie to find a rhythm, I thought. So the movie will start off a bit clunky as characters and plot lines are introduced. Let it roll and it will get better.

There are not going to be a lot of plot surprises. Don't look for any.

And any sound that goes with Yegar's taxi driving, dang...does that VW sound like it's got waaaay more muscle under the hood than it should! I am glad that Bruce decided to adapt the story to the location, rather than try to make Bulgaria pretend to be East L.A.. There are some shots that show the place off pretty well...just not many of them!

My brain was screaming...

[NoHeadedHershel · 2/10 · 3 October 2005]

My brain was screaming "why do you keep watching! Turn it off and go to bed!" But couch potatoness won out, and I watched until the predictable ending. I guess when it's Bruce Campbell I need to give it a chance.

I find it hard to complain about a low budget movie purely because of the low budget... time and time again we see low budget movies proving that a good story, good writing and good acting are enough to make a good movie. Ted and Bruce got their start on just such a movie, but they didn't seem to learn from Sam that it takes a bit more than slapping it on film to make a movie.

It's sad, too, because Bruce has always been a favorite. After the 70's and 80's, I just can't believe movies this bad are still being made. Bruce, I'm really disappointed.

A goofy sci-fi comedy that is hard to resist.

[Hey_Sweden · 7/10 · 12 October 2020]

B movie icon Bruce Campbell co-wrote this, and made his directorial debut with this sly, knowing slapstick comedy that owes a notable debt to Steve Martins "All of Me". He plays William Cole, an arrogant American industrialist come to Bulgaria (with his wife (Antoinette Byron, 'Home and Away') in tow) to look into business opportunities. Unfortunately, he crosses paths with Tatoya (Tamara Gorski), a crazed gypsy maid, who soon murders him. But his life is saved by another crazed individual, Dr. Ivanov, a scientist played by Stacy Keach. Ivanov has off-the-beaten-path ideas about melding brain matter "like they were those interlocking toys", and Cole now has another mans' mind taking up space in his body. And this man can control some of his actions; only Cole can hear what he says. Together, the two of them set out to get revenge on Tatoya.

"Man with the Screaming Brain" is apt material for ever-engaging Campbell, who once again really gets an opportunity to show off his comedy chops. He's quite funny, and receives fine support from the other actors. Ted Raimi is a standout as Pavel, the doctors' dim-witted henchman who thinks of himself as a very hip guy. (Raimi even does a closing credits rap number!) Some of the highlights include Cole & his new unseen cohort trying to order food & drink at a restaurant, and the misadventures of the wife, who ends up in her own ridiculous situation. Winnipeg-born Gorski ('Hercules: The Legendary Journeys') is so good as the lovely but lethal antagonist that viewers will be anxiously awaiting her demise. Vladimir Kolev ("The Fourth Kind") is fun to watch as easygoing Russian cabbie Yegor.

Some viewers may deride this for being too cheap, or too cheesy, but seeing that it IS supposed to be humorous in nature, aspects like this aren't all that important. Campbell gives the story pace and energy, and some laugh out loud moments, as he carries on in the tradition of all of those B level mad scientist movies of the past.

Seven out of 10.

Silly, zero budget B-movie starring a few old-timers

[Leofwine_draca · 4/10 · 3 March 2016]

I consider myself a fan of Bruce Campbell. Hell, the man was good enough to send me his autograph years back, I have his autobiography, and love his early work in the EVIL DEAD films and the like. Sadly, though, the last fifteen years of his career has been marred by his insistence on churning out these cheap, only mildly amusing B-movies to satisfy his fans.

MY NAME IS BRUCE was one such movie, but MAN WITH THE SCREAMING BRAIN is even worse. It's a real cheapie, shot in Bulgaria and co-starring fan favourites like Stacy Keach and Ted Raimi, but even so it isn't very funny. Campbell - who we must apportion blame to, given that he also wrote and directed the thing - plays a rich businessman who has the brain of a Russian cab driver implanted into his own.

There's no more plot to it than that, and indeed not much of anything at all. I love Raimi's and Keach's work, but the material they're given here is very tame and weak. The silly android stuff I could have done without. There's very little in the way of action or genre tropes, but a whole lot of talk and humour which feels more than a little forced. You'd have to be in a very accepting frame of mind to enjoy this one. Watch out for Bulgarian actor Raicho Vasilev, of IN HELL and SPARTACUS: GODS OF THE ARENA fame, who appears in a cameo.

Goofy fun

[Pythe · 7/10 · 17 January 2008]

Man with the Screaming Brain certainly isn't a perfect movie, but I'm pretty sure it was never meant to be anything more than a star vehicle for Bruce Campbell, meaning it works as kind of a summary of his entire career: slapstick, sarcasm, cheese, action, and happy endings. Campbell is, as a writer, uneven--there are lots of things in the story that don't make a great deal of sense (why does the robot suddenly have breasts merely because a female brain has been implanted into it?), and some of the scenes feel like retreads of other, better incarnations (the scene in the restaurant, where Yegor and William battle for control of William's body, is straight out of Evil Dead II). There are, however, lots of little touches and non-sequiturs that feel rather brilliant, such as when William is in the height of his panic and screams at a statue, "What are you looking at?!" The movie looks like a Sci-Fi Channel original, probably because it was. The acting is actually pretty good. I particularly enjoyed Tamara Gorski as Tatoya; she was ruthless and cunning, yes, but seemed to have a tragic air about her in certain moments that the story never explored. Ted Raimi handled the standard "bumbling assistant" role admirably enough, and Bruce is funny as the arrogant, sardonic, condescending American jerk. (Now that he's writing his own films, you'd think he'd give himself a role that he hasn't been typecast in already.) Man with the Screaming Brain is a bizarre, nonsensical B-movie that ought to be enjoyable for anybody who can avoid taking a cinematic experience too seriously.

From one Bruce fan to another: AVOID like the pest

[DrJOnes666 · 3/10 · 8 December 2005]

I'm 35. Bruce was THE man in Evil Dead, and I still love to watch ED1 and ED2. It was cool also to see him as The King two or three years ago in Bubba Ho Tep in which he showed versatility and great acting talent. But this Screaming Brain adventure is certainly not for Bruce's early fans. Either I'm getting too old for this sh17, or I'm just not part of Bruce's target audience anymore. I'm positive kids age 9 to 13 will love this film. But this over extended matinée sci-fi comedy contains about 5 minutes total of interesting moments, and the rest is cheap kids slapstick humor. Campbell better talk seriously with Sam Raimi and get their brains screaming together for a last Evil Dead reunion picture to get back my interest. At least there would be a good director behind the camera... Sorry Bruce, this just doesn't cut it for me. Take care.

It Was Great

[jhegar · 10/10 · 31 August 2005]

I don't know what some people were thinking when they said this movie was bad. It Was Great. Classic Bruce Campbell, yes it was low budget and the special effect showed this but that is not what you see a Bruce movie for you watch it for Bruce. Also Ted Rami was excellent. I found this movie hilarious and entertaining I still crack up when I recall Bruce on that pink moped. Now I will admit this movie is not for everyone if you don't like B movies you probably won't like this one if you crave big budget effects and actors steer clear. But if you like slap stick and off the wall sci-fi plots this movie is for you.

Hail The King Baby!

Sounds like there is some shizzle going on down there my nizzle.

[lastliberal · 6/10 · 9 August 2009]

I don't have many expectations of a B movie, but this one took what seemed like forever to set up.

William Cole (Bruce Campbell) is the Ugly American businessman with the unfaithful wife Jackie (Antoinette Byron) on a trip behind the Iron Curtain. He runs into a cab driver Yegor (Vladimir Kolev) with a jealous gypsy girlfriend Tatoya (Tamara Gorski) who kills all three.

Enter mad scientist Dr. Ivanov (Stacy Keach), and his assistant Pavel (Ted Raimi), who replace the damaged part of Cole's brain with Yegor's. Now we have a competition between an uber Capitalist and a Communist playing out in his body.

If that isn't far-fetched enough, they put Jackie's brain in a robot.

This movie just kept getting crazier and crazier. Funny at times, but crazy.

I Hated this Movie...

[talktomccann · 2/10 · 21 August 2005]

I went to a screening of this movie where Bruce Campbell did a Q&A before revealing this film. After trashing A-List movies such as Batman Begins and War of the Worlds...Bruce exclaimed that there is no creativity in the realm of Hollywood Budget films. With that said, I expected an extremely well made and plotted out film. Boy, was I disappointed. I am a film student and I'm open to any kind of movie as I love them all...but watching The Man With A Screaming Brain left me in shock. I have no other way to describe it other than F-ing terrible. The events the title leads you to believe to take place don't happen until an hour into the film! The lack of exposition and a hook was staggering! I only wish Bruce had come back for some Q&A after the movie was over. Perhaps he didn't because he knew and couldn't face the audience.....