Brewster's Millions Movie
Storyline
TAGLINES
You don't have to be crazy to blow 30 million dollars in 30 days. But it helps.
Your Basic Riches-To-Rags Comedy
Montgomery "Monty" Brewster is a baseball player who has going back and forth from the minors to the majors for nearly 15 years. After getting into a brawl in a bar, he and his friend end up in jail, his team has not only decided not bail him out but to cut him. At his hearing Monty doesn't know what to do but a man who has been following him for sometime appears in court and offers to pay his bail. Monty assumes that it's a baseball scout but when they arrive at where they were going, Monty is taken to a law office and informed that he is the sole heir of a man who is one of the richest men in the country, who is also his long lost uncle. His uncle's last will and testament is that Monty must spend 30 millions dollars in 30 days, if which he accomplishes, he will get 300 million. But at the end of 30 days he must not own anything. He also must not give the money away and must not destroy anything valuable and he also cannot tell anyone why he is spending all this money. He thinks that he's on his way to doing that but Spike unwittingly invests some of the money and recoups everything that Monty has spent. And he also doesn't exactly have the support of the lawyers, cause is he fails they take control of the estate and give themselves a healthy fee for ahndling it. And also a lot of people especially the woman he is attracted to, thinks he is jerk.
| Richard Pryor | Montgomery Brewster |
| John Candy | Spike Nolan |
| Lonette McKee | Angela Drake |
| Stephen Collins | Warren Cox |
| Jerry Orbach | Charley Pegler |
| Pat Hingle | Edward Roundfield |
| Tovah Feldshuh | Marilyn |
| Hume Cronyn | Rupert Horn |
| Joe Grifasi | J.B. Donaldo |
| Peter Jason | Chuck Fleming |
| David White | George Granville |
| Jerome Dempsey | Baxter |
| David Wohl | Eugene Prevost |
| Ji-Tu Cumbuka | Melvin |
| Milt Kogan | Heller |
| Walter Hill |
5.80 out of 10 (4570 votes)
Visitor Reviews
an enjoyable comedy
posted on 01 Jun 2009The film is a comedy of how Brewster finds creative ways of spending the 30 million dollars and not always getting it right. He is unable to tell anyone of his real intentions of inheriting 300 million by successfully blowing 30 million dollars in 30 days. As soon as he receives news he goes on a wild spending spree and recruits lawyers, security guards, decorators etc. all at very inflated salaries. Eventually the word goes around and soon everyone is jostling to benefit from his generosity. Some of the people close to him are unnerved by his spending prowess and tries to help him acquire more money through investments which is exactly the opposite of what he wants. This all adds up to a series of very comical events which is most enjoyable to watch. Look out for the upcoming remake of this movie.
Classic Premise for Comedy
posted on 13 Mar 2009PLOT
An amateur league baseball pitcher will inherit 300 million dollars from a distant relative on the proviso that he first spend 30 million dollars in 30 days. Various other conditions are also made painfully clear.
REVIEW
A well-constructed cast including Richard Pryor and John Candy, and decent character actors of yesteryear such as Lonette McKee, Stephen Collins, Jerry Orbach, Pat Hingle and Hume Cronyn, make the most of a great idea that is otherwise ill-served by a mediocre script and perfectly standard direction from the usually quite brilliant Walter Hill. Candy's chemistry with Pryor is first rate - why Pryor instead chose Gene Wilder as his long-term comedic partner will forever remain a baffling mystery.
While Brewster's Millions is not the funniest film of the 80s, certainly there are moments of hilarity here. Watch for a side-splitting cameo from Rick Moranis.
"Brewster's Millions" is funny the first or even the second time you see it, but it's never outrageously funny or really worth strongly recommending.
posted on 06 Mar 2009"Brewster's Millions" is funny the first or even the second time you see it, but it's never outrageously funny or really worth recommending. Richard Pryor's performance isn't extremely memorable; the actor to see this film for is John Candy, who steals the show as soon as we see him.Pryor plays Brewster, a man who is offered a strange proposition by some elderly men. If he can blow 30 million dollars in a month, he inherits 300 million left to him in a will. If he doesn't, he's left with the remainder of what they give him. And he can NOT tell anyone about their deal. So Brewster agrees, and starts wasting the cash. But soon this turns bad as his good pal John Candy innocently tries to make him money, and people begin to suspect something is wrong. Why is Brewster wasting away his money like it's paper with no value?"Brewster's Millions" has been done seven times before, apparently, but I could only trace down five: a 1914 version, a 1921 version, a 1926 version, a 1935 version, and a 1945 remake with Dennis O'Keefe. That last version ranked in about a half hour shorter than the Richard Pryor film, and this 1985 version probably would have been better off with that length as well.Pryor doesn't really stand out as Brewster. I can think of others who would have fit the part better. But I guess it's good they chose him over Eddie Murphy. John Candy is really the one to keep an eye on during the film, and you can't help but keep an eye on him since he draws your attention from the start. His character is sweet, good-natured, but at the same time a businessman trying to make some dough for him and his pal Pryor. Candy really envelops his character, as always, and steals the show. It's nowhere near his best performance, but it's still great. This is the first comedy outing for director Walter Hill, who went on to film comedies such as "Red Heat" with Schwarzenegger and Belushi. He uses many of the same formulas as he did in "Red Heat," as well. It's never that funny, but worth seeing once or twice. Herschel Weingrad & Timothy Harris, who both wrote the film "Trading Places" (*see below), use the same humor (see below) in this film as they did in "Trading Places." Funny people in odd situations doing odd things. They use a simple theme and expand it. Unfortunately, it didn't expand here as much as it could--and should--have.The beginning of the movie is funny, I'll give it that. When Brewster first gets the money and is trying to blow it--those are the funny parts. It's a bit like films where the hero is learning to adapt to his new abilities ("Spider-Man") or the movies where something is very original and funny but starts to get a tiny bit tiresome later on ("Delirious"). The same goes for "Brewster's Millions": it is funny in the beginning, but it starts to get a bit tiresome after a while. There are only so many gags available when you are talking about a man having to waste money in a certain amount of days.For some reason, the eighties comedies really sparked an interest in films with people in odd places doing odd things. *"Trading Places," "Delirious," just to name a few. They are fanciful, imaginative, and sometimes not that funny. "Brewster's Millions" is the half-way point between funny and average. It is one of those comedies from the eighties retreading familiar terrain. Its humor is that of many comedies from the eighties with famous comedians. I'll be more specific: "Trading Places" with Dan Akyroyd and Eddie Murphy pops to mind--the film I mentioned above. Its humor is a bit like that. If you like "Trading Places," and all those other campy comedies from the eighties where people are put in odd situations, see "Brewster's Millions." The only other reason to see it would be if you are a fan of the actors. I'm a fan of one of them, and I think you can guess who.2.5/5 stars -John Ulmer
Overacting at its best..
posted on 01 Sep 2008Yechh! Richard Pryor is funny? I think not. I almost stomped on the DVD when I was done watching. Then decided to use it as a coffee coaster to remind me not to buy before renting.Real comedy has got to consist of more than just gaping pop-eyed and gesticulating wildly. If not, it quickly deteriorates into boredom and irritation. I cannot understand what others found funny in Richard Pryor's performance. Give me one memorable quip of his from this movie. One memorable scene of his that makes you chuckle when you think back about it. I cannot think of even one. In this particular movie (at least) he is nothing more than an immortal bore, a hack trying too hard to amuse, an actor with zero histrionic ability, and a total lack of any consequence.John Candy on the other hand is a born comic. His body language, acting talents, and facial dexterity are truly cut out for hilarity. Unfortunately, even his presence does little to uplift this celluloid catastrophe.The storyline is absurd. Got to spend 30 million dollars in 30 days without gaining any assets or destroying any assets. OK, what is so hard about this? Lots of reviewers have already provided tons of possibilities. Rent an island or a theme park for 30 days, and bring your friends and family along. Oh come on, this is not even worth the exercise of thinking about. There are SO many possibilities.A movie with not a single redeeming factor. Bah!
great movie let down by lousy soundtrack...& no dvd features
posted on 28 Jun 2008There is no doubt that Brewsters Millions is a wonderful comedy. Richard Pryor really does steal the show with his performance. Unfortunately, and it may be that I got a faulty dvd, but the sound track was so poor I had to turn it off. As I said in the title, it is a great movie and I really do love it, but this dvd was a lousy buy! Oh, and for those of you that think it might be my player or the region code, none of the above as I not only have a world zone player but one that can be programmed to a specific zone such as 1, USA, 4 Asia/Pacific. And I have purchased other dvd's from Amazon with no sound/vision problems. So, I have to say it is the disc...
spending money fast ... the easy way
posted on 13 Jun 2008When Monty Brewster inherits a huge fortune his scheming relative devises a catch. Monty has to spend $10,000 fast before he can inherit his large fortune- no assetts and he can't give any away! He stands for election throwing expensive parties with his loyal friend played by John Candy revelling in their new found fortune. Right up to the last few minutes the ending is always unclear and only the best memory will remember a tiny hugely important detail.
"We're in business to do business, so let's do business!"
posted on 20 May 2008In the realm of absurd 80's comedies, this remake rises above the average thanks to a sharp script and the combined genius of Richard Pryor and John Candy. I wish we could have seen more pictures with that pair. It's not perfect, and some of the other parts should have been cast differently (Lonette McKee as Angela Drake), but this is one of those stories you don't mind watching over and over again. Remember that hand thing John Candy does when he announces his recent investment success? "Ten million, ten million, ten million dollars!" That's one of my enduring image of Candy.
Funny script, this is one of the funniest comedies around
posted on 15 Mar 2008This edge of your seat comedy has lots of jokes, comedy and a great star cast, one of the best stories i've seen and perfectly plotted. Richard Pryor is the greatest comedian of all time, feel free to buy this because it is worth it, you know, a guy has to spend $30 million in 30 days, if he spends it all, he gets $300 million. Now that is comedy.
Brewster's Millions
posted on 11 Jan 2008This was apparently the seventh time the same story had been filmed, and I would guess this is probably the best effort of all of them, from director Walter Hill (48 Hours, Red Heat). Basically Montgomery 'Monty' Brewster (Richard Pryor) is a minor league baseball player, and after a fight ending up appearing before a court, and being cut from his team, a man who has been following him pays his bail. Monty assumes he is a baseball scout, but he takes him to an office to hear that his uncle Rupert Horn (Cocoon's Hume Cronyn) has died, and through his videotaped "living will", Monty discovers he can inherit $300m! He has two choices: Spend $30m within 30 days, telling no-one why you are, and if successful get the fortune, and if not, go broke; or, take $1m on the day; and bravely, Brewster decides to go for the $300m. So, now Brewster is doing every crazy thing he can think of to blow his $30m, with the help of his baseball friend Spike Nolan (John Candy) and personal accountant Angela Drake (Lonette McKee). He uses his money to hire hundreds of staff for high salary, buys a priceless stamp, the highest price hotel room, pays for his baseball to play against a major team, and when he sees his efforts aren't going as well as he thought, he pays for himself to run for the election for Mayor. So, day 30 arrives, and to his knowledge, Monty is completely broke, apart from a $30,000 deposit that a man he trusted held back, but thankfully, before the clock strikes 12, Monty manages to get rid of it, and Edward Roundfield (Pat Hingle) is proud to say he gets the $300m inheritance, and that's where it ends. Also starring Stephen Collins as Warren Cox, Dirty Dancing's Jerry Orbach as Charley Pegler, Tovah Feldshuh as Marilyn, Rick Moranis as Morty King and Reni Santoni as Vin Rapelito. You could see this as a satire on the power of money, both from the positive and negative sides, or you could just see it as Pryor going crazy spending and spending. A funny film that really makes you wonder what would you do in the situation, what would you spend $/£30m on, how fast would you spend it, and would you really want that amount? Worth watching!
Great comedy good story
posted on 25 May 2007I have watched this film twice in the last year I love this movie. Richard Prior has to spend 30 million dollars in thirty days to inherit 300 million dollars sounds easy, not.I won't tell you why not you'll have to watch it to figure that out. John Candy is great as the side kick best friend.I love the vote for none of the above thats great. It has a good story to as you slowly watch Prior begin to hate money,& the fact he can't tell anybody whats going on, you now why he's spending money like a mad man makes it even better. Great remake & I hate remakes now thats saying something.Prior & Candy will surely be missed in my mind.
A modern morality play for today
posted on 08 Mar 2007What I love about this film is that it teaches us to avoid greed and excess while giving us a good laugh at the same time. Made in the context of Gordon Gecko's 'Greed is good' philosophy of the 1980's, its lessons are just as relevant today as we face the economic disaster caused by the selfishness and greed of many of our financial institutions. Brewster finds that friendship, loyalty, honesty and generosity of the heart are far more valuable than the promise of material riches. John Candy's flawed yet redeeming character reminds us that we are all vulnerable to temptation but we don't have to succumb to it. I see Richard Pryor's Brewster join Orson Wells' Charles Foster Kane in his search for Rosebud. Unlike Kane, Brewster's search is more successful. Like all good comedy this film not only entertains us with laughter but also offers us insight into the human condition.
Pryor + Candy = Laughs
posted on 06 Feb 2007You can imagine that any movie that stars Richard Pryor and John Candy must be a funny one, and this definitely qualifies.The plot is disarmingly (and misleadingly) simple. Montgomery Brewster (Pryor) stands to inherit a $300 million fortune from a long lost uncle (played by Hume Cronyn), whose will is videotaped. The catch? To get the money, Brewster must first spend $30 million in 30 days. An additional catch? After spending the $30 million in 30 days, Monty still isn't allowed to own anything. At first I still didn't think there would be that great a challenge, but in fact, as Monty discovers, it's hard to spend $30 million without actually purchasing anything of lasting value.The movie progresses through Monty's spending spree on hotel rooms, parties, employees, the minor league baseball team he played for and finally his campaign to NOT be elected mayor. Other candidates spend millions to get elected; why not spend millions to convince people not to elect you? It's also interesting to see the reactions of his friends (especially Candy) to his squanderings, because another condition to the will is that he can't tell anyone what's going on.It's really quite a lot of fun, and Pryor and Candy together make it worth watching.7/10
Richard Pryor Is Hilarious Once Again
posted on 30 Sep 2006In one of his all time best film performances, Richard Pryor portrays Montgomery Brewster, the pitcher for a minor league baseball team in New Jersey. His wealthy uncle dies and leaves him a $300 million inheritance....but there's a catch. In order to get it, he must spend $30 million in 30 days. It might sound simple enough but a position in the New York stock market as well as a phony election campaign for mayor sometimes keep bringing spent money back to him. Hilarious complications ensue as Pryor attempts to spend all of the money and keep it spent without getting any of it back. Pryor shines in a fine character role that's away from his usual con man typecasting.
Comedy Gold
posted on 07 Jul 2009I cant understand the low IMDb rating for what is a very funny film with two great stars in Richard Pryor and John Candy. Even though its a re-make and very much of its time (the 1980's) there is till plenty of entertainment to be had. Some of the areas of the film are still very relevant if you really could vote for none of the above isn't that a better vote than many of todays politicians? In tone this film is very similar to another 80's comedy - Trading Places, although this is the slightly lesser film it's still very enjoyable with plenty of comedy highlights. Pryor is outstanding and with the talented John Candy in support the film certainly doesn't lack laughs. There is even a message attached in places about the perils of greed and money but the ending feels quite abrupt and it would be nice to see the other characters re-action to the outcome.8/10 - A bright and breezy comedy.