Brewster’s Millions (1985) Movie Review: A Comedic Treasure and Where to Watch Online
Released in 1985, Brewster’s Millions is a comedy film directed by Walter Hill, starring Richard Pryor and John Candy. Based on the 1902 novel of the same name by George Barr McCutcheon, the film is a modern adaptation of a classic story about a man who must spend a fortune within a limited time to inherit an even greater fortune.
The film follows Montgomery Brewster (Richard Pryor), a minor league baseball player who unexpectedly inherits $300 million from a distant relative. However, there’s a catch: to claim the full inheritance, Brewster must first spend $30 million within 30 days, without acquiring any assets or benefiting from his spending. The film is a comedic exploration of wealth, generosity, and the absurdity of extravagant spending.
For those interested in watching this hilarious and thought-provoking comedy, we’ll provide information on where to stream or purchase Brewster’s Millions online in the U.S.
Plot Summary: Spending to Win
Brewster’s Millions begins with Montgomery Brewster (Richard Pryor), a struggling baseball player, who learns of his inheritance from a wealthy uncle. Brewster’s life changes drastically when he discovers he has inherited $300 million. However, there is a stipulation: he must spend $30 million within 30 days to inherit the remaining fortune.
The challenge presents Brewster with a dilemma: he must spend the money quickly and extravagantly, but not on anything that will leave him with tangible assets or benefit him personally. This leads to a series of comedic situations as Brewster navigates the complexities of spending a fortune in a short period.
Brewster’s spending spree includes buying extravagant items, funding outrageous projects, and making bizarre investments. His attempts to meet the conditions of the will while avoiding personal gain lead to humorous and sometimes chaotic outcomes. Throughout the process, Brewster faces challenges from those who question his motives and attempt to thwart his efforts.
The film explores themes of wealth and materialism, highlighting the absurdity and excessiveness of modern society. Brewster’s journey is not just about spending money but also about discovering what truly matters in life.
Themes: Wealth, Generosity, and the Absurdity of Excess
Brewster’s Millions delves into themes of wealth and generosity, offering a comedic yet insightful look at how money influences behavior and relationships. The film highlights the absurdity of excessive spending and the challenges of meeting the conditions of the inheritance while trying to maintain personal integrity.
The theme of generosity is central to Brewster’s character as he attempts to use his newfound wealth to help others and make a positive impact. Despite the comedic elements, the film underscores the importance of selflessness and the impact of wealth on one’s character.
The absurdity of excessive wealth is portrayed through Brewster’s outlandish spending and the humorous situations that arise from his attempts to fulfill the conditions of the will. The film uses satire to comment on the nature of materialism and the societal obsession with wealth.
Cast and Performances: A Comedic Duo
The cast of Brewster’s Millions delivers memorable performances that enhance the film’s humor and charm:
- Richard Pryor stars as Montgomery Brewster, showcasing his comedic talent and charisma. Pryor’s performance captures Brewster’s transformation from a struggling athlete to a wealthy spender, bringing humor and depth to the character.
- John Candy plays Harrison Poole, Brewster’s loyal friend and advisor who helps him navigate the challenges of spending the inheritance. Candy’s performance adds warmth and comedic relief, complementing Pryor’s portrayal.
- Lonette McKee appears as Angela Drake, Brewster’s love interest, who becomes involved in the spending spree and adds a romantic subplot to the story. McKee’s performance adds charm and depth to the film.
- Stephen Collins plays Tyler Jackson, Brewster’s rival and antagonist who attempts to undermine his efforts. Collins’ performance provides an additional layer of conflict and humor to the film.
The ensemble cast’s chemistry and comedic timing contribute significantly to the film’s success, making it a standout comedy of the 1980s.
Visuals and Direction: A Lighthearted Approach
Walter Hill’s direction in Brewster’s Millions is marked by a lighthearted and comedic approach that effectively captures the film’s humor and themes. Hill’s direction ensures that the film remains entertaining and engaging, with a focus on character-driven comedy and situational humor.
The cinematography, by Ric Waite, captures the vibrant and humorous aspects of Brewster’s spending spree. The visual style complements the film’s comedic tone, adding to its overall charm.
The film’s soundtrack features a mix of upbeat and whimsical music that enhances the comedic moments and adds to the film’s fun and lighthearted atmosphere.
Where to Watch Brewster’s Millions Online in the U.S.
If you’re interested in watching Brewster’s Millions, here’s where you can find it online:
Streaming Services
- Amazon Prime Video
- Brewster’s Millions is available for rent or purchase on Amazon Prime Video. Rental prices typically start at $3.99, while purchasing the film costs around $12.99. The film is available in HD.
- Apple TV (iTunes)
- You can rent Brewster’s Millions for $3.99 or purchase it for $12.99 on Apple TV. The film is available in HD and 4K UHD formats.
- Google Play Movies
- On Google Play Movies, Brewster’s Millions is available for rent ($3.99) or purchase ($12.99). The film is offered in HD.
- Vudu
- Vudu offers Brewster’s Millions for rent at $3.99 or purchase at $12.99. Vudu provides high-quality streaming options, including HDX formats.
- YouTube Movies
- Brewster’s Millions can also be rented or purchased on YouTube Movies. Rental prices start at $3.99, and purchasing the film costs around $12.99. The film is available in HD.
Conclusion: Why Brewster’s Millions Is a Must-Watch
Brewster’s Millions is a comedic classic that combines Richard Pryor’s exceptional humor with a fun and engaging storyline. The film’s exploration of wealth and generosity, along with its lighthearted and entertaining approach, makes it a standout comedy from the 1980s.
Walter Hill’s direction and the film’s vibrant visuals contribute to its overall charm, creating a memorable experience that remains enjoyable and relevant. Whether you’re a fan of Richard Pryor or simply looking for a classic comedy with a unique premise, Brewster’s Millions is a must-watch for its ability to entertain and amuse.
For those interested in experiencing this comedic gem, Brewster’s Millions is available through various streaming and rental options. Its combination of humor and heart makes it a film worth revisiting and enjoying.
