Brainscan

Brainscan is without a doubt one of the better horror movies to come out in the 90's. Since it isn't attached to the SCREAM money machine, it is often overlooked. Well take my words that this movie is extremely original, well directed and well acted. A good cast makes this movie...and a great movie it is. Do not miss this or overlook it. It should be viewed and then decide for yourself. A rating of 9 out of 10 was given.

A very strange film. If I had seen it as a younger kid, I think I would have been a lot more into it. With a plot about a virtual reality video game in which you get to indulge in people's sickest innermost urges (killing people).

It's a little too violent for pre-teens, yet that's why it would be such a stand out movie at that age. Unfotunately, it's a little too awkward and dumb for anyone over the age of 15 to really get into. The strange mix of the "video game plot", with the extremely voyeuristic murder scenes, and the goofy HOST of the game, "Trickster" who is reminiscent of Howie Mandell's character in Little Monsters, doesn't blend quite so well. The movie overall gives you a very uncomfortable feeling but it's too campy to be one of those "I love it because it's so incredibly hard to watch" movies like Irreversible for example.

The cheesy effects are actually pretty entertaining at least. Recommended for Edward Furlong fans and fans of simply bizarre 90's movies, otherwise not so sure.

This movie really did remind me of the 90s Goosebumps show. The silly premise of what if a video game took over your mind and actually made you do the violent acts in real life, the over the top villain Trickster, the mediocre acting by the main character (yeah he's awful), and the cheesy effects all feel right at home for Goosebumps, albeit with more violence and brief nudity. Had the nudity not been in the movie, this probably could've been PG-13 back then and easily PG by todays standards.

That being said, I found this movie surprisingly entertaining even if the acting and effects aren't the best. The story although basic really kept my attention. If you grew up with Goosebumps, give this a watch, it's a pure nostalgia hit.

'Brainscan' is a true 90's horror classic. The film has a unique premise, and an ending you won't see coming from a mile away.

Ok, so the film is about a gaming fanatic, Michael (Edward Furlong) who boasts about having played every game out there. Through his friend Kyle, he is introduced to a brand new, super interactive game called 'Brainscan'. And it literally means just that: it scans your brain and incorporates your subconscious mind into the game. Things soon get much, much more complicated than this, though (for Michael).

Furlong is very good as Michael, but the best performance by far, was T. Ryder Smith as The Trickster. He defines the character. The film's make-up and visual effects are also very good, keeping in mind CGI wasn't a big thing back then. (CGI was only really prominently used in films after the success of 'Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring).

'Brainscan' is fast-paced and captivating, keeping the viewer glued to the screen. The film sucks you in as Michael's world spirals out of control. There never really is a dull moment. This is a very clever script. On the downside, the film's lighting isn't very good, resulting in a film that is very dark - even during daytime. Nevertheless, 'Brainscan' is an interesting watch with a great reveal.

This will probably be more suited to a teen audience, but it is good fun throughout. Edward Furlong (T2) plays a horror fanatic who stumbles upon an advert in a horror magazine advertising a CD ROM game called 'Brainscan' He decides to play it but is skeptical, that is until he gets a little more than he bargained for. The idea is good and it holds up for most of the way if not all, but it is good for a rental and will keep you amused for an hour and a half. T. Ryder Smith is good as 'Trickster', a creepy character who emerges from the game.