Brewster's Millions Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.0
Audio		3.5
Extras		4.0
Overall		4.0

Brewster's Millions Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf January 4, 2020

While not known for his interest in comedies, director Walter Hill aims for a little more marketplace visibility with 1985’s “Brewster’s Millions.” Many have been here before, as the original 1903 novel by George Barr McCutcheon has been turned into various plays and movies, with many drawn to the premise of a month-long secretive spending spree, offering a direct level of wish fulfillment and dramatic panic. For his take on the source material, Hill brings in Richard Pryor, and while the actor was in the midst of his take-all-jobs career craze during the 1980s, he makes for an appealing Montgomery Brewster, delivering one of his most assured performances as the titular man-with-millions, offered ideal support from John Candy, who provides his own nervous energy to keep the picture buzzing along. “Brewster’s Millions” isn’t broad or manic, as Hill finds a way to capture monetary excitement without slipping into excess, creating an entertaining endeavor that delivers pure charm, not necessarily huge laughs.

Montgomery Brewster (Richard Pryor) is an aging minor league baseball pitcher who once had his time in the pros. With the Hackensack Bulls, he’s losing his touch, supported by his best pal, and catcher, Spike (John Candy). Montgomery’s luck changes when he’s informed his great-uncle Rupert (Hume Cronyn) has left him a fortune, but only if he plays a specific game in secret, tasked with spending 30 million dollars in 30 days, with the reward being 300 million dollars. Paired with accountant Angela (Lonette McKee), Montgomery sets out to conquer this challenge, quickly realizing that such a freewheeling lifestyle is more difficult than he originally imagined. Unable to share his goal with anyone, the pitcher struggles to lose a fortune while trying to romance Angela, who’s dating Warren (Stephen Collins), a man called into service by his law firm to help thwart Montgomery’s chances to complete his mission.

While his natural comedic way remains in the picture, it’s interesting to watch Pryor try to play a common man in “Brewster’s Millions.” The character is earnest but down on his luck, clinging to his experience in Major League Baseball while trying to make something happen in the minors, hoping a scout will bring his back up to The Show for another round of glory. He’s a loyal friend to Spike and devoted to his team, but heightened antics soon flood the story once the inheritance game begins, forcing Montgomery to lose a fortune while keeping the whole thing a secret, making it difficult for others to watch him burn through cash so recklessly. Pryor carries the feature well, offering an easygoing performance with flashes of panic as Montgomery is hit with the difficulties of his quest, giving Hill just enough pent-up anxiety to encourage a few laughs along the way.

The bulk of the “Brewster’s Millions” viewing experience remains with the main character and his efforts to shed 30 million dollars. The adventure is pleasingly eventful, with screenwriters Timothy Harris and Herschel Weingrod coming up with a few inventive cash dumps for the ballplayer, including an investment in a motorized glacier company and a push to give the Bulls the opportunity of a lifetime by setting up an exhibition game with the New York Yankees. There’s an inherent sugar rush quality to watching Montgomery go wild with his coin, though a mid-movie detour into a political run to help burn off sizable loot isn’t quite as compelling as the other misadventures with money. Getting the picture back up to speed is extensive confusion from Angela and evil intentions from Warren, who’s out to disrupt Montgomery’s journey for the benefit of his law firm.

For additional analysis, please read Martin Liebman’s 2017 review.

Brewster's Millions Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Originally released on Blu-ray in 2017, "Brewster's Millions" makes a quick return to disc via Shout Factory. The AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation appears to utilize the same master as the Universal release, delivering a pleasant look at the mild visual highlights of the feature. Detail emerges without too much struggle, picking up on facial particulars, preserving distinctions between the polished appearance of the rich and Brewster's lack of refinement. Costuming remains fibrous, doing well with formal wear and the satin-y baseball uniforms Brewster orders for his big game against the Yankees. Colors also benefit from boosts in primaries, including the deep blue of the aforementioned uniforms and appealing greenery. Elegance in golds and neon also come through as intended. Skintones are natural. Delineation is preserved, securing evening encounters and darker outfits. Source is in good condition, without pronounced wear and tear.

Brewster's Millions Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix supports the limited sound design of the feature, leading with acceptable dialogue exchanges that touch on a few, brief crackly highs. Emotionality is secured, including Montgomery's panic attacks and argumentative behavior. Scoring runs on the loud side, occasionally threatening modest performances, but instrumentation is satisfactory. Soundtrack selections are also acceptable. Atmospherics are limited, but ballpark commotion and street activity is present, just not especially distinct.

Brewster's Millions Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary features podcasters William Bibbiani and Witney Seibold.

• Interview (10:59, HD) with co-screenwriter Herschel Weingrod examines the history of the source material, which has inspired all sorts of reworkings and remakes. The original idea for this version of "Brewster's Millions" was to create a starring vehicle for Bill Murray, but once Walter Hill became involved, attention turned to Richard Pryor, who requested the writers eliminate race issues from the screenplay. Weingrod is complimentary to his partner, Timothy Harris, sharing examples of their working relationship, and he discusses the addition of John Candy to the cast, with the actor trying to slim down to portray a baseball player. The interviewee explores the "comedy of frustration" that drives "Brewster's Millions," also offering inspirations for a few of the jokes in the movie, including ballpark train interruptions and the rare stamp. Weingrod closes with positive thoughts about his work and the feature.

• "Brewster's Millions" (78:52, HD) is the 1945 adaptation of the original George Barr McCutcheon novel, starring Dennis O'Keefe and Helen Walker. The feature is presented with 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound and English subtitles.

• Still Gallery (7:11) collects publicity shots and film stills.

• And a Theatrical Trailer (1:28, SD) is included.

Brewster's Millions Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Hill creates an easygoing mood for "Brewster's Millions," keeping enthusiasm up by returning to media coverage of Montgomery's run, as the local news grows obsessed with this strange man and his monetary lunacy. Hill encourages pace and spirit, but tends to whiff on bellylaughs, as those are few and far between in the picture, which is always more content with crazy situations of loss and gain, creating a roller coaster ride of emotions for Montgomery. "Brewster's Millions" is most effective taking in such anxiety, studying the character as he deals with setbacks to his month-long mission, while experiences in minor league baseball feel lived-in, including the Bulls' ballpark, which is built on a rail line, with trains often interrupting the game. There have been a slew of these McCutcheon adaptions since the novel's initial publication, and most of them capture the insanity of the central inheritance challenge. For 1985, Hill does just fine with the premise, delivering one of the most successful versions of the tale.