Brain Candy was a 1996 comedy film that did not perform well at the box office and has since become a cult classic.
The film “Brain Candy” was created by the Canadian comedy troupe The Kids in the Hall. It was their first and only feature film, released on April 12, 1996. The movie satirizes the pharmaceutical industry and the mental health profession, focusing on a fictional drug called Gleemonex that makes people remember their happiest memory, and subsequently puts them into a comatose state due to its side effects.
Despite its now-cult status, “Brain Candy” was a commercial failure upon its release, grossing only about $2.6 million against its $7 million budget. The film received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising its satirical edge and others finding it uneven and less effective than the troupe’s sketch comedy work on television.
The production of “Brain Candy” was troubled, with disputes arising between the troupe members and Paramount Pictures, the studio behind the film. These disputes, along with the film’s poor performance, contributed to the eventual disbanding of The Kids in the Hall, although they have since reunited for various tours and projects.
Despite its initial reception, “Brain Candy” has gained a dedicated fan base over the years, with many viewers appreciating its dark humor and commentary on pharmaceuticals and mental health. The film features the Kids in the Hall members playing multiple roles, a hallmark of their comedic style, and includes a soundtrack with contributions from various alternative rock musicians.