Strange Brew Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Two Canadian beer aficionados stumble into a Hamlet-esque plot involving mind-controlling beer, hockey-playing mental patients, and a brewmaster who’s way too into his job, eh?

🍿 Strange Brew: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Quest for Free Beer

Bob and Doug McKenzie, perpetually unemployed and perpetually thirsty, concoct a scheme to get free beer. They plant a mouse in a beer bottle, hoping to blackmail the local beer store. This backfires, leading them to the Elsinore Brewery.

Strange Happenings at Elsinore Brewery

At the brewery, Bob and Doug land jobs as quality control inspectors. They soon discover that Brewmeister Smith, the brewery’s owner, is plotting to control the world by adding a mind-altering drug to the beer. This plot is intertwined with the recent mysterious death of the brewery’s former owner.

Unraveling the Conspiracy

As Bob and Doug investigate, they meet Pam Elsinore, the rightful heir to the brewery, and Jean LaRose, a former hockey star under Smith’s control. Together, they uncover Smith’s evil plan and the role of Pam’s uncle, Claude Elsinore, in the conspiracy. The brothers find evidence implicating Smith in the murder of Pam’s father via a haunted arcade game.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Bob McKenzie (Rick Moranis): One half of the McKenzie brothers, Bob is a dim-witted, beer-loving hoser who gets caught up in a brewery conspiracy.
• Doug McKenzie (Dave Thomas): The other half of the McKenzie brothers, Doug is equally dim-witted and perpetually seeking free beer with his brother.
• Brewmeister Smith (Max von Sydow): The sinister brewmaster plotting to control the world by drugging Elsinore beer.
• Pam Elsinore (Lynne Griffin): The rightful owner of Elsinore Brewery who becomes entangled in Brewmeister Smith’s evil scheme.
• Claude Elsinore (Paul Dooley): Pam’s bumbling and treacherous uncle who conspires with Brewmeister Smith to seize control of the brewery.
• Jean LaRose (Angus MacInnes): A former hockey player and victim of Brewmeister Smith’s mind control who helps Bob and Doug.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Doug: “Take off, eh!” – A very Canadian and iconic phrase used to dismiss someone, often in a playful or exasperated manner.
• Bob: “Beauty, eh?” – A simple expression of appreciation or approval, frequently used throughout the movie.
• Bob: “Hoser.” – A mild insult or term of endearment, again deeply rooted in Canadian slang, often used to refer to someone considered a bit of a loser or goof.
• Doug: “I am your father, Luke! Give in to the dark side of the Force, you knob!” – Doug misquotes Darth Vader from Star Wars, adding an insult, showcasing their pop culture awareness and comedic delivery.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $4,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $8,571,374
• Worldwide Gross: $8,571,374

💥 Strange Brew Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so *Strange Brew* is totally my kind of movie. It’s like hanging out with your goofiest friends who only speak in Canadian stereotypes. I remember laughing so hard when Bob and Doug are ‘inspecting’ the beer on the bottling line. Seriously, Max von Sydow playing the evil Brewmeister is comedy gold! If you need a guaranteed laugh, this one’s a beauty, eh?

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of SCTV and sketch comedy”
  • “Viewers who appreciate Canadian humor”
  • “Fans of 80s comedies”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Crude humor”
  • “Alcohol use”
  • “Mild violence”
  • “Suggestive Themes”

Professional Reviews

• Comic Book Resources: “A thriller with 94% on Rotten Tomatoes that is perfect for Stanley Kubrick Fans! Rick Moranis and Dave Thomas deliver a hilarious, irreverent take on corporate malfeasance, Shakespeare, and Canadian stereotypes, making it a cult classic.
• TV Regular: “Moonshiners “Strange Brew” S14E11 February 4 2025 on Discovery! The Mackenzie brothers would probably love moonshine too!

Audience Reactions

The exaggerated Canadian humor and constant ‘eh’s’ are hilariously endearing.: Viewers consistently praise the film’s quotability and the comedic chemistry between Rick Moranis and Dave Thomas.

The references to Hamlet, while absurd, add an unexpected layer of comedic depth.: The unique blend of lowbrow humor with subtle nods to Shakespeare elevates the film beyond typical dumb comedies.

Overall Consensus: A cult classic that’s loved for its over-the-top Canadian stereotypes, quotable lines, and surprisingly clever nods to Shakespeare’s Hamlet.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The role of Brewmeister Smith was written with Max von Sydow in mind. Rick Moranis and Dave Thomas thought it would be impossible to get him, but studio head Freddie Fields contacted von Sydow, who agreed after his son, a Second City TV fan, encouraged him.”
• “The film is loosely based on Shakespeare’s Hamlet, with the Elsinore Brewery mirroring Elsinore Castle and various characters loosely mirroring those in the play.”

🖥️ How to Watch Strange Brew?

As of today, you can purchase or rent “Strange Brew” on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. Check your local cable provider for on-demand options as well.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Strange Brew, you might like these similar films:

• Wayne’s World (1992): Features a similar brand of humor, with two lovable, goofy friends navigating absurd situations and pop culture references.
• Canadian Bacon (1995): Another comedy that leans into Canadian stereotypes for comedic effect.
• This Is Spinal Tap (1984): A mockumentary with similar offbeat humor and memorable characters, released around the same time.
• Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back (2001): Shares the same kind of silly and self-aware humor, with a pair of slackers embarking on an unexpected adventure.
• Repo Man (1984): Features an offbeat plot, quirky characters, and a darkly comedic tone that would appeal to fans of cult classics.

🛒 Strange Brew Related Products

• Strange Brew (Blu-ray): Own the classic comedy on Blu-ray! Relive the hilarious adventures of Bob and Doug McKenzie in high definition, plus special features.
• Bob and Doug McKenzie Toque: Get your own Bob and Doug McKenzie toque! Stay warm and look beauty, eh!
• Elsinore Beer T-Shirt: Show your love for the movie with an Elsinore Beer t-shirt! Rep your favorite fictional brew with this comfortable and stylish tee.

🎧 Soundtrack

Strange Brew features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Strange Brew (Title Song)” – performed by Ian Thomas

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Rick Moranis and Dave Thomas | SCTV | Great White North: Canadian Education

Ever wonder where Bob and Doug McKenzie came from? This classic SCTV sketch is a must-see to understand the origins of these hilarious hosers! Seriously, their take on Canadian education is pure gold.

strange brew best parts

Need a quick laugh? This video compiles the absolute BEST parts of Strange Brew. Honestly, it’s a hilarious reminder of why this movie is a cult classic, eh?

Strange Brew – last beer

Remember when Bob and Doug broke Dad’s last beer? This clip is short, sweet, and perfectly captures their hilarious antics. You gotta see it again, eh?

✨ Rate