Brewster's Millions (1985)

Featuring: Richard Pryor, John Candy. Director: Walter Hill.

Warning: This movie will stop streaming on May 11th so act fast!

At some point I think we've all fantasized about what we would do if we suddenly came into millions of dollars. Before I'm even done picking my lottery numbers I usually have most of the money spent in my mind already. It's fun to think of the crazy stuff we would do if we suddenly had unlimited resources. Brewster's Millions is a buddy comedy starring Richard Pryor and John Candy that explores that fantasy.

Pryor stars in this movie as a washed-up minor league baseball player who unexpectedly comes into a huge inheritance with the caveat being that he has to spend 30 million dollars in 30 days to get the full 300 million. Extravagance, hi-jinx and light moral lessons ensue.

This is probably one of Richard Pryor's most consistent comedies and there are laughs throughout the movie. And really, if John Candy is in something you know it's going to be a great time. This is an above average 80's comedy that will have you and your friends sitting around talking about what you would do with 30 million dollars. That's really what is most fun about this movie.

To add this movie to your Netflix queue click here.

According to Netflix this movie will stop streaming on 5/11/11. Of course, sometimes they lie.

The Standard 5:

Why is it in your queue? Taylor from Netflix Streaming recommended it.

Is it artsy? Nope, it's an entertaining buddy comedy with Pryor and Candy.

What stood out the most to you? How much it made me want 30 million dollars.

What mood should I be in to watch this movie? Looking for a pleasant comedy that everyone can enjoy.

What rating did you give it on Netflix? 3 Stars. 

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Stir Crazy (1980)

Featuring: Richard Pryor, Gene Wilder, Craig T. Nelson
Director: Sidney Poitier

Warning: This movie is only streaming until March 26th so act fast!

Richard Pryor is a genius. If you didn't know that then get the f*** off my page. Just kidding, I really meant go watch some of his stand-up, it's brilliant. His movie career wasn't anywhere up to par in comparison, but he still had a few funny flicks. In this one he teams up with his usual partner, Gene Wilder, and turns in a pretty funny movie.

In Stir Crazy, Wilder and Pryor are a couple of buddies planning on traveling across the country. Along the way they get framed for bank robbery and end up in jail. As with all prison movies, they try to escape. Unlike most prison movies where the specter of sphincter violation weighs heavily over the characters head, this is a comedy so mostly it's just poking fun at stereotypes about prison and some zany fun just for kicks.

Overall the movie was pretty decent. There were some really funny parts, but I found myself getting distracted a bit here and there. Some of the jokes I've just seen so many times. It's worth it to check this one out just because it's so much fun to watch Wilder and Prior together. That and Sidney Poitier was the director. This movie isn't an accurate reflection of Pryor's genius, but it's fun to watch nonetheless.

To add this movie to your Netflix queue click here.

According to instantwatcher.com this movie will be available for streaming on Netflix until 3/26/11.

The Standard 5:

Why is it in your queue? Richard Pryor & Gene Wilder.

Is it artsy? Nope.

What stood out the most to you? Gene Wilder was rather delightful as a bold free-spirit.

What mood should I be in to watch this movie? Ready for a few laughs and a bit of nostalgia.

What rating did you give it on Netflix? 3 Stars. 

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