Strange Brew (1983)

VHS CASE/ SIDE

Length of film: 90 Minutes

Rated: 12A

Genre: Comedy, Sci-Fi

Director: Rick Moranis, Dave Thomas

Starring: Rick Moranis, Dave Thomas, Max von Sydow, Paul Dooley, Lynne Griffin, Angus MacInnes, Douglas Campbell

IMDB Rank: 6.6 /10 (August 2026)

Part 1 Time: 51 Minutes

Part 2 Time:  39 Minutes

***Although this break is satire, it is nevertheless an official intermission.

Where does the first part end? Bob (Rick Moranis) and Doug (Dave Thomas) careen into Lake Ontario with both trapped inside the van.

Final line of dialogue on the first part: The Inspector (Tom Harvey) talks aloud looking at Lake Ontario with two police officers; “Down there ten minutes? Nobody can last that long. Not Houdini, not anyone.”

First line of dialogue on the second part: No dialogue, as Henry Green is loaded into an ambulance. Police divers locate the van underwater. Dialogue begins 2 minutes after the intermission with Doug stating to his brother Bob “Hey, hoser.”

How jarring is it when the first part ends? Jarring, both Pam (Lynne Griffin) and Henry Green (Douglas Campbell) were able to escape the van as it was submerged into the lake. With Doug and Bob still trapped in the van, it seems very unlikely they will be able to survive.

Which part is better? This film has lots of recognizable Canadian-comedy moments, especially with the use of ‘eh’ after many statements. The second half is stronger as the movie becomes more action-oriented and relatable to non-Canadian audiences with the brewery conspiracy becoming the major focal point.

Academy Awards: None