The Brain is a 1988 science fiction horror film directed by Ed Hunt, and written by Hunt and Barry Pearson. The film stars Tom Bresnahan as Jim Majelewski, a high school student who becomes suspicious of Dr. Blake's TV show and uncovers his sinister agenda. The film also stars Cynthia Preston as Janet, Jim's love interest, and David Gale as Dr. Blake.
The Brain is a parasitic organism that Dr. Blake and his assistant, Dr. Mayer, have obtained from another planet. The Brain possesses people by embedding itself in their brains, making them obedient to Dr. Blake's orders. In the TV show, Dr. Blake uses The Brain to spread his mind control to millions of viewers.
Jim initially suspects that something is off about the show when he watches an episode with his girlfriend Janet, who becomes mesmerized by Dr. Blake's teachings. Jim sneaks onto the set of the show and discovers The Brain, which tries to infect him as well. He manages to escape, but the experience leaves him traumatized.
Determined to stop Dr. Blake and The Brain, Jim enlists the help of his friends and a local radio DJ to spread the word about the dangers of the TV show. However, Dr. Blake is one step ahead of them and uses The Brain to attack Jim and his friends.
In the climax of the film, Jim confronts Dr. Blake in his lair and manages to destroy The Brain, freeing everyone who had been under its control. Dr. Blake attempts to escape, but is killed by one of his own traps.
The Brain received mixed reviews upon its release but has since gained a cult following for its campy sci-fi horror elements and satirical critique of self-help movements.