I love that my Facebook page and this website gives me a platform to recommend films that I like to people who might enjoy them as much as I do.
Likewise, I’ve watched a lot of films this past year that some of you have recommended to me. A few of my favourites (off the top of my head) have been The Way Way Back (2013), Cop Land (1997) and most recently, Pan’s Labyrinth (2006) thanks to a few of you in the comments of my recent Doug Jones post.
I’m always a bit nervous about watching films that have been recommended on here though just because, I suppose I feel a certain pressure to say I liked them even if I don’t.
Last night I watched a film that a certain Screenroomer has urged me to watch several times over the last few weeks.
Nothing But Trouble (1991)
If you haven’t this movie, it’s a quirky black comedy starring Chevy Chase (National Lampoon’s Vacation), Demi Moore (Ghost), Dan Aykroyd (Ghostbusters) and John Candy (Planes, Trains & Automobiles) among others.
This is what it’s about according to the internet:
While attempting to seduce gorgeous lawyer Diane Lightson (Moore), wealthy gadabout Chris Thorne (Chase) agrees to drive her to Atlantic City, N.J. But, when some reckless driving draws the attention of a deeply critical cop (Candy), they and the flamboyant "Brazillionaires" who tagged along end up in the court of a grotesque and vengeful judge (Aykroyd), who has a special vendetta against the wealthy and erudite.
The story was actually written by Dan Aykroyd’s brother, Peter, and was apparently inspired by an incident in which Dan was pulled over for speeding in upstate New York one day and taken to the justice of the peace to stand trial in what Dan referred to as a "kangaroo court".
This is a bizarre film!
To say I enjoyed it would be a slight exaggeration but I didn’t hate it either. It gave me a few chuckles here and there but for the most part I was just wondering how the hell it got made.
It definitely has some funny moments and the over-all premise is interesting and original, however a lot of the comedy fell a bit flat and for a lot of the movie I was wondering where it was going and when it would eventually get there.
I have to say though, Dan Aykroyd is brilliant in this movie and almost unrecognisable as the demented 106 year old Judge Alvin Valkenheiser, not to mention another character he plays called Bobo. However, between the two characters he’s so well covered in prosthetics and a “fat suit” that I didn’t even realise it was him in the second role until the end credits.
John Candy I felt was a little under-utilised. He also plays two characters - the second being an entertaining surprise but I’ve definitely seen him in much better roles.
Watching the movie I couldn’t help thinking it reminded me of a number of other films. It has elements of The 'Burbs (1989), Psycho (1960), The Hills Have Eyes (1977), and even The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974) but with comedy being the main focus.
I don’t know if I would’ve enjoyed it more had I watched it years ago, but watching it now 30 years later, I found it a bit of a struggle despite the fact that it has an impressive cast, three of whom (Aykroyd, Chase and Candy) have appeared in some of my favourite movies over the years.
I’m glad I’ve watched this film and I’m sorry that this post isn’t singing it’s praises, but hey, we all like different things at the end of the day.
I recently recommended The 'Burbs to a friend of mine who watched it and didn’t find it funny in the slightest. It’s one of my favourite comedies so it just goes to show how a film that can hit the spot with one person can miss by a mile with someone else.
Nothing But Trouble is currently available to rent for the reasonable sum of £3.49 on Amazon Prime.
Seen it? Let me know your thoughts.