Watch Nothing but Trouble
- PG-13
- 1991
- 1 hr 34 min
-
5.1 (27,731)
Nothing but Trouble is a strange and whimsical 1991 film that stars a handful of comedy icons including Chevy Chase, Dan Aykroyd, and John Candy. The movie is a quirky blend of horror, comedy, and adventure that tells the story of a group of travelers who encounter a band of bizarre characters in an isolated town. The film begins with a classic case of mistaken identity when Manhattan stockbroker Chris Thorne (Chevy Chase) and his wealthy client Diane (Demi Moore) accidentally take a wrong turn on their way to Atlantic City. As they venture deeper into the backwoods of New Jersey, they find themselves pulled over by an eccentric and intimidating police officer named Dennis Valkenheiser (Dan Aykroyd).
After a series of unexpected events and a freak car accident, Chris and Diane are taken to the town of Valkenvania where they meet the rest of the officer's family. The town is a decaying and dilapidated mishmash of dilapidated buildings, junkyards, and grotesque sculptures. It's also populated by a cast of oddball and creepy characters who seem to be stuck in a time warp.
One of the standout performances in the film comes from John Candy who plays Officer Valkenheiser's rotund and good-natured sidekick, Deputy Dennis. Candy's character offers some comic relief in an otherwise bizarre and unsettling film.
As Chris and Diane attempt to leave town, they discover that they're not allowed to go and are instead taken to the courthouse to be tried by the Valkenheiser's eccentric magistrate, Judge Alvin 'J.P' Valkenheiser (also played by Dan Aykroyd). J.P. is a grotesque and frightening character who lords over the town with an iron fist, dispensing his own brand of quirky justice.
With their freedom on the line, Chris and Diane must navigate Jed Clampett-esque traps and challenges to prove their innocence and escape from Valkenvania. Meanwhile, Deputy Dennis looks on from the sidelines, trying to help in his own way while also keeping his own job and family safe.
The film's strangeness and wackiness are part of its charm, but it also has some notable shortcomings. The special effects and makeup have not aged well, and the film has a rough visual quality that may turn off modern audiences. Similarly, some of the jokes and references may fall flat for those not well-versed in the cultural touchstones of the late '80s and early '90s.
Overall, Nothing but Trouble is a darkly comedic adventure that showcases some of the biggest names in comedy from the era. The film's unusual blend of horror and humor, combined with its quirky characters and odd setting, make it a standout comedy film that may not be to everyone's taste but is still a unique and memorable viewing experience.
Nothing but Trouble is a 1991 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 34 minutes. It has received poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.1 and a MetaScore of 13.