Nothing But Trouble (1991)
3/4
This is one of the most hated films of all time. It's seemed to work up a cult following over the years, and I think it is perfectly represented in that genre; it's a film so weird and sick that it has to be seen to be believed. Like I specified, this was one of the most negatively reviewed films of its time, and upon release, earned a spot with other legendary cinematic disasters. It doesn't deserve to be with those films. Now, granted, this movie is not perfect; it's far from it. But for my money, it's entertaining to see these people on the screen, and kind of fun.
The movie stars Dan Aykroyd as an absolutely insane judge Alvin Valkenheiser, Chevy Chase as uptight businessman Chris Thorne, Demi Moore as Diane Lightson, and John Candy as sheriff Denis and the Judge's granddaughter, Eldona (John Candy in drag). And if you thought that's bizarre, I'm just getting started. In the film, we follow Chris Thorne, as he agrees to drive his new neighbor Diane Lightson to Atlantic City; along the way, an obnoxious Brazilian couple Fausto and Renalda join them. On the journey, they run a stop sign in the small town of Valkenvania and are arrested and brought against their will to the Judge's house (a marvel of set design - the decorators gathered all the junk that they could find; crushed cars, old toasters, etc). Things become out of control as the couples try to escape the crazy antics and booby traps, while also trying not to get caught. Oh yeah, John Candy is also in drag and Dan Aykroyd plays a giant baby who guards the house. You read that correctly. I originally wrote about this film's bizzaro story; to which I stated that "If you look at it as a comedy, it's one of the greatest disasters in the history of film. But if you look at it as a farce, it's pretty entertaining." I would say that perfectly sums up the film. But enough talking about it; it must be seen to be believed. It's that insane.
Now, to the reception. NO ONE liked this film. Part of its major flaw is the weird direction that Aykroyd takes, it's too weird to suit the material. Then again the whole thing is so weird that it was his own fault.
This film also has an interesting reason behind it; it was in production during a chaotic time; Warner Bros was supervising the disastrous production of the adaption of Tom Wolfe's The Bonfire of the Vanities, which was having extreme trouble getting made. Warner Bros. Was sure they had a hit with Nothing But Trouble, because after all, the cast was excellent. They gave the film 40 million dollars, which Aykroyd burned through like wildfire. When it was shown to the studio, they were curious to see where the film went, as they had not been supervising it. They hated it. It was too dark and was guaranteed an R rating, which the studio didn't want. They fought and fought, and finally the film was released to some of the most negative critical reception ever for a film. It would later be stomped on by the box office; only making roughly 8.5 million on 40 million. It's since become one of the biggest bombs of all time.
I don't think it's that bad; it doesn't make my favorites, but I enjoy it for what it is. It's a cult movie, which doesn't always mean disaster.
