When originally released, Nothing but Trouble (1991) was served with universally negative reviews, most famously from prolific film reviewer Roger Ebert who claimed it was one of the poorest films of the year and refused to even give it a rating.
Playing somewhat like a comedy version of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1973), Nothing but Trouble finds Chevy Chase starring as financial advisor Chris Thorne who is travelling along with lawyer Diane Lightson (Demi Moore) to Atlanta, so that she can meet with a client. Unfortunately for them they decide to take a detour into the rundown town of Valkenvania.
After running afoul of local policeman Dennis Valkenheiser (John Candy), they are arrested and taken before Dennis’s 106 year old grandfather, Judge Alvin Valkenheiser (Dan Aykroyd). After Thorne offends the Judge, they are trapped in a hidden room under the Judge’s courthouse. After overhearing the Judge executing a gang of drunk drivers, Thorne and Lightson realise that they will have to attempt an escape before they are next.
Whilst Nothing but Trouble will never be considered anyone’s finest work, it still proves to be better than its poor reviews would signify and should definitely be enjoyed by comedy and horror fans alike.
One of the main complaints at the time was the gross out humour and that the tone was inconsistent, veering freely between humour and horror. Audiences who showed up were probably expecting something like previous Aykroyd/Chase vehicle Spies Like Us (1985) but were given something more in the vein of Peter Jackson's Braindead (1992). Perhaps if released today it would be better appreciated.
Nothing but Trouble marked the only directorial work from Dan Aykroyd. Spreading himself thin, he not only acted and directed but also co-wrote the blackly comic script with his brother Peter Aykroyd.
He originally offered the likes of John Hughes and John Landis the chance to direct, but they turned him down. Aykroyd finally made the decision to direct himself. Its ultimate failure at the box office went and put a stop to any further work for Aykroyd behind the camera.
Aykroyd actually does a good job behind the camera, getting good performances from his talented cast. The terrific set design and quality camera work from ace director of photography Dean Cundey also set it apart from other comedies of the time.
His and his brothers script does miss the mark at some points, but has enough out there touches that keep things interesting. The only thing Aykroyd really did wrong was think that a mainstream crowd would have accepted its weird delights.
However the version that ultimately made it to screen wasn't entirely Aykroyd's vision, with him having to make a number of changes. Due to poor preview screenings, he was forced to reduce the amount of violence in order to bring the rating down to a PG-13. In addition the title was changed from Valkenvania to the more generic Nothing but Trouble.
In front of the camera, Aykroyd has great fun as the repulsive Judge Valkenheiser. Covered head to toe in prosthetics, Aykroyd is totally unrecognisable. He has numerous funny but gross out scenes. Let's just say you probably won’t be longing for a hot dog anytime soon. Having played a number of memorable characters throughout his career, this is possibly the most twisted he ever played.
Just to give himself more work, Aykroyd plays a second role, that of overgrown baby Bobo. It turns out that Aykroyd took the part because no-one else would play the role.
Apparently Chevy Chase was quite unhappy during production and proved to be increasingly difficult to work with. Fortunately this doesn't show in his performance, with him bringing the same laid back charm and humour he had shown so successfully in the likes of Fletch (1985).
Demi Moore pretty much plays the straight role, and is mostly only there to be rescued and wear skimpy outfits, which I must admit she does quite well.
John Candy is always a welcome sight, but this is definitely one of his lesser roles, or too be exact, roles. Like Aykroyd he plays dual roles, showing up as Dennis’ twin sister Eldona. Candy in drag is truly a sight to behold.
Rounding out the main cast are smaller roles from Taylor Negron and Bertila Damas who play two especially annoying characters who invite themselves on Chase's trip. Also keep your eyes peeled for Daniel Baldwin as a sleazy criminal who is given his comeuppance in quite an unforgettable way.
Due to its not exactly stellar reputation, Nothing but Trouble can be hard to track down. Although it's not the laugh fest you would expect from those involved, I would still recommend viewers to give it a chance, as it has its own unique charms.
Rating: 3/5
Review by Darren Murray
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