There’s a ’90s Dan Aykroyd Movie That Feels More Like Nightmare Fuel Than Comedy
Dan Aykroyd was a major figure in some of the 1980s’ best films, but one 1991 movie he wrote, directed, and starred in stands out—not for laughs, but for unsettling horror: Nothing But Trouble.
Despite featuring an all-star cast including Chevy Chase, Demi Moore, and John Candy, the film never took off as a comedy. It aired frequently on cable back then, and I’ve seen it more times than it truly deserves.
A Star-Studded Cast From a Successful Era
- Chevy Chase was fresh off National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, a classic holiday film.
- John Candy had just appeared in the hit Home Alone.
- Demi Moore’s previous movie was the acclaimed Ghost.
- Dan Aykroyd acted in My Girl earlier that year.
With such a lineup from successful and beloved movies, it’s strange how Nothing But Trouble failed to resonate as a comedy.
The Film’s Plot and Impact
The story is straightforward: Chase and Moore’s characters are on a road trip and end up in a remote town called Valkenvania. What follows is less comedic entertainment and more nightmarish experience.
“Now, when I think back, I don’t think of the laughs; I think of the horrors of the movie, and it’s not just the crummy writing.”
Author’s Summary
This film, despite the star power and comedic intentions, leaves a lasting impression as unsettling rather than amusing.
Would you prefer a more detailed analysis of the film’s themes or focus on the production background?