58 reviews
Jealous, harried air traffic controller Max Fiedler (Chevy Chase), recently dumped by his girlfriend, comes into contact with nuclear waste and is granted the power of telekinesis, which he uses not only to win her back, but to gain a little revenge.
The bloody nose scene goes from mildly amusing to rather revolting, and that made it something I could have done without. But that was the only really bad part of the film.
Fans of Chase may not have seen this one, as it is not well known. Younger fans (those who now know him best from "Community") will definitely not have heard of it. Check it out. Please.
The bloody nose scene goes from mildly amusing to rather revolting, and that made it something I could have done without. But that was the only really bad part of the film.
Fans of Chase may not have seen this one, as it is not well known. Younger fans (those who now know him best from "Community") will definitely not have heard of it. Check it out. Please.
"Modern Problems" was one of those movies that got a lot of play on HBO when I was a kid in the early 80s, and since I was a big Chevy Chase fan at the time, I watched it over and over again. Nearly 30 years later, the film had all but faded from my memory except for a few random bits so when it turned up on Fox Movie Channel over the weekend I decided to give it a shot.
90 minutes later I'm sitting here thinking to myself "Wow, this was pretty bad wasn't it?", and I'm not sure if the film hadn't aged well, or if it simply wasn't a very good film to begin with. All I can say is that I remember enjoying it a heck of a lot more as an easier-to-impress 12 year old.
Chase plays Max, a stressed out Air Traffic Controller who's got serious relationship problems. He's recently broken up with his live-in girlfriend, and his ex-wife (Mary Kay Place), whom he apparently has kept a friendly relationship with, is now "schtupping" (that's an exact quote) an old friend of his from high school (Brian Doyle-Murray, aka Bill's brother). As if that weren't enough, a chance meeting with a leaky Nuclear Waste truck on the highway one night splatters him with radioactive goo, and he wakes up the next morning with telekinetic powers.
You'd think that this would be a license to do a totally go-for-broke slapstick comedy but oddly enough very little is made of Max's newfound abilities till the film is almost over. Chase isn't his usual wild-and-wacky self either, preferring to mope around mooning over his girlfriend (Patti D'Arbanville). Eventually the dysfunctional foursome (Chase, D'arbanville, Doyle-Murray, and Place) go off to Murray's beach house to spend the weekend, joined by one of Murray's clients, an insufferable self-help author played by Dabney Coleman. Coleman is the funniest thing in the film, as his constant jabs and insults finally poke Chase's character into a full on telekinetic meltdown that can only be stopped by a voodoo ritual (?) performed by Murray's Haitian housekeeper (Nell Carter).
"Modern Problems" tries to be quirky and wacky but spends most of the film falling flat on its face. It's got a decent cast and an interesting premise, but its greatest sin is that it casts a gifted comic like Chase and then tells him to be morose and unfunny for much of the run time (till he finally explodes towards the end).
There are a few good bits (Chase using his power to give a guy a massive nosebleed in the middle of a swanky restaurant is a highlight, as is the entire "voodoo" scene) but otherwise "Modern Problems" isn't very "modern" anymore. Easily skippable even for hardcore Chevy Chase fans.
90 minutes later I'm sitting here thinking to myself "Wow, this was pretty bad wasn't it?", and I'm not sure if the film hadn't aged well, or if it simply wasn't a very good film to begin with. All I can say is that I remember enjoying it a heck of a lot more as an easier-to-impress 12 year old.
Chase plays Max, a stressed out Air Traffic Controller who's got serious relationship problems. He's recently broken up with his live-in girlfriend, and his ex-wife (Mary Kay Place), whom he apparently has kept a friendly relationship with, is now "schtupping" (that's an exact quote) an old friend of his from high school (Brian Doyle-Murray, aka Bill's brother). As if that weren't enough, a chance meeting with a leaky Nuclear Waste truck on the highway one night splatters him with radioactive goo, and he wakes up the next morning with telekinetic powers.
You'd think that this would be a license to do a totally go-for-broke slapstick comedy but oddly enough very little is made of Max's newfound abilities till the film is almost over. Chase isn't his usual wild-and-wacky self either, preferring to mope around mooning over his girlfriend (Patti D'Arbanville). Eventually the dysfunctional foursome (Chase, D'arbanville, Doyle-Murray, and Place) go off to Murray's beach house to spend the weekend, joined by one of Murray's clients, an insufferable self-help author played by Dabney Coleman. Coleman is the funniest thing in the film, as his constant jabs and insults finally poke Chase's character into a full on telekinetic meltdown that can only be stopped by a voodoo ritual (?) performed by Murray's Haitian housekeeper (Nell Carter).
"Modern Problems" tries to be quirky and wacky but spends most of the film falling flat on its face. It's got a decent cast and an interesting premise, but its greatest sin is that it casts a gifted comic like Chase and then tells him to be morose and unfunny for much of the run time (till he finally explodes towards the end).
There are a few good bits (Chase using his power to give a guy a massive nosebleed in the middle of a swanky restaurant is a highlight, as is the entire "voodoo" scene) but otherwise "Modern Problems" isn't very "modern" anymore. Easily skippable even for hardcore Chevy Chase fans.
I never really got into this movie, it's more strange than it is funny. And Chevy wasn't his usual self either, he was way to morose and distant to really side with his character or empathise with him in any way.
Chevy plays Max Fielder, an air-traffic controller who's life is constantly in the toilet and bad luck follows him everywhere. He's very paranoid and possessive over his girlfriend, so much so that she dumps him for some total dork.
On his way home from a disastrous night out his car is sprayed with radioactive gunk from a leaky government truck. He is soon blessed/cursed with telekinetic abilities, which he uses to get revenge on those who make his life miserable.
It could have been really fun but it's just...weird. Ken Shapiro (who?) does not have the same edge in his direction as Harold Ramis, Michael Ritchie or John Landis and he doesn't know how to fully use Chevy's brand of humor. There are some laughs to be had though, but their not so memorable.
The DVD is in 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen but it's mostly all shot in soft focus so there's nothing outstanding here. The sound is plain old Mono and it's alright if nothing else, though the dialogue has very heavy use of ADR. A trailer and TV spot are included. Oh...and that theme song playing over the menu, opening and closing credits? Yuck!
Chevy plays Max Fielder, an air-traffic controller who's life is constantly in the toilet and bad luck follows him everywhere. He's very paranoid and possessive over his girlfriend, so much so that she dumps him for some total dork.
On his way home from a disastrous night out his car is sprayed with radioactive gunk from a leaky government truck. He is soon blessed/cursed with telekinetic abilities, which he uses to get revenge on those who make his life miserable.
It could have been really fun but it's just...weird. Ken Shapiro (who?) does not have the same edge in his direction as Harold Ramis, Michael Ritchie or John Landis and he doesn't know how to fully use Chevy's brand of humor. There are some laughs to be had though, but their not so memorable.
The DVD is in 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen but it's mostly all shot in soft focus so there's nothing outstanding here. The sound is plain old Mono and it's alright if nothing else, though the dialogue has very heavy use of ADR. A trailer and TV spot are included. Oh...and that theme song playing over the menu, opening and closing credits? Yuck!
- CuriosityKilledShawn
- Mar 10, 2005
- Permalink
For whatever reason, many people abhor this movie. Hence, my need to provide you with an alternative opinion. First, don't watch it expecting belly laughs as you will be, at the least, very disappointed. The modern problems confronting Chevy Chase in 1981 are still for many the problems of today - the problems of love, hate, jealousy, and revenge. But don't start thinking this is a heavy or serious movie disguised as a comedy. It is in fact a comedic journey of self-discovery that one man endures - with a little help from some nuclear waste.
Guys: It is worth watching if for no other reason than to watch Barry (Mitch Kreindel) get his just desserts in the restaurant.
Girls: It is worth watching if for no other reason than to see how true love can obliterate a man's insecurities.
I have to mention Dabney Coleman because I think he gives one of his best ever comedic performances. He's not too far removed from the part he played as the Boss in 9 to 5. And it is fun to watch him get his come-uppance.
All in all, this is not a great movie, granted. But I could think of a lot worse ways to spend two hours on a Sunday afternoon.
Guys: It is worth watching if for no other reason than to watch Barry (Mitch Kreindel) get his just desserts in the restaurant.
Girls: It is worth watching if for no other reason than to see how true love can obliterate a man's insecurities.
I have to mention Dabney Coleman because I think he gives one of his best ever comedic performances. He's not too far removed from the part he played as the Boss in 9 to 5. And it is fun to watch him get his come-uppance.
All in all, this is not a great movie, granted. But I could think of a lot worse ways to spend two hours on a Sunday afternoon.
Acting Lesson #1:
Let's say (hypothetically) that you (yes you!) are a cast member of fledgling hour-long skit-based comedy program Saturday Night Live in the Lord's year 1975. Perhaps you are one of the more popular performers on said program. All over America, SNL is exploding in popularity, and millions tune in to witness your own special brand of physical comedy. Now let's say you get cocky. You figure if you're already so popular on national television, you could become even MORE popular in the movies. So after only one year on the show, you leave to pursue a career in Hollywood. But you weren't ready. You hadn't built enough hype up as a TV star yet, and with what appears to be no consideration whatsoever, you accept every movie roll that comes along.
That, ladies and gentleman, is the story of Chevy Chase. Despite his obvious comedy genius, he blindly accepted the roll of our protagonist Max Fielder in the godawful Modern Problems. Wrought with visible camera equipment, transparent special effects, weird and upsetting continuity errors (including teleportation), and more shots of the boom mic than of Chase himself, Modern Problems is much like a poorly edited home movie.
Now we've established Chases's undiscriminating attitude, but what on earth possessed the rest of the cast? This stinker touted a few reasonably well-known names such as Dabney Coleman, Nell Carter, Mary Kay Place, SNL alum Brian Doyle-Murray, and a guest shot by Pat Proft. Perhaps the first 100 actors to sign up were given a free calendar.
Regardless, I would never pretend that this movie had no value. Like at least 60% of all films, it becomes an instant classic when you and a group of friends gather to guffaw at it's obvious shortcomings. And, heck, there are some legitimate Chevy jokes in Modern Problems. Don't miss the line "Smells like feet!"
Let's say (hypothetically) that you (yes you!) are a cast member of fledgling hour-long skit-based comedy program Saturday Night Live in the Lord's year 1975. Perhaps you are one of the more popular performers on said program. All over America, SNL is exploding in popularity, and millions tune in to witness your own special brand of physical comedy. Now let's say you get cocky. You figure if you're already so popular on national television, you could become even MORE popular in the movies. So after only one year on the show, you leave to pursue a career in Hollywood. But you weren't ready. You hadn't built enough hype up as a TV star yet, and with what appears to be no consideration whatsoever, you accept every movie roll that comes along.
That, ladies and gentleman, is the story of Chevy Chase. Despite his obvious comedy genius, he blindly accepted the roll of our protagonist Max Fielder in the godawful Modern Problems. Wrought with visible camera equipment, transparent special effects, weird and upsetting continuity errors (including teleportation), and more shots of the boom mic than of Chase himself, Modern Problems is much like a poorly edited home movie.
Now we've established Chases's undiscriminating attitude, but what on earth possessed the rest of the cast? This stinker touted a few reasonably well-known names such as Dabney Coleman, Nell Carter, Mary Kay Place, SNL alum Brian Doyle-Murray, and a guest shot by Pat Proft. Perhaps the first 100 actors to sign up were given a free calendar.
Regardless, I would never pretend that this movie had no value. Like at least 60% of all films, it becomes an instant classic when you and a group of friends gather to guffaw at it's obvious shortcomings. And, heck, there are some legitimate Chevy jokes in Modern Problems. Don't miss the line "Smells like feet!"
For those people inclined to do hard drugs they're bound to do something dumb or dangerous when they're high. For most people, if they have a bad acid trip, then whatever they do is usually only witnessed by a select few.
When you have money and influence, and you have a bad acid trip and make a movie, thousands of people get to see it. You see, the difference between the two is money and influence.
That's what Modern Problems is--a bad acid trip. It was directionless and uninspired. The characters were wholly random as was the plot. There was truly no point, which would've been fine if it were a spoof, but it wasn't. Chevy Chase et al sputtered around on screen until the director said, "Cut and that's a wrap." How this waste of celluloid was ever released in theaters I'll never know.
When you have money and influence, and you have a bad acid trip and make a movie, thousands of people get to see it. You see, the difference between the two is money and influence.
That's what Modern Problems is--a bad acid trip. It was directionless and uninspired. The characters were wholly random as was the plot. There was truly no point, which would've been fine if it were a spoof, but it wasn't. Chevy Chase et al sputtered around on screen until the director said, "Cut and that's a wrap." How this waste of celluloid was ever released in theaters I'll never know.
- view_and_review
- Dec 18, 2019
- Permalink
- RIPBelushi
- Aug 31, 2006
- Permalink
- anaconda-40658
- Apr 20, 2016
- Permalink
Being a Chevy Chase fan I might cut this one a little more slack, but even so there's no denying there's more cold side-effects than are hot ones in this early, but quite minor leading Chase vehicle (which two years later the very successful and iconic 'Vacation' would follow).
Coming from the feature is a cruel, rude and mean-spirited vibe (which was done better in Martin Scorsese's 1985 dark comedy 'After Hours') that sees Chase in quite a dreary cloud of sappiness and finding himself in one degrading mishap after another and to cap it off his girlfriend has just left him because of his clingy nature. One night while driving his car behind a truck, the context in the tanker (nuclear waste) ends up on him giving the abilities of telekinesis and a nice green glow. He then begins use this power in ridding any sort of obstacles that get in the way of reuniting with his ex-girlfriend (which is beautifully played by Patti D'Arbanville).
With a better script (which includes plenty of sexual innuendo), it could have been so much more, but while the cast (featuring Dabney Coleman, Nell Carter, Mary Kay Place and Brian Doyle-Murray) do the best. The one-joke script lets them down. The humour is mainly off the mark, as it never rises above the superfluous material and characters are not particularly engaging (especially Chase's loathsome character). It's a story were the humour contributes, rather than just being there for the sake of it, however it's a awkward mess of staged ideas and plastered visual gags. The special effects are modest, pacing is flat, style seems bland and the film looks quite murky. There's a real lack of passion, but director Ken Shapiro is saved by a few amusing (brisk, but enjoyable) comedic inclusions. But in the end these peculiar touches just weren't enough.
Far from a laugh-riot with a little too much dead space, but 'Modern Problems' remains barely a passable throwaway.
Coming from the feature is a cruel, rude and mean-spirited vibe (which was done better in Martin Scorsese's 1985 dark comedy 'After Hours') that sees Chase in quite a dreary cloud of sappiness and finding himself in one degrading mishap after another and to cap it off his girlfriend has just left him because of his clingy nature. One night while driving his car behind a truck, the context in the tanker (nuclear waste) ends up on him giving the abilities of telekinesis and a nice green glow. He then begins use this power in ridding any sort of obstacles that get in the way of reuniting with his ex-girlfriend (which is beautifully played by Patti D'Arbanville).
With a better script (which includes plenty of sexual innuendo), it could have been so much more, but while the cast (featuring Dabney Coleman, Nell Carter, Mary Kay Place and Brian Doyle-Murray) do the best. The one-joke script lets them down. The humour is mainly off the mark, as it never rises above the superfluous material and characters are not particularly engaging (especially Chase's loathsome character). It's a story were the humour contributes, rather than just being there for the sake of it, however it's a awkward mess of staged ideas and plastered visual gags. The special effects are modest, pacing is flat, style seems bland and the film looks quite murky. There's a real lack of passion, but director Ken Shapiro is saved by a few amusing (brisk, but enjoyable) comedic inclusions. But in the end these peculiar touches just weren't enough.
Far from a laugh-riot with a little too much dead space, but 'Modern Problems' remains barely a passable throwaway.
- lost-in-limbo
- Jan 7, 2009
- Permalink
I liked this mild Chevy Chase comedy. It is not the best in the world, but I found it pretty funny with some scenes really taking the cake. The movie has a guy having a really bad day, but then he gets a little toxic waste thrown on him and he develops powers of telekinesis...and of course he does what any of us would do, he uses them for revenge. The ballet scene and restaurant scenes are the best, I do not really care for him going a bit crazy at the end, but all in all it is a funny movie. Though it does seem kind of generic in a way, almost like something that was a television rather than one shown at theaters. Chevy is good as is most of the cast and the special effects are what you would expect for a movie from this time, quite bad.
No man is invincible.
Just look at Chevy Chase.
And I don't mean the drug abuse, health problems or turbulent personal life he's had, either. I mean movie choices.
Here's a man who made good impressions in films like "Foul Play" and "Caddyshack" and "Seems like Old Times", floundering badly in tripe like "Modern Problems".
As a fired air traffic controller who suddenly acquires great mental powers thanks to a nuclear accident (don't even ask), Chevy mugs, flails and clomps around like an idiot, winning back the love of his life (D'Arbanville), humiliating his nemesis (Coleman) and thoroughly confusing a maid (Carter).
The special effects are okay, but that's like taking a car that's already been through the crusher to the paint shop.
One star, with thanks to my vision for ESP (Extra-Stupid Pictures).
Just look at Chevy Chase.
And I don't mean the drug abuse, health problems or turbulent personal life he's had, either. I mean movie choices.
Here's a man who made good impressions in films like "Foul Play" and "Caddyshack" and "Seems like Old Times", floundering badly in tripe like "Modern Problems".
As a fired air traffic controller who suddenly acquires great mental powers thanks to a nuclear accident (don't even ask), Chevy mugs, flails and clomps around like an idiot, winning back the love of his life (D'Arbanville), humiliating his nemesis (Coleman) and thoroughly confusing a maid (Carter).
The special effects are okay, but that's like taking a car that's already been through the crusher to the paint shop.
One star, with thanks to my vision for ESP (Extra-Stupid Pictures).
The director and star of the 1974 classic "The Groove Tube" reunited to make the wacky "Modern Problems", in which air traffic controller Max Fiedler (Chevy Chase) gets exposed to nuclear waste and uses his new powers to play all sorts of tricks. It's hard to say what was my favorite scene; there were so many funny ones (the ballet sequence was a real hoot, as was the restaurant scene).
Look, you just gotta see this movie. It's so hilarious and truly shows Chevy Chase during his heyday at his best. I know that in later years he degenerated into crappy fare like "Cops and Robbersons", but this affirms that he really can play a great role. A person would have to lack a sense of humor not to like this movie. Also starring Patti D'Arbanville, Dabney Coleman, Mary Kay Place, Nell Carter and Brian Doyle-Murray.
And also check out "The Groove Tube".
Look, you just gotta see this movie. It's so hilarious and truly shows Chevy Chase during his heyday at his best. I know that in later years he degenerated into crappy fare like "Cops and Robbersons", but this affirms that he really can play a great role. A person would have to lack a sense of humor not to like this movie. Also starring Patti D'Arbanville, Dabney Coleman, Mary Kay Place, Nell Carter and Brian Doyle-Murray.
And also check out "The Groove Tube".
- lee_eisenberg
- May 29, 2006
- Permalink
Chevy Chase stars as an air traffic controller who has an accident involving some radioactive materials which gives him telekinesis..he discovers this power and then uses it in sometimes hilarious manners..the restaurant and the bedroom scenes are almost reason enough to watch it.. on a scale of one to ten..7
- toddsundell
- Sep 12, 2013
- Permalink
First of all, it is worth nothing that director Ken Shapiro seemingly hasn't been employed since this near-catastrophe was released in 1981. It's pretty safe to say that's a bad sign. Secondly, even a stellar cast cannot make a movie very good (what I like to call "Mars Attacks!" syndrome). Now that I have gotten that out of the way, a quick synopsis : Chevy Chase (that in itself is a bad sign) stars as an air traffic controller who, after an encounter with nuclear waste, acquires telekinetic powers, which he uses against his romantic rivals. The premise in itself is engaging and open to the possibility of great comedy. So what happened?
Well, Ken Shapiro could be blamed. The direction is sloppy; actually it is downright pathetic. The pacing is WAY too slow, the action is ineptly handled, and many of the actors seem bored. And worst of all, the special effects are woeful...I haven't seen so much camera equipment on-screen since the glory days of Ed Wood. Case in point...the scene with the Flying-Airplane-Ashtray (don't ask), where some strange, large object is obviously present in the close-ups, holding up the Ashtray next to the camera. I've made home movies with better effects.
What about the actors? Well, Nell Carter is an absolute hoot; she deserves better. And Dabney Coleman is entirely in his element here as a shady, egotistical author. Brian Doyle Murray and Mary Kay Place are also entertaining. Patti D'Arbanville is a bit lacking in comedic talent; she is given nothing more to do than pout and screech. But the real problem here is Chase. He is just going through the motions here, playing the hapless bumbler bit to death and looking very bored doing it. There is no life to his performance, and it grinds the movie to a halt.
True, there are some funny moments here...Nell Carter gets most of the laughs in a woefully small role, the scenes involving Chase's romantic rival Barry (Mitch Kreindel) are pretty amusing, and one reviewer here has already mentioned Chase's throwaway line "Smells like feet," which for some reason made me laugh hysterically...but the funny moments are few and far between. There is so much BAD to sort through to get to the GOOD stuff, and it just isn't worth the time and trouble. Perhaps in better hands, "Modern Problems" could have been a good movie. This certainly isn't it.
Well, Ken Shapiro could be blamed. The direction is sloppy; actually it is downright pathetic. The pacing is WAY too slow, the action is ineptly handled, and many of the actors seem bored. And worst of all, the special effects are woeful...I haven't seen so much camera equipment on-screen since the glory days of Ed Wood. Case in point...the scene with the Flying-Airplane-Ashtray (don't ask), where some strange, large object is obviously present in the close-ups, holding up the Ashtray next to the camera. I've made home movies with better effects.
What about the actors? Well, Nell Carter is an absolute hoot; she deserves better. And Dabney Coleman is entirely in his element here as a shady, egotistical author. Brian Doyle Murray and Mary Kay Place are also entertaining. Patti D'Arbanville is a bit lacking in comedic talent; she is given nothing more to do than pout and screech. But the real problem here is Chase. He is just going through the motions here, playing the hapless bumbler bit to death and looking very bored doing it. There is no life to his performance, and it grinds the movie to a halt.
True, there are some funny moments here...Nell Carter gets most of the laughs in a woefully small role, the scenes involving Chase's romantic rival Barry (Mitch Kreindel) are pretty amusing, and one reviewer here has already mentioned Chase's throwaway line "Smells like feet," which for some reason made me laugh hysterically...but the funny moments are few and far between. There is so much BAD to sort through to get to the GOOD stuff, and it just isn't worth the time and trouble. Perhaps in better hands, "Modern Problems" could have been a good movie. This certainly isn't it.
- deejay_bill
- Aug 2, 2000
- Permalink
Putting this film under the 'Comedy' genre is being extremely generous. One of a handful of videos I've hit the rewind and eject buttons on before it even got to half-way. Avoid like the plague.
then we're in serious trouble. I realize this is not to be taken seriously, but the bottom line for me: if you find others' physical pain funny, you've got some SERIOUS issues. Chevy Chase plays a pathetic, selfish, sexist, homophobic, coked-up loser who rightfully so loses his girlfriend. He's given a self-destructive gift as a vehicle for humor in the end teaching him a valuable lesson? Giving his ex-girlfriend's date a serious bloody nose?!?! Sending a ballet dancer flying across the stage and exploding his crotch?!?! THIS is supposed to make me laugh??! If anything, it demonstrates the lack of intellect and decency in American audiences. I don't find this humor humorous, even if it is a sci-fi movie. It's drenched in sexism, homophobia (bringing a gun to ward of homosexuals? nice), and seriously BAD special effects and dialog. The only thing funny now is how much make-up Patti D'Arbinville is wearing and Nell Carter's character (rest in peace Nell, but what were you thinking?). It seems to draw a fan base of anti-social heterosexual men that fantasize about killing everyone that wronged them because they're pathetic. Nice! Should have never been imagined let alone produced...
Based on the Front Page News of a then-newly-elected President Ronald Regan-era strike, Chevy Chase is a not very contented Air Traffic Controller, and he's having serious troubles and/or, um... well... MODERN PROBLEMS...
His convertible's been keyed... nothing compared to the nuclear waste spilled from a truck, eventually allowing him to move things at will derived from the frustration of his girlfriend leaving...
Herein the orchestrated physical gags are balanced along with Chase's deadpan humor, only more-so than usual: the poor guy's downright depressed...
So his glib, semi-conceited sarcasm is nowhere in sight: which wouldn't fit much anyway, and why PROBLEMS isn't a quotable classic like CADDYSHACK, VACATION or FLETCH... in fact it's pretty much forgotten...
Perhaps because the laughs are more plot-strategic than spontaneous... and those eventual table-turning powers (while making goofy expressions straight from SNL Weekend Update) merely serve to move the story forward...
As Chevy's character is a victim of circumstance, connected to everyone including his crippled friend dating his friendly ex-wife (Brian Doyle Murry and Mary Kay Place); ex-girlfriend Patti D'Arvanville dating a prissy fella who makes Liberace seem like John Wayne; a despicable self-help author played by Dabney Coleman, wielding his usual jerky-persona; and a voodoo-spouting maid ala Nell Carter before her big break on GIMME A BREAK....
Then the inevitable revenge occurs with irresponsible glee... and it's old school, slapstick-inspired entertainment through and through until act three when... at his friend's summer beach house along with invited guests/all the ensemble side-cast assembled... Chevy's mystical spells go overboard: Leaving the characters, and audience, to deal with those quirky once-sporadic gifts instead of actually enjoying them...
Although what MODERN is mainly remembered for is (highlighted in the trailers) a snorting of something more powerful than cocaine, and may possibly be a nod to the still-living/still hard-partying John Belushi...
Or perhaps PROBLEMS is just a way of saying farewell to the anything-goes 1970's in which white powder was the rocket fuel for SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE and its related cast-starring movies... leaving one with nothing left to say but... "I LIKE IT!" since there's not enough here, really, to genuinely love.
His convertible's been keyed... nothing compared to the nuclear waste spilled from a truck, eventually allowing him to move things at will derived from the frustration of his girlfriend leaving...
Herein the orchestrated physical gags are balanced along with Chase's deadpan humor, only more-so than usual: the poor guy's downright depressed...
So his glib, semi-conceited sarcasm is nowhere in sight: which wouldn't fit much anyway, and why PROBLEMS isn't a quotable classic like CADDYSHACK, VACATION or FLETCH... in fact it's pretty much forgotten...
Perhaps because the laughs are more plot-strategic than spontaneous... and those eventual table-turning powers (while making goofy expressions straight from SNL Weekend Update) merely serve to move the story forward...
As Chevy's character is a victim of circumstance, connected to everyone including his crippled friend dating his friendly ex-wife (Brian Doyle Murry and Mary Kay Place); ex-girlfriend Patti D'Arvanville dating a prissy fella who makes Liberace seem like John Wayne; a despicable self-help author played by Dabney Coleman, wielding his usual jerky-persona; and a voodoo-spouting maid ala Nell Carter before her big break on GIMME A BREAK....
Then the inevitable revenge occurs with irresponsible glee... and it's old school, slapstick-inspired entertainment through and through until act three when... at his friend's summer beach house along with invited guests/all the ensemble side-cast assembled... Chevy's mystical spells go overboard: Leaving the characters, and audience, to deal with those quirky once-sporadic gifts instead of actually enjoying them...
Although what MODERN is mainly remembered for is (highlighted in the trailers) a snorting of something more powerful than cocaine, and may possibly be a nod to the still-living/still hard-partying John Belushi...
Or perhaps PROBLEMS is just a way of saying farewell to the anything-goes 1970's in which white powder was the rocket fuel for SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE and its related cast-starring movies... leaving one with nothing left to say but... "I LIKE IT!" since there's not enough here, really, to genuinely love.
- TheFearmakers
- Jun 2, 2021
- Permalink
I am so sorry that i ever rented this turkey of a movie.. it made NO sense at All !!! it kept jumping all over the place.. Chevy Chase is an okay actor.. but why in heavens name did he make this one for ?? Pleasseeee... I was so lost and confused with this one.. even to this day im still befuddled by it .. this is one id Pass by on the video shelves ... this one belongs in a land fill cause its so stupid....DONT rent this one..
- midniteprincess
- Jun 24, 2001
- Permalink
This movie is not Chase's best but well worth watching for any of his fans. Some of the things he does with his powers make me laugh just thinking about them. Two highlights in particular are the restaurant scene and the ballet scene.
Dabney Coleman plays almost the same type of character as in "Nine To Five" and Nell Carter plays a hilarious voodoo lady!
If you could go back in time to 1981 and you wanted to go see a movie, and let's say Stripes and Neighbors were both sold out, I'd recommend Modern Problems.
Do not take this movie seriously! It is not a Hollywood masterpiece but it has some very funny scenes.
This is a satisfying movie to watch if you ever wanted revenge after being dumped.
Dabney Coleman plays almost the same type of character as in "Nine To Five" and Nell Carter plays a hilarious voodoo lady!
If you could go back in time to 1981 and you wanted to go see a movie, and let's say Stripes and Neighbors were both sold out, I'd recommend Modern Problems.
Do not take this movie seriously! It is not a Hollywood masterpiece but it has some very funny scenes.
This is a satisfying movie to watch if you ever wanted revenge after being dumped.
Putrid, vapid, insipid and all the -id words. I almost stopped watching Chevy Chase movies entirely after this festering pile of parrot droppings. It's been over 20 years since I've seen this and I'm still angry at this movie for robbing me of 89 minutes I could have spent in the dentist chair.
In checking the credits, I see the director, Ken Shapiro, wrote, directed, and starred in THE GROOVE TUBE which was shocking and passibly funny, and which featured Chevy Chase. Was MODERN PROBLEMS the death knell, the swan song for Mr. Shapiro?
Rancid? Did I mention rancid?
In checking the credits, I see the director, Ken Shapiro, wrote, directed, and starred in THE GROOVE TUBE which was shocking and passibly funny, and which featured Chevy Chase. Was MODERN PROBLEMS the death knell, the swan song for Mr. Shapiro?
Rancid? Did I mention rancid?
- doctor_slo
- Jul 29, 2003
- Permalink
My husband and I have loved this hilarious movie since it came out years ago! The people who gave a bad rating seemed so negative and up tight. There are so many funny scenes that are just priceless. Dabney Coleman is great. This has to be one of his classic roles. He has so many funny lines, what a character! His line "I'm a damn good looking man" is an all time favorite! Chevy is just great being Chevy. He always makes me laugh and has such a great dry sense of humor. Nell Carter as Dorita is just a charm with her voodoo. What a character! All the actors are so perfect and funny. I recommend this to everyone who likes a funny, quirky and great movie from our past! Enjoy it like we have all these years!
- bevkoonce-37-595793
- Jun 24, 2014
- Permalink
Modern Problems is not remembered as being one of Chevy Chase's finest films, however there are some pretty funny moments in it. You just have to wait a while to find them. Chase plays an air traffic controller who just had his girlfriend walk out on him due to his overly-possessive nature. He spends the first 20 minutes or so moping around about the situation, then he is accidentally exposed to some toxic waste which gives him the ability to make things move. He sets out to use this power to win his girlfriend over and bring her back to him. The film really doesn't have many laughs that don't deal with his new powers, and the special f/x used to show them off are pretty pedestrian.
There are however some pretty good laughs once Chase gets these amazing powers. In one scene he sees his girlfriend out on a date with a real jerk. Chase decides to end their date by making blood gush out of the man's nose. As someone who has had some serious nosebleeds, I kind of cringe during this scene, but yes it is kinda funny. In another scene, Chase uses his powers to give his girlfriend the best orgasm of her life while the two are reconciling at her place one evening. Chase is pretty funny as he uses facial expressions to mock the sounds coming out of the woman. By far the film's funniest moment comes when Chase disrupts a ballet by doing all sorts of things to the prissy lead male dancer. Not much in terms of Chevy's usually funny dialog is evident in the film, though. He just always seems to be in too lousy of a mood to be funny.
The supporting performances are quite good. Dabney Coleman (as he often does) steals every scene he's in as an egotistical manic self-help author. He and Chase have some good go-arounds throughout the film. The two lead females do a fine job, as does Brian Doyle-Murray. Nell Carter provides some good laughs herself as she tries to use voodoo to subdue Chase. Her character is Haitian, and she believes he is some sort of demon.
Overall, the film is somewhat funny. It is hurt by questionable writing, poor effects, and an all too abrupt conclusion. This is certainly a few rungs below Fletch or Caddyshack on the comedic ladder! 5 of 10 stars.
The Hound.
There are however some pretty good laughs once Chase gets these amazing powers. In one scene he sees his girlfriend out on a date with a real jerk. Chase decides to end their date by making blood gush out of the man's nose. As someone who has had some serious nosebleeds, I kind of cringe during this scene, but yes it is kinda funny. In another scene, Chase uses his powers to give his girlfriend the best orgasm of her life while the two are reconciling at her place one evening. Chase is pretty funny as he uses facial expressions to mock the sounds coming out of the woman. By far the film's funniest moment comes when Chase disrupts a ballet by doing all sorts of things to the prissy lead male dancer. Not much in terms of Chevy's usually funny dialog is evident in the film, though. He just always seems to be in too lousy of a mood to be funny.
The supporting performances are quite good. Dabney Coleman (as he often does) steals every scene he's in as an egotistical manic self-help author. He and Chase have some good go-arounds throughout the film. The two lead females do a fine job, as does Brian Doyle-Murray. Nell Carter provides some good laughs herself as she tries to use voodoo to subdue Chase. Her character is Haitian, and she believes he is some sort of demon.
Overall, the film is somewhat funny. It is hurt by questionable writing, poor effects, and an all too abrupt conclusion. This is certainly a few rungs below Fletch or Caddyshack on the comedic ladder! 5 of 10 stars.
The Hound.
- TOMASBBloodhound
- Dec 31, 2006
- Permalink