Modern Problems

Sheesh, I have read a lot of the reviews posted here and many are unfavorable...bad acting, poor directing, (not so) special effects, mono sound, blah photography....so I understand that after I post my (favorable) review I will probably not be able to run successfully for high public office. Of course, that deal was sealed long ago...its only a matter of time until they dig up and publish my history of my porn site visits in Google archives...so what the heck, here goes.

I could NOT stop laughing. Did the other reviews mention casting? It is brilliant...who better to cast as a moody, feckless scorned lover (who happens to be an air traffic controller) than Chevy Chase...add to his performance that of Mitch Kreindel as the more feckless foil and you have a recipe for doubled-over laughter that would make you glad you wore your depends that day, if only they had them back in the 80's when this film was first screened. I loved the telekinesis device, especially the moment when an airplane ashtray complete with roaring engines and laden with cigarette butts, flies across the airport employee lounge and crashes in flames into a wall poster featuring some alpine peak. This is our first clue that Chevy has developed special powers, the rest is charming and fun (thanks to the great cast including Dabney Coleman, Mitch Kreindel, Patti D'Arbanville, and Nell Carter). Detractors will say (have said) otherwise. All that critical nit picking is only detail. Years later, when I think of this film, I smile. How bad can that be?

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.

MODERN PROBLEMS is one of those films that is ALWAYS on cable -- and yet no one would ever want to watch in its entirety. Blame Comedy Central. Probably Chevy Chase at his lowest. Although his career has had so many low points, it's hard to say. He must be a masochist who deliberately chooses godawful movies to destroy his career. Or he's a sadist who enjoys inflicting these turkeys on the rest of us. Don't listen to anyone who claims, "Actually, it's not that bad;" they didn't actually sit through it.

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!

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.