Modern Problems | | Cast : | Chevy Chase, Patti D'Arbanville | | Director : | Ken Shapiro | | Studio : | Anchor Bay Entertain | | Format : | Color, Widescreen | | Released Date : | December 25, 1981 | | DVD Released Date : | February 22, 2005 | | Language : | English (Dubbed) | | Audience Rating : | PG (Parental Guidance Suggested) | | | BUY THIS DVD FROM AMAZON |
Customer Reviews
| Rating |  | | Date | June 15, 2005 | | Summary | A must see for anyone who enjoys laughing at poor filmmaking | Content
 | 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!" |
| Rating | | | Date | May 25, 2005 | | Summary | Bonafide Chevy Chase Classic | Content
| This is one of those forgotten classics that you'll either love, like or hate alot. The concept is one that has been done several different ways in other movies...but seldom lives up to the results in this movie. Imagine if you were suddenly given the power of telekinesis, to move things and manipulate things at will. What would you do if you had that power? Well...in Chevy Chase's character's case, being as his life is running downhill, you try to win your girlfriend back and wreck havoc in the process. Again, other movies have tried this concept out...some being the average joe who gets to be a superhero with funny results. But the ideas in this film are genuinely original...which is probably why I consider it a classic. It would be interesting to see someone come along and attempt a remake of this one...though I doubt it would have the same impact as this one. I give it four stars only since the movie is a bit dated and some viewers may not like it as much as I do. :) |
| Rating | | | Date | May 05, 2005 | | Summary | The Long-forgotten Misunderstood Chevy Chase Movie | Content
| When I was 12 this movie was a staple on the then still-blossoming HBO. I think I've watched it or seen bits and pieces of it like more than thirty times. As a kid there were a lot of things I didn't get, of course, but it was funny to me. Now, that was 1982. Twenty-three years later I saw it on Amazon and nostalgia just washed over me. I had to have it. Finally, I thought, Modern Problems and Foul Play have been released to DVD, two childhood staples... I watched both movies. Modern Problems was as I remembered it, mostly. I get all the jokes and situations now that I'm an adult, of course, but there were some other things I got as well. This isn't the happy-go-lucky Chevy Chase that we all remember from Cassyshack and Seems Like Old Times, this is the darker side. Modern Porblems has its share of ridiculousness, but beneath the surface, this is a pretty dark comedy. When Chevy uses his telekinetic powers to make his ex-girlfriend's date's nose start bleeding, Jesus it is hysterical, but at the same time...when you have a chance to think about it...quite grim. There is an underlying 'life sucks' theme going on here which was where the world was in 1981 and I think this movie captures that pretty well. Is this my favorite Chevy Chase movie? No. Fletch and Vacation and Christmas Vacation and Caddyshack are. There's been a lot of others, too. Is this a classic? I'd say, yes. Here is 1981 all rolled up and categorized in a comedy by the reigning star of the time. A little slice of Regan-era fatalism. Enjoy. |
| Rating | | | Date | March 11, 2005 | | Summary | Just...weird | Content
| 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! |
| Rating | | | Date | February 09, 2005 | | Summary | Patti D'Arbanville was my first love!!!!!!!! | Content
| What can I say. This movie is pretty funny and actually one of Chevy's funnier movies. The part that stood out the most, however was the Chevy and Patti D'Arbanville seen in the bedroom. That has to be the best fake orgasim seen EVER, no offense to When Harry met Sally. That alone makes this a must buy for any young man who was going through highschool in the late 80's. What can I say, the girl can act. |
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