There's A '90s Dan Aykroyd Movie That's Supposed To Be A Comedy, But I Think It's Nightmare Fuel

I’ll never see hot dogs the same way again.

In the 1980s, Dan Aykroyd played a key role in some of the decade’s best movies. However, one film from that era isn’t just unfunny—it’s not even a dark comedy; it’s genuinely terrifying: 1991’s Nothing But Trouble.

If you’ve never heard of it or seen it, you’re not alone. It aired frequently on cable back then, and with an all-star cast including Chevy Chase, Demi Moore, and John Candy, I admit I’ve watched it more times than it deserves. Looking back, the movie’s horrors linger more than its humor, and that’s not just because of the poor writing.

Star-Studded Cast with Mixed Success

Chevy Chase had just starred in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, a classic holiday film.
John Candy was fresh from his role in Home Alone.
Demi Moore had appeared in Ghost shortly before this movie.
Dan Aykroyd also acted in My Girl earlier the same year, and wrote and directed Nothing But Trouble.

It’s surprising that such a successful group of actors reunited for a film as disappointing as this one.

Plot Overview

The story is straightforward: Chase and Moore’s characters embark on a road trip and end up in a strange, isolated town named Valkenvania.

“I don’t think of the laughs; I think of the horrors of the movie, and it’s not just the crummy writing.”

The film’s eerie atmosphere and unsettling moments make it feel more like a nightmare than a comedy.

Author’s summary: Despite its star power and comedic intent, Nothing But Trouble from 1991 leaves a lasting impression as a bizarre and unsettling experience rather than a laugh-filled comedy.

Cinemablend — 2025-11-04