Nothing But Trouble is a dark comedy horror film directed by Dan Aykroyd, who also stars in the film alongside Chevy Chase, Demi Moore, and John Candy. The story follows a surreal and nightmarish adventure through a bizarre small-town justice system, blending slapstick comedy with grotesque visuals.
The film begins when New York City financial publisher Chris Thorne (Chevy Chase) agrees to drive a group of acquaintances—lawyer Diane Lightson (Demi Moore) and Brazilian siblings Fausto and Renalda—on a trip to Atlantic City. Along the way, Chris decides to take a scenic detour through rural Pennsylvania. Unfortunately, they are pulled over for a minor traffic violation in the eerie town of Valkenvania. Instead of receiving a simple ticket, they are taken to an ancient, crumbling courthouse presided over by the 106-year-old Judge Alvin Valkenheiser (Dan Aykroyd), a grotesque, eccentric figure who doles out arbitrary and severe punishments.
As they navigate the judge’s surreal and deadly courtroom, Chris and Diane realize they’ve stumbled into a trap from which escape is nearly impossible. The judge, assisted by his hulking grandson Bobo and a loyal enforcer named Dennis (John Candy), delights in torturing outsiders. Fausto and Renalda are released, but Chris and Diane are sentenced to a nightmarish stay in the judge’s sprawling junkyard mansion, where they witness executions, bizarre mechanical contraptions, and horrifying family secrets.
Their only hope lies in outsmarting the demented Valkenheiser clan and escaping the twisted estate. With Dennis’s help, they eventually flee the madhouse, but not before the entire compound is destroyed in a chaotic explosion. Chris later attempts to bring the bizarre events to light on the news, only to discover the judge has relocated and is now living next door to him in New York.
Nothing But Trouble is known for its grotesque set design, absurd humor, and over-the-top characters. Though it was a critical and commercial failure upon release, it has since gained a cult following for its unique blend of horror, comedy, and grotesque satire.
