Modern Problems

Released: December 25th, 1981. Rated PG. 89 min.

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Main Cast:

Chevy Chase—Max Fielder
Patti D'Arbanville—Darcy
Dabney Coleman—Mark Winslow
Mary Kay Place—Lorraine
Nell Carter—Dorita
Brian Doyle-Murray—Brian Stills

Storyline:

Air Traffic Controller Max Fielder is very unhappy in his life. After following a tanker truck on a highway, he gets covered in toxic waste through the open sunroof of his car. The next day, he discovers he has developed telekinetic powers. He decides to use these new powers as a way to inflict revenge on his enemies in hope that he can win back the love of his girlfriend who has left him for other men.

What makes it special?

As a fan of all things Saturday Night Live, the 1970s and early 1980s were a great period for comedies starring the Not Ready for Prime Time Players, the main comedians from the show. Caddyshack, Animal House, Stripes, and many other films from this era remain in my all-time favorite movie list. But for every Wayne's World, there are five or so Coneheads. Not every SNL movie is a gem, as time can accurately show. But Modern Problems was one of those movies, while not extremely incredible, still had some magic about it that made it memorable. And for me, the memories were of the special effects when Chevy Chase would perform his telekinesis powers. I remember being fascinated by this film, starring the almighty Chevy Chase, at a time when almost every movie released by the SNL staff was a great film. Modern Problems is a much darker and sinister movie than most of the comedies produced at the time, and I feel that the tone of the film is what sets it apart.