I am surprised that this, well above average 80's comedy scores only a 5.2 from all the IMDB voters. Dan Ackroyd does his usual satirical turn as a con who seizes a great opportunity to steal a contract from his prisons physician. He retreats to California to start his work giving advice on a radio show pretending to be the infamous Dr Lawrence Baird. The only person that knows he's an imposter is the drunken priest (Walter Matthau) who comes along to be pampered by Ackroyd's new found wealth having blakmailed him. Charles Grodin throws in a good supporting performance too. For its genre I think this film deserves the same crediblity as 'Ferris Bueller' or 'Trading Places'. 7.5 / 10
29 Reviews
Crazy Comedy !
michaelarmer6 December 2019
I had a lot of fun watching this, and that is all you can ask from a film which tries to give people a feeling of fun.
Dan Aykroyd stars as a mental patient with skills who outmaneuvers the head doctor and pretends to be him to take a job elsewhere, with the ensuing mayhem that follows until the eventual discovery (sort of) of the deception, a story which has been told before but never with as much fun. Aykroyd is brilliant as the mental patient along the way he bumps into Walter Matthau who adds to the mayhem, Matthau does a good job in the role but is not trying to hard to upstage Aykroyd, and Charles Grodin as another shrink who has gone a bit crazy himself is pretty good. The support actors are generally good, Donna Dixon ( the real life wife of Dan Aykroyd) is a bit wooden but the others are ok, but it doesn't matter as Aykroyd, Grodin & Matthau are running the show.
The story is a bit implausible and its well over the top, but deliciously funny. Michael Ritchie directs very well and the pace is kept moving quite well. Its only 1hr 37 min long, you could have added another 10-20 mins on and it would still be as funny if not more. One of the better comedy films of the 80's.
When writing it has a 5.8 rating on here ? But it is much better than that.
Dan Aykroyd stars as a mental patient with skills who outmaneuvers the head doctor and pretends to be him to take a job elsewhere, with the ensuing mayhem that follows until the eventual discovery (sort of) of the deception, a story which has been told before but never with as much fun. Aykroyd is brilliant as the mental patient along the way he bumps into Walter Matthau who adds to the mayhem, Matthau does a good job in the role but is not trying to hard to upstage Aykroyd, and Charles Grodin as another shrink who has gone a bit crazy himself is pretty good. The support actors are generally good, Donna Dixon ( the real life wife of Dan Aykroyd) is a bit wooden but the others are ok, but it doesn't matter as Aykroyd, Grodin & Matthau are running the show.
The story is a bit implausible and its well over the top, but deliciously funny. Michael Ritchie directs very well and the pace is kept moving quite well. Its only 1hr 37 min long, you could have added another 10-20 mins on and it would still be as funny if not more. One of the better comedy films of the 80's.
When writing it has a 5.8 rating on here ? But it is much better than that.
Pretty funny
Scott_Weinberg12 June 1999
Enjoyable!
DJ-Holly20 June 2001
I wasn't expecting much from this movie to be honest, it was on late night television and only stayed to watch it because I couldn't sleep, but I found it funny, original and it has a great cast. This is one of those lost eighties comedies which more people should see. Dan Aykroyd is especially brilliant giving his usual mad perfomance! See it if you can...
9 out of 10
9 out of 10
Disappointing and smug
vincentlynch-moonoi13 May 2013
Warning: Spoilers
There are a couple of significant problems with this film, although that's not to say that it's not worth watching. After all, I could have just turned if off, but I stuck with it.
First, the longer I sat watching the film, particularly in the scenes in the mental institution, I had this feeling that Ackroyd was being very smug here. The "aren't I just terribly funny and clever" syndrome. Which is not to say that he wasn't fairly funny. But it bothered me. And, at least in that part of the film, things just happened so easily...and almost totally illogically. Things improved once he took up his role as a fake psychiatrist radio personality.
Second, if you're watching this film because of Walter Matthau, you're probably going to be disappointed. He's very clearly the second or third banana here, and that's quite a step-down from his star status of less than a decade earlier. Yes, his role is critical to the story, but just about anyone could have played the park.
Charles Grodin always worked out pretty well when a part suited him. This is not one of those times.
I don't even know what to write about this movie. It's just "okay"; has a few funny moments. But it's just disappointing. Maybe watch it once. I can see why the IMDb is so low.
First, the longer I sat watching the film, particularly in the scenes in the mental institution, I had this feeling that Ackroyd was being very smug here. The "aren't I just terribly funny and clever" syndrome. Which is not to say that he wasn't fairly funny. But it bothered me. And, at least in that part of the film, things just happened so easily...and almost totally illogically. Things improved once he took up his role as a fake psychiatrist radio personality.
Second, if you're watching this film because of Walter Matthau, you're probably going to be disappointed. He's very clearly the second or third banana here, and that's quite a step-down from his star status of less than a decade earlier. Yes, his role is critical to the story, but just about anyone could have played the park.
Charles Grodin always worked out pretty well when a part suited him. This is not one of those times.
I don't even know what to write about this movie. It's just "okay"; has a few funny moments. But it's just disappointing. Maybe watch it once. I can see why the IMDb is so low.
cute
lee_eisenberg1 July 2007
"The Couch Trip" is one of those silly comedies that they cranked out in the '80s. In this case, Dan Aykroyd plays a mental patient who poses as a psychiatrist, and he goes to Beverly Hills to sub for Charles Grodin. Most of the movie's humor springs from their satirical look at Beverly Hills and people's empty lives there (a woman has a power struggle with her maid).
It's the sort of movie that you just watch to have a good time. Don't expect any kind of religious experience. But you'll most likely laugh a lot at how the Beverly Hills people flaunt their wealth. Also starring Walter Matthau, Donna Dixon, Arye Gross and Victoria Jackson (of "UHF").
It's the sort of movie that you just watch to have a good time. Don't expect any kind of religious experience. But you'll most likely laugh a lot at how the Beverly Hills people flaunt their wealth. Also starring Walter Matthau, Donna Dixon, Arye Gross and Victoria Jackson (of "UHF").
The Good & Bad Of 'The Couch Trip'
ccthemovieman-118 March 2007
This was an 1970s-type irreverent comedy, poking fun at the psychiatric profession and at Beverly Hills. I didn't mind that but I did object to more that irreverence regarding marriage and religion: two topics which secular filmmakers (meaning about everyone in Hollywood and elsewhere) just can't stop trashing.
Walter Matthau plays a scuzzy character, "Donald Becker," who walks around with a cleric's collar on, which offends me but when has Hollywood ever been worried about offending Christians?
Anyway, despite that nonsense the film has its entertaining moments and even some charm to it. Dan Aykroyd is good at paying a nut-case and Donna Dixon ("Laura Rollins") is a knockout. I am sorry she didn't have a bigger role.
Walter Matthau plays a scuzzy character, "Donald Becker," who walks around with a cleric's collar on, which offends me but when has Hollywood ever been worried about offending Christians?
Anyway, despite that nonsense the film has its entertaining moments and even some charm to it. Dan Aykroyd is good at paying a nut-case and Donna Dixon ("Laura Rollins") is a knockout. I am sorry she didn't have a bigger role.
Fun movie that unfortunately gets worse toward the end.
Boba_Fett113822 January 2007
This was a good and enjoyable 'silly' comedy, that is filled with a whole bunch of crazy fun characters. A typical great '80's comedy, with also some great '80's comedy stars in it.
The movie is truly uplifted by its cast. Dan Aykroyd is really great. It's funny but I don't I've ever seen him play the main character before in a comedy. I already always liked him as the sidekick but with this movie he proofs that he can also handle a comedy in which he plays the main character. The movie also further more features Charles Grodin and Walter Matthau, among others. Esepcially Charles Grodin is also great as the stressed out psychiatrist. Walter Matthau seems a bit out of place, since his character doesn't serve a significant enough purpose in the movie, comical-wise.
The concept and the story show great comedy potential. An escaped 'menthal' patient takes the place of a psychiatrist. He and his radio show become an huge success. But of course soon things are starting to go crazy again when people start to see through his scam and the real psychiatrists shows up. It provides the movie with some great silly moments and some real great laughs. The movie made me laugh out loud at times, due to how silly it all became at times.
But things start to get really crazy toward the ending of the movie, in a not so positive way. The movie tries to put way too much in the ending, both comically and dramatic/morally. The movie gets very crazy and unbelievable and things get rushed way too hard. Even the characters start to not work out as good anymore. The movie tries too hard but it simply fails. The ending just doesn't feel right and satisfying enough. A shame, otherwise I would had surely rated this movie higher.
A movie definitely worth watching for a couple of good laughs but it just isn't the best 'silly' '80's comedy around.
6/10
http://bobafett1138.blogspot.com/
The movie is truly uplifted by its cast. Dan Aykroyd is really great. It's funny but I don't I've ever seen him play the main character before in a comedy. I already always liked him as the sidekick but with this movie he proofs that he can also handle a comedy in which he plays the main character. The movie also further more features Charles Grodin and Walter Matthau, among others. Esepcially Charles Grodin is also great as the stressed out psychiatrist. Walter Matthau seems a bit out of place, since his character doesn't serve a significant enough purpose in the movie, comical-wise.
The concept and the story show great comedy potential. An escaped 'menthal' patient takes the place of a psychiatrist. He and his radio show become an huge success. But of course soon things are starting to go crazy again when people start to see through his scam and the real psychiatrists shows up. It provides the movie with some great silly moments and some real great laughs. The movie made me laugh out loud at times, due to how silly it all became at times.
But things start to get really crazy toward the ending of the movie, in a not so positive way. The movie tries to put way too much in the ending, both comically and dramatic/morally. The movie gets very crazy and unbelievable and things get rushed way too hard. Even the characters start to not work out as good anymore. The movie tries too hard but it simply fails. The ending just doesn't feel right and satisfying enough. A shame, otherwise I would had surely rated this movie higher.
A movie definitely worth watching for a couple of good laughs but it just isn't the best 'silly' '80's comedy around.
6/10
http://bobafett1138.blogspot.com/
Laughing at the absurdity of amorality.
mark.waltz11 July 2020
Warning: Spoilers
With famous psychiatrist Charles Grodin on the verge of having a nervous breakdown and needing a London vacation with his cheating wife (Mary Gross), members of his staff want to hire Dr. Lawrence Baird (David Clennon) to fill in for him. What they get is the brutally honest Dan Ackroyd, a patient at the clinic that Baird looks at, stealing his identity and using the invitation he managed to get by answering Baird's phone, and Ackroyd stirs things up by giving advice to patients that psychiatrists probably would never give but probably should consider. He finds himself blackmailed by a phony preacher (Walter Matthau), and Ackroyd desperately tries to keep his real identity from being revealed, having fallen for the pretty Donna Dixon who works for Grodin's practice.
There's plenty of laughs in this con-artist comedy that starts off on a revealing note with patient Ackroyd taking over what Clennon is trying to do with suicidal patient Michael DiLorenzo, giving the audience a taste of what Ackroyd would do if he actually had a patient on the couch. Joining fellow SNL alumni Ackroyd and Gross is Victoria Jackson as Clennon's secretary who has been having a fling with patient Ackroyd unbeknownst to Clennon's knowledge. The problem is that the laughs come from an uncomfortable place because practically all of the characters are pretty unlikable (with only Dixon saved from that), and Matthau really seems to have no purpose in being here. This is one of those big screen comedies that probably was quickly forgotten after its brief theatrical release. I know at the video store I worked at that it basically sat on the shelf (rentals and sales) collecting dust after the first few weeks after its VHS release.
There's plenty of laughs in this con-artist comedy that starts off on a revealing note with patient Ackroyd taking over what Clennon is trying to do with suicidal patient Michael DiLorenzo, giving the audience a taste of what Ackroyd would do if he actually had a patient on the couch. Joining fellow SNL alumni Ackroyd and Gross is Victoria Jackson as Clennon's secretary who has been having a fling with patient Ackroyd unbeknownst to Clennon's knowledge. The problem is that the laughs come from an uncomfortable place because practically all of the characters are pretty unlikable (with only Dixon saved from that), and Matthau really seems to have no purpose in being here. This is one of those big screen comedies that probably was quickly forgotten after its brief theatrical release. I know at the video store I worked at that it basically sat on the shelf (rentals and sales) collecting dust after the first few weeks after its VHS release.
Incredibly uneven....and best when Aykroyd is in the film.
planktonrules21 February 2022
"The Couch Trip" is a frustrating film to watch because it is so uneven. Portions that show Dan Aykroyd playing a radio shrink are amazingly good...and some other parts, such as what Donna Dixon's character does at the very end, simply look sloppy and don't fit in the story.
John Burns (Aykroyd) is a most unusual man. While he's very bright and sure knows how to manipulate people, he's also spent much of his adult life in various institutions...such as prisons and psychiatric hospitals.
John's psychiatrist, Dr. Baird, is tired of this patient's antics in the hospital and has arranged to have him sent to prison instead. But when John is left alone in the Doctor's office, the phone rings...and John answers and pretends to be Baird. Well, it turns out a famous radio psychiatrist (Charles Grodin) wants him to fill in for him at his practice...and on his syndicated radio show. Not wanting to be sent to prison, John soon escapes and finds his way to California...where he soon becomes a very popular radio host....even more so than the man he's temporarily replacing.
The basic plot I mentioned above was VERY good. But the writer had problems with subplots....which tended to be more distracting than funny. This is especially true with Walter Matthau's character during much of the film. Additionally, the two real psychiatrists are more caricatures than believable in any way...especially how they both act near the end.
So what did I think of this? Well, I loved Aykroyd and his character. As for everyone else, they just weren't consistently written and tended to take away from the otherwise funny plot. Worth seeing but too uneven to merit more than a 6.
John Burns (Aykroyd) is a most unusual man. While he's very bright and sure knows how to manipulate people, he's also spent much of his adult life in various institutions...such as prisons and psychiatric hospitals.
John's psychiatrist, Dr. Baird, is tired of this patient's antics in the hospital and has arranged to have him sent to prison instead. But when John is left alone in the Doctor's office, the phone rings...and John answers and pretends to be Baird. Well, it turns out a famous radio psychiatrist (Charles Grodin) wants him to fill in for him at his practice...and on his syndicated radio show. Not wanting to be sent to prison, John soon escapes and finds his way to California...where he soon becomes a very popular radio host....even more so than the man he's temporarily replacing.
The basic plot I mentioned above was VERY good. But the writer had problems with subplots....which tended to be more distracting than funny. This is especially true with Walter Matthau's character during much of the film. Additionally, the two real psychiatrists are more caricatures than believable in any way...especially how they both act near the end.
So what did I think of this? Well, I loved Aykroyd and his character. As for everyone else, they just weren't consistently written and tended to take away from the otherwise funny plot. Worth seeing but too uneven to merit more than a 6.
Aykroyd filling in for Lemon?
thejcowboy221 July 2020
Warning: Spoilers
My late Uncle David told my Mother about his cruise to Europe and the first class service he and my Aunt receive throughout there rest pud across the Atlantic. He also received extra perks while on board with daily baskets of cheer compliments of the cruise line. Facials, massage and pedicures were also daily without extra charge. He also was asked to Dine with The Captain which is of the highest honor a passenger on a cruise line would receive. You see my Uncle did a deceptive thing. He signed the register (passenger list) as being a Doctor. Luckily no one got sick during the duration. The couch trip showcases Dan Aykyrod as a malcontent in a white collar palatable way. You see our star Dan Aykroyd plays a mental patient John Burns who conned his way to into this mental facility in Illinois. He's as normal as a con man could be. Adept at electrical wiring, love making when he has the time to confidant receptionist (Victoria Jackson). Burns also doubles as an on hands suicide negotiator. Burn's foil in this story is Psychiatrist of the Hospital, the clueless incompetent C average Dr. Lawrence Baird (David Clennon) who can't get a handle on his job or patients . Burns causes a riot in the cafeteria and that's the last straw for Dr. Baird as he finally calls Burn into his office to tell him he's transferring him back to regular prison . Electrically inclined Burns has the Doctor diverted as he's alone, and as fate would have it, the telephone rings and it's Hollywood calling looking for a replacement on a drive time talk radio show hosted by the renown Psychiatrist Dr. George Maitlin (Charles Grodin). The problem here is that our radio Psychotherapist companion hasn't left his Beverly Hills bedroom for two weeks suffering from depression. His concerned weak, appeasing and neglected wife played by Mary Gross, pleads with her husband to get out of bed. Maitland responds by hiding under the covers. Putting this all together is Maitland's lawyer Harvey Michaels (Richard Romanus). Frantic and desperate Michaels tries to find a middle of the road Doctor that won't overshadow the regular radio star Maitland. Michaels picks the below average Dr. Baird. Michaels thinks he's speaking to Dr. Baird but instead it's the deceitful Burns. Micheals doesn't mention the radio show but to lures him west to take over his Practice while Maitland is on a phony sabbatical. Michaels makes the arrangements and first class ticket are waiting for a flight to L.A. for Burns taking the place of the real Dr. Baird. The escape is successful as Burns shows up at the Airport in prison clothes. Our story continues at Los Angeles International Airport. While Burns is charming the ongoing stewardess's, his ride is waiting in the form of enticing Dr. Laura Rollins (Donna Dixon). Dr. Rollins witnesses the flirty Burns and is disgusted as she walks away from him. A disheveled, unshaven panhandler in Priest clothing Donald Becker (Walter Matthau) harasses the rogue Doctor claiming those pants look familiar and realizes he's a phony. Deception, attempted murder, adultery, bribery and great phone calls from our public make this a farcical, cute comedy. Aykroyd is lean and energetic and smartly dressed. In addition Aykroyd showcases he's smooth, velvety voice which resonates through the air waves with the caustic use of phallic symbols and four letter words. Grodin plays the typical dour character spoiled and full of himself. Romanus as the philandering Agent /Lawyer appeases throughout the film. As deceptive a person as Aykroyd is in this film,there's a heart of gold in him somewhere. Matthau's deadpan responses are always classic and for a while I was fantasizing that maybe Jack Lemmon could of pulled that role instead of Dan Aykroyd. Great performance by Dan Aykroyd second to the character Boolie in Driving Miss Daisy. Talking about deception and phony titles. my Uncle David in reality was a Junkman He ran a salvage company Industrial Scrap Metal Company in Paterson, New Jersey.
AKYROYD'S BEST MOVIE!
KatMiss29 May 2001
Michael Ritchie's "The Couch Trip" is a wonderfully anarchic comedy about what makes a good psychiatrist. It is so subtle and wicked that you start to realize what a stinging satire it really is. It is also Dan Akyroyd's best movie, made in a particularly great film year (1988)for him. First, "The Great Outdoors" and now this.
Akyroyd stars as John Burns, a career crook who fakes insanity to escape prison. Now, a dumb comedy would just be about this. But "The Couch Trip" uses this as a springboard for everything else. Beverly Hills psychiatrist George Maitlin (Charles Grodin, subtly hilarious here)has a nervous breakdown and a replacement is selected: Lawrence Baird, who happens to be Akyroyd's psychiatrist! You can pretty much guess what's going to happen, but the great thing about "The Couch Trip" is not what happens, but how it is done.
"The Couch Trip" gives Dan Akyroyd the best role he has ever had. His John Burns is one of the truly original comic creations in movie history. Wicked one liners and physical humor are a part of it, but what makes it special is that Akyroyd makes Burns a lovable character. We root for him and grow to like him a whole lot during the 98 minute running time.
But Akyroyd isn't alone here. He gets strong support from other great comic actors. Walter Matthau joins the hilarity as a con artist minister who catches on to Burns' secret and commits genteel blackmail. Charles Grodin "slow burns" his way to another great comic role as the burned out psychiatrist. Grodin has been one of the most underappreciated actors in Hollywood. It's criminal they haven't used him more often. Richard Romanus plays Grodin's slimeball lawyer to perfection.
"The Couch Trip" is one of many films made by the now-defunct Orion Pictures Corporation that are currently unseen. MGM spent a fortune buying the Orion library but have yet to truly cash in on their acquisition. "The Couch Trip" joins "Dressed to Kill", "Blow Out" and countless others in gathering dust rotting in the vault. Shame on MGM for their inaction. Hopefully, with new management, "The Couch Trip" will find the audience and respect it deserves.
**** out of 4 stars
Akyroyd stars as John Burns, a career crook who fakes insanity to escape prison. Now, a dumb comedy would just be about this. But "The Couch Trip" uses this as a springboard for everything else. Beverly Hills psychiatrist George Maitlin (Charles Grodin, subtly hilarious here)has a nervous breakdown and a replacement is selected: Lawrence Baird, who happens to be Akyroyd's psychiatrist! You can pretty much guess what's going to happen, but the great thing about "The Couch Trip" is not what happens, but how it is done.
"The Couch Trip" gives Dan Akyroyd the best role he has ever had. His John Burns is one of the truly original comic creations in movie history. Wicked one liners and physical humor are a part of it, but what makes it special is that Akyroyd makes Burns a lovable character. We root for him and grow to like him a whole lot during the 98 minute running time.
But Akyroyd isn't alone here. He gets strong support from other great comic actors. Walter Matthau joins the hilarity as a con artist minister who catches on to Burns' secret and commits genteel blackmail. Charles Grodin "slow burns" his way to another great comic role as the burned out psychiatrist. Grodin has been one of the most underappreciated actors in Hollywood. It's criminal they haven't used him more often. Richard Romanus plays Grodin's slimeball lawyer to perfection.
"The Couch Trip" is one of many films made by the now-defunct Orion Pictures Corporation that are currently unseen. MGM spent a fortune buying the Orion library but have yet to truly cash in on their acquisition. "The Couch Trip" joins "Dressed to Kill", "Blow Out" and countless others in gathering dust rotting in the vault. Shame on MGM for their inaction. Hopefully, with new management, "The Couch Trip" will find the audience and respect it deserves.
**** out of 4 stars
Delivers some good chuckles.
Hey_Sweden12 April 2015
Dan Aykroyd has fun in a fast talking con man role in this reasonably amusing but never uproarious comedy. He plays John W. Burns, Jr., a criminal who faked insanity in order to get a somewhat cushier life inside a mental institution. Burns runs amok at this place, getting it on with the secretary (Victoria Jackson) and making life miserable for his stuffy, hostile psychiatrist (David Clennon). One day he intercepts a phone call to Clennon, who's been selected to temporarily fill in for a hot shot L.A. pop psychiatrist (Charles Grodin) who's suffering from lots of stress. He pretends to be Clennon, and the hilarity ensues as he keeps up the charade in front of Grodins' associates, played by the likes of Richard Romanus, Donna Dixon (the lovely real life Mrs. Aykroyd), and Arye Gross.
You know you can't go completely wrong with a cast such as this. Everybody plays their role to the hilt, whether it's Clennon as a guy we'll love to hate, the perfectly chosen Grodin in peak grumpy form, Arye Gross as a pathological ass kisser, or Mary Gross as Grodin's wife. Aykroyd is amiable and charming and as good at ever at getting lots of dialogue out quickly. Good character actors add to the enjoyment: Mickey Jones, J.E. Freeman, David Wohl, Michael Ensign, Charles Levin, Scott Thomson, Don Stark, and others. But you have to pay close attention to catch a cameo by Chevy Chase, who'd acted for director Michael Ritchie in one of his most successful vehicles, "Fletch". It's also a joy to see veteran Walter Matthau in one of his more carefree roles, as a self styled oddball who realizes Aykroyd's secret and attempts to blackmail him.
The plotting is kind of standard, as we see the highly unorthodox and tactless Aykroyd actually become a real hit on the air while filling in for Grodin. This, however, leads to one of the better gags in the picture as Aykroyd thinks he's found the solution to following through on his promise of free therapy to Grodin's patients. The R rating does allow for some well timed (but not excessive) use of profanity - that actually made it into the trailer!
Six out of 10.
You know you can't go completely wrong with a cast such as this. Everybody plays their role to the hilt, whether it's Clennon as a guy we'll love to hate, the perfectly chosen Grodin in peak grumpy form, Arye Gross as a pathological ass kisser, or Mary Gross as Grodin's wife. Aykroyd is amiable and charming and as good at ever at getting lots of dialogue out quickly. Good character actors add to the enjoyment: Mickey Jones, J.E. Freeman, David Wohl, Michael Ensign, Charles Levin, Scott Thomson, Don Stark, and others. But you have to pay close attention to catch a cameo by Chevy Chase, who'd acted for director Michael Ritchie in one of his most successful vehicles, "Fletch". It's also a joy to see veteran Walter Matthau in one of his more carefree roles, as a self styled oddball who realizes Aykroyd's secret and attempts to blackmail him.
The plotting is kind of standard, as we see the highly unorthodox and tactless Aykroyd actually become a real hit on the air while filling in for Grodin. This, however, leads to one of the better gags in the picture as Aykroyd thinks he's found the solution to following through on his promise of free therapy to Grodin's patients. The R rating does allow for some well timed (but not excessive) use of profanity - that actually made it into the trailer!
Six out of 10.
ambivalent
SnoopyStyle4 August 2022
John Burns (Dan Aykroyd) is a prisoner patient in a state mental hospital in Chicago. He escapes, steals his doctor's identity, and flies out to L. A. where he takes over from radio host Dr. George Maitlin (Charles Grodin). Dr. Laura Rollins (Donna Dixon) is Maitlin's assistant. Donald Becker (Walter Matthau) is a crazy guy at the airport.
This is mildly amusing. I'm ambivalent towards Aykroyd and his character. I'm ambivalent to almost everybody in this movie. The best hope is the pairing of Aykroyd and Matthau. That seems to be a promising pairing but they don't have much time together. One has to wait until the midpoint before Matthau shows up. It's a lot of setting up and meandering plot. I can take it or leave it with this movie.
This is mildly amusing. I'm ambivalent towards Aykroyd and his character. I'm ambivalent to almost everybody in this movie. The best hope is the pairing of Aykroyd and Matthau. That seems to be a promising pairing but they don't have much time together. One has to wait until the midpoint before Matthau shows up. It's a lot of setting up and meandering plot. I can take it or leave it with this movie.
effective conman comedy
mcfly-311 April 2001
Only one comment (as of this writing) on IMDB?? Which is the ultimate example of why this is a very underrated comedy dealing with Aykroyd's escape from a mental facilitly (more like a den for misfits) and masqerading as his hated supervisor/doctor from the nutbarn. He heads to L.A. with his assumed name to sub for an unstable radio shrink (Grodin) and his candid approach garners him city-wide attention. He fast talks his way into a big contract and seems on his way. He gets distracted, though, by knockout Dixon (his real-life wife, how lucky), who is some kind of shrink-producer and also by Matthau's perceptive homeless schemer. He's onto Aykroyd and says he'll keep quiet if Dan splits the cash with him. That's just a little of what's going on in this busy little conman adventure, as at the same time Grodin is getting wise with the real doctor Aykroyd is impersonating. And Grodin's wife is also involved with his lawyer, who is seeing dollar signs in Aykroyd, as well is a kiss-butt producer, and annoyingly assisting Grodin is Clennon, the real doctor who is supposed to be replacing him. There are a lot of great jabs at the psychiatry profession, and the entertainment business, the best being the short but very memorable scene where Aykroyd takes calls on the radio, one of the funniest scenes I've ever watched. Unfortunately, the film ends abruptly and could've used a better knock out blow. But, from beginning to (near) end this provides a lot of solid laughs and it's too bad that the kind of plot it has doesn't permit another trip to the couch.
Better than it probably should be
utgard1410 November 2020
Dan Ackroyd plays one of those free-spirited plays-by-his-own-rules characters who effortlessly overcomes every obstacle and never seems to sweat. These characters only seem to inhabit movies because in reality they are arrested or shot on their first wacky adventure. Normally I roll my eyes and groan at a movie like this. There's a predictability to it that limits how good it can possibly be. That being said, Ackroyd does well with the material. He takes a character who is quite frankly obnoxious as hell and makes him somewhat likable. On the flip side of the coin we have Charles Grodin giving her a very Charles Grodin performance and it stinks. I was annoyed by every scene of his. I found myself focusing on how much I liked his house rather than anything his awful character was saying or doing. It is a nice house, though. Walter Matthau is fun in a supporting role. Donna Dixon is bland as the love interest. If they had to go this route they should've stuck with Victoria Jackson's character. She was much more interesting and fun. But she wasn't married to the star so I guess that answers that. It's not a great comedy but an ok one. Certainly a decent time-passer.
Almost brilliant comedy
ctomvelu-19 July 2008
Dan Ackroyd in his prime stars as Johgn Burns, a mental asylum escapee who poses as his own shrink to travel out to La La Land and host a popular radio talk show while the regular host (Charle Grodin in his snarling prime) takes a vacation. Along the way, Ackroyd hooks up with Walter Matthau, a fellow nutjob, and the rest is sheer hilarity. Ackroyd and Matthau play off very well off one another. Ackroyd's stunning real-life wife, Donna Dixon, is along for the ride as yet another shrink. The ending feels a bit rushed and contrived, which is the only thing that keeps me from giving this film my top rating, an 8. A lost '80s gem.
A hidden gem
inacan-90-8942616 July 2022
Warning: Spoilers
A fast talking Dan Ackroyd with a con man Walter Matthau and Charles Grodin in all his boiling anger and irritation. It's got it's moments. The script isn't full of zingers but more operates on Ackroyds charm and good set up premises. To be fair in this world the existence of photo Id isn't a thing. How they can be getting on plains, traveling countries, getting paid with no id is ludicrous. I don't remember the 80s being that lax. If somebody would have asked for an ID this movie would have been 5 minutes long.
A solid comedy by Michael Ritchie nearly ruined by Aykroyds over the top mugging.
paul-214822 August 2018
Michael Ritchie makes what I call emotional comedies. The best example of this is of course The Bad News Bears which is hilarious but grounded in real humanity by Walter Matthau and the rest of the cast.
This film has a good cast and a solid script, but Aykroyd nearly ruins the film by his slapstick performance. This would have better suited by Chevy Chase who handled Ritchie's comedic style perfectly in Fletch.
This film has a good cast and a solid script, but Aykroyd nearly ruins the film by his slapstick performance. This would have better suited by Chevy Chase who handled Ritchie's comedic style perfectly in Fletch.
Couch Trip
NNY_Shadow11 December 2005
I would agree with the comments already posted to this site by the previous rater.
I first stumbled across this movie back in the '80s, when I was employed at a psychiatric hospital. Unfortunately, many of the barbs aimed at the psychiatric profession do hit home. I especially enjoyed the ending, where the psychiatrist would speak thru the door to the hospitalized Grodin. Trust me, its fairly accurate.
Of course, doors at most psych hospitals are not locked, nor are straightjackets used much these days, and any hospital MUST be licensed to have a "padded room".
But a wonderfully underrated film, and certainly one that is quite amusing.
Jeff
I first stumbled across this movie back in the '80s, when I was employed at a psychiatric hospital. Unfortunately, many of the barbs aimed at the psychiatric profession do hit home. I especially enjoyed the ending, where the psychiatrist would speak thru the door to the hospitalized Grodin. Trust me, its fairly accurate.
Of course, doors at most psych hospitals are not locked, nor are straightjackets used much these days, and any hospital MUST be licensed to have a "padded room".
But a wonderfully underrated film, and certainly one that is quite amusing.
Jeff
An Under-rated Gem!
gfjones20 November 2002
As a fan of Dan Aykroyd, I watched this film when it was recently shown in the middle of night on TV. I wasn't expecting much, so it came as a big surprise that I loved it so much.
This is the type of film that Dan Aykroyd seems to love to make. A chance for him to 'ham it up' and not take things too seriously. If you loved him in The Blues Brothers or Ghostbusters you'll know what I mean, and you'd be wise to check out The Couch Trip.
Avid fans of Aykroyd will also have fun spotting all the tiny links to his other films in the script!
I can't describe this film without spoiling it for you, so all I can do is tell you to check it out. I can't praise this film highly enough, and it must surely be time for a DVD release!!
This is the type of film that Dan Aykroyd seems to love to make. A chance for him to 'ham it up' and not take things too seriously. If you loved him in The Blues Brothers or Ghostbusters you'll know what I mean, and you'd be wise to check out The Couch Trip.
Avid fans of Aykroyd will also have fun spotting all the tiny links to his other films in the script!
I can't describe this film without spoiling it for you, so all I can do is tell you to check it out. I can't praise this film highly enough, and it must surely be time for a DVD release!!
Underrated
rrsuther20 August 2002
One of the most underrated comedies. Dan Akroyd is hilarious in this over the top role; Charles Grodin gives a performance nearly as good as in "Midnight Run;" and Walter Matthau gives a superb comedic performance in this sometimes subdued, sometimes wacky film. Akroyd and Matthau have great chemistry together....
Amusing, but nothing special
bob the moo25 January 2002
A patient in a chicago physcriatric hospital is in a war with Doctor Baird. When he intercepts a call for Dr Baird to replace LA shrink Dr Maitlin in his practice and his radio show. Baird had been selected because he was inept enough not to put Maitlin in the shade. Burns escapes from the hospital, travels to LA and assumes Baird's identity to get the job. Issues are complicated when drifter Becker recognises Burns as a conman and tries to get in on the act.
This is an earlier version of Dolly Parton's `Straight Talk' - a straight talker gets mistaken for a radio host, gives mad advise but the public love it. This is complicated by Matthau's conman getting involved and other little subplots. The plot doesn't always convince or hold the interest but it is quite amusing at points. The ending is pure laziness as it attempts to milk a happy ending out of unlikely circumstances.
Aykroyd is well suited to his character and provides all the jokes here. Grodin and Matthau are both good but Matthau is certainly greatly underused. Really it's Aykroyd's show and everything slows down when he's not onscreen or when he's having to move the story on.
Overall this is a very standard film. It's only amusing when Aykroyd is allowed free reign, for the rest of the film it's dull at times, aimless and meandering at others. Of the famous cast, this is nobody's finest hour.
This is an earlier version of Dolly Parton's `Straight Talk' - a straight talker gets mistaken for a radio host, gives mad advise but the public love it. This is complicated by Matthau's conman getting involved and other little subplots. The plot doesn't always convince or hold the interest but it is quite amusing at points. The ending is pure laziness as it attempts to milk a happy ending out of unlikely circumstances.
Aykroyd is well suited to his character and provides all the jokes here. Grodin and Matthau are both good but Matthau is certainly greatly underused. Really it's Aykroyd's show and everything slows down when he's not onscreen or when he's having to move the story on.
Overall this is a very standard film. It's only amusing when Aykroyd is allowed free reign, for the rest of the film it's dull at times, aimless and meandering at others. Of the famous cast, this is nobody's finest hour.
A trip worth taking...
MovieAddict201627 September 2003
To say I wasn't expecting much sitting down to watch "The Couch Trip" is an understatement. I had no idea what it was about - I thought it was going to be a journey into the realm of sexuality when I heard Chevy Chase played a condom man and the movie's title involves the word "couch trip," *wink, wink.* Then I figured out that it had something to do with a mental institute and a patient escaping. My expectations dropped even lower.
I was literally expecting a grin movie - the type where you grin once and walk out feeling a bit cheated. And in a way, this is cheap comedy - it doesn't have the greatest gags, the plot is ludicrous, but you know what? I had a big dumb smile on my face the entire time I was watching it.
Dan Aykroyd plays John Burns, a patient at a mental hospital who may or may not actually be mental. He gives the psychiatrist, Lawrence Baird (David Clennon), plenty of grief and misery, which leads us to believe he is a sane person after all.
Following a little bit of a riot in the mental institute's cafeteria, Burns is awaiting a tongue-lashing from Baird in his office when the phone rings. Burns picks it up, pretends to be Baird, and finds out the caller on the other line, Harvey Michaels (Richard Romanus), wants the real Dr. Baird to come fill in for a radio shrink named George Maitlin (Charles Grodin), who is taking a vacation with his wife, Vera (Mary Gross). Michaels wants Baird so bad he has even booked him a ticket on an airplane.
Burns escapes the institute with the help of a receptionist, and drives to O'Hare. He gets Dr. Baird's ticket, gets on the plane, and eventually poses on the air as Dr. Baird. His show is a phenomenal success. "People love him!" one man says, and the other man replies, "It's because he actually cares about them."
Donald Becker (the late, great Walter Matthau) is an ex-mental patient who recognizes Burns' clothes to be confinement-issued pants and shirts. To keep him quiet, Burns promises Becker a percentage of his income. The secret is kept closed.
Meanwhile, Maitlin and his wife get in an argument. He flies home to end his vacation short and realizes that the man on his talk show is not, in fact, Dr. Baird after all, but no one believes him. He gets the real Dr. Baird, but unfortunately he has lost his ID so the police take them as nutcases and don't listen to their story.
Let me name just a few of the plot holes I noticed while watching this film: Burns poses as Dr. Baird, but is never asked for his ID, even when claiming his plane ticket (he was robbed, he says, but they would still make sure he is Baird). If Burns becomes so very famous, how come the real Dr. Baird in Chicago never heard people talking about him? Word travels. And finally, why would the police ever arrest Maitlin and Baird (the real Baird, that is) without following up on their stories?
To be frankly honest, I couldn't care less. I went into this movie with a closed mind and it surprised me - I really liked it. It entertained me. Its ideas are essentially ludicrous and not at all realistic, but Dan Aykroyd gives a truly spirited performance as a half-a-loon that makes "The Couch Trip" a trip worth taking.
3.5/5 stars -
John Ulmer
I was literally expecting a grin movie - the type where you grin once and walk out feeling a bit cheated. And in a way, this is cheap comedy - it doesn't have the greatest gags, the plot is ludicrous, but you know what? I had a big dumb smile on my face the entire time I was watching it.
Dan Aykroyd plays John Burns, a patient at a mental hospital who may or may not actually be mental. He gives the psychiatrist, Lawrence Baird (David Clennon), plenty of grief and misery, which leads us to believe he is a sane person after all.
Following a little bit of a riot in the mental institute's cafeteria, Burns is awaiting a tongue-lashing from Baird in his office when the phone rings. Burns picks it up, pretends to be Baird, and finds out the caller on the other line, Harvey Michaels (Richard Romanus), wants the real Dr. Baird to come fill in for a radio shrink named George Maitlin (Charles Grodin), who is taking a vacation with his wife, Vera (Mary Gross). Michaels wants Baird so bad he has even booked him a ticket on an airplane.
Burns escapes the institute with the help of a receptionist, and drives to O'Hare. He gets Dr. Baird's ticket, gets on the plane, and eventually poses on the air as Dr. Baird. His show is a phenomenal success. "People love him!" one man says, and the other man replies, "It's because he actually cares about them."
Donald Becker (the late, great Walter Matthau) is an ex-mental patient who recognizes Burns' clothes to be confinement-issued pants and shirts. To keep him quiet, Burns promises Becker a percentage of his income. The secret is kept closed.
Meanwhile, Maitlin and his wife get in an argument. He flies home to end his vacation short and realizes that the man on his talk show is not, in fact, Dr. Baird after all, but no one believes him. He gets the real Dr. Baird, but unfortunately he has lost his ID so the police take them as nutcases and don't listen to their story.
Let me name just a few of the plot holes I noticed while watching this film: Burns poses as Dr. Baird, but is never asked for his ID, even when claiming his plane ticket (he was robbed, he says, but they would still make sure he is Baird). If Burns becomes so very famous, how come the real Dr. Baird in Chicago never heard people talking about him? Word travels. And finally, why would the police ever arrest Maitlin and Baird (the real Baird, that is) without following up on their stories?
To be frankly honest, I couldn't care less. I went into this movie with a closed mind and it surprised me - I really liked it. It entertained me. Its ideas are essentially ludicrous and not at all realistic, but Dan Aykroyd gives a truly spirited performance as a half-a-loon that makes "The Couch Trip" a trip worth taking.
3.5/5 stars -
John Ulmer
why this title?
Brad-D4 June 2009
does anybody know why this movie is called the couch trip? i was just watching it and am still not sure why this title was picked the movie was very funny and its probably my favorite Dan Aykroyd performance it even beats out his Ghostbusters performance i had never heard of the movie before i seen it in a sears store i read the back and thought it sounded good so i bought and when i finally got a chance to watch it, i thought it was better than what i had originally expected. this movie rates as good as animal house and national lampoon's vacation in my mind i wish comedies that have come out lately were written as well as this one was nothing sad happens in it and the bad stuff that does happen are also funny parts if anyone else feels this way and would like to read a comedy script for a movie that doesn't have a sad situation in it email me at killer2511@hotmail.com
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