Customer Reviews

The Couch Trip

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Dan Akroyd's comedy movie career has been anything but consistent. He seems to tackle as many bad roles (My Stepmother Is An Alien) as he does great (Neighbors). I'm going to go on record and say that this is his best work since his SNL stint and his Belushi film pairings. Yes, it's totally stupid. Yes, it's one of those late 80's "switched identity" movies that every studio made, and it's got Donna Dixon - one of the worst actors on earth. But, it's one of those movies that requires many viewings because it's just that good. A funny story, a great score, and a hilarious Chevy Chase cameo. The only disappointment with this coming to DVD is that it lacks any features. Well, at least MGM brought it to DVD. Highly recommended.

It's an eighties gem, so overlooked and STILL FUNNY. I have been waiting for this DVD for years now (along with "Club Paradise" and "Ice Pirates" -still waiting 08/04).

It is hysterical in some parts, and it will stand the test of time. Admittedly, I loved this movie when I saw it (in the 80's), and am still biased. But there are at least 10 belly laugh scenes, all priceless and unique. Tons of things that Akroyd never did "in every other 80's flick" as one reviewer suggested. And yes, it is not a slickly, year 2000+ produced movie that will entrance you for every moment, there is a slow scene or two, but still so worth a viewing. If you missed it then, now's your chance. I put my personal garauntee that you will laugh at least five times really hard (unless you are under age 18). Enjoy

THE COUCH TRIP is a movie with a far-fetched plot, with an Aykroyd ego-trip, but with great support. "I did not realize," my wife said, "that Dan Aykroyd only plays one role in every film, the supercilious social misfit who is going to be in trouble when he has to quit acting like a teen-ager." Having said that, my wife, who points out matters like acting ability; she said and I agree that the support of Walter Matthau and Charles Grodin kept this feature on the funny track. The far-fetched plot has one of those incredible twists that you simply can't resist; the mental patient who out-psychs the Psychiatrists. But, thanks to Director Michael Ritchie it is a well managed far-fetched plot. It was performed as well as that other Aykroyd film with a weird plot, "Trading Places." I laughed and was entertained by this flic.

Wow! This one took me by suprise.... I had never heard of The Couch Trip until I was browsing around my trusty local video store and stumbled upon it... Nothing else looked good so I decided to give it a try... I popped it into my vcr not expecting anything special. But it was great! Dan Aykroyd, Walter Matthau, and Charles Grodin are just a few members of the first class cast in The Couch Trip. The plot is fabulous the script is good.. And it is just fun to watch... This one will not let you down! Buy it or rent it I promise you will enjoy

Was never a fan of Sat. Night Live & never followed Dan A.'s career, etc., but here, in this comedy flick, the guy is just about perfect in the role and as hilarious as they come. What I love about his take on the part is that he plays it straight, poker-faced all the way--and never, ever DELIBERATELY goes for laughs--and it had me in stitches the entire time.

Re: supporting cast: from the gorgeous Donna Dixon to the always solid Walter Mathau (and everyone else in this terrific comedy) give Mr. Aykroyd the support he needs.

I could not remember the name of this film at first,only the plot and the superb performance by Dan Aykroyd as the leading actor. This film works regardless of what some critics say. It enabled Aykroyd to show just how suited he is to the role of comedy actor.A truely entertaining film,well worth viewing. The role of the other actors is well matched with the leading role and also the leading lady should have gone on to make more films.

This is one of the funniest movies that I've ever seen! Dan Akroyd is wonderful as the mental patient turned psychiatrist, and Walter Mattheau as his sidekick, the crazy priest, is absolutely hysterical. Donna Dixon as the psychiatrist friend of Dan Akroyd is ravishingly gorgeous. Even Charles Grodin, who's usually too glib for my taste, does a great job as the burned out psychiatrist. This movies has many wacky appearances by other Saturday Night alumni. If you'd like to lift up your spirits, laugh a lot, and put a big smile on your face then this movie is for you.

In THE COUCH TRIP, a con-artist imprisoned at a Chicago psychiatric facility flim-flams his way out of jail, onto a radio talk show and into a small fortune.

Career felon John Burns (Aykroyd) has avoided "hard time" by feigning mental illness. The easy ride will soon be over though, for Dr. Lawrence Baird (Clennon) plans to certify Burns as sane and ship him back to the "pen." In Baird's absence, Burns takes a phone call in the shrink's office. It's from George Maitlin, a successful Beverly Hills psychiatrist and talk show host. Maitlin, who's much in need of a sabbatical, offers a man he believes to be Baird an opportunity to sub for him on the radio show, handle his practice for a few months and earn a large sum of cash.

Burns orchestrates an escape from the looney bin. Disguised as Dr. Baird, he heads to California where he immediately encounters Donald Becker (Matthau), a fellow con artist pretending to be a street preacher. Becker easily "reads" Burns and he blackmails his way into the sweet deal. Meanwhile, Drs. Maitlin and Baird accidentally meet at a European psychiatric seminar. Together, they fly home to find out who has usurped Baird's identity and taken (under false pretenses) Maitlin's $200,000.


Also recommended:
Charles Grodin co-stars in the charming fantasy HEART AND SOULS (1993) as one of four guardian angels. They've been cosmically attached to young businessman Thomas (Robert Downey Jr.) ever since his 1959 birth and their simultaneous deaths in a bus crash. Thomas is the key to their escape from Earth, so his angels make themselves visible to him.


Parenthetical number preceding title is a 1 to 10 viewer poll rating found at a film resource website.

(5.2) The Couch Trip (1988) - Dan Akyroyd/Walter Matthau/Charles Grodin/Donna Dixon/David Clennon/Mary Gross/Victoria Jackson (uncredited: Chevy Chase)

This is a funny movie that had me chuckling along with it most of the way. Walter Matheau seemed a little superfluous until the end of the movie however (hard to believe as a crazy man). Grodin was dry, wry and hilarious - until he went over the top in the end. And Dan Akroyd did a great job. One of his best I'd have to say. A fun little movie that entertains.

This movie is Dan Aykroyd at his best! I would highly recommend this movie. His excellent fast paced, quip, synonymous, one liners are right out of the book of Thesaurus. And he does it all with a straight face while you are left laughing and holding your sides. Nice story line.