Year: 1981
Runtime: 93 min
Language: English
Director: Ken Shapiro
Driven to the edge by the pressures of his job, air traffic controller Max experiences a bizarre accident that grants him telekinetic powers. Determined to win back his estranged girlfriend, Darcy, he uses his abilities to influence events and disrupt her budding relationships. However, their planned weekend getaway to a beach house unleashes a darker side within him, putting everything he cares about at risk and threatening to spiral out of control.
Get a spoiler-free look at Modern Problems (1981) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.
In the humming arteries of New York’s busiest airport, an over‑worked air traffic controller wrestles with the relentless pressure of keeping the sky orderly. Max finds his professional life spiraling, and his personal world is no less chaotic after his relationship with Darcy ends in frustration and doubt. The film sets its tone in a world where the ordinary grind of a high‑stakes job collides with the absurd, letting comedy and anxiety mingle in a bright‑eyed, slightly off‑kilter atmosphere.
A freak accident—one of those impossible moments that feel both comic and uncanny—leaves Max with an unexpected gift: the ability to move objects with his mind. This newfound power becomes both a crutch and a catalyst, offering a whimsical way for him to try to repair the cracks in his love life. As he experiments with his telekinesis, the story balances lighthearted mischief with the deeper yearning to prove himself worthy of Darcy’s affection.
When an invitation arrives for a weekend retreat at a friend’s seaside house, the stakes subtly shift. The gathering brings together a handful of eccentric personalities—including Brian, a longtime confidant now navigating life from a wheelchair, and the sharply‑tongued self‑help guru Mark Winslow. Their interactions hint at underlying tensions, as the group’s playful banter gradually reveals competitive undercurrents and lingering insecurities.
Against the backdrop of sun‑soaked beaches and gathering storms, the movie teeters between breezy farce and an unsettling sense that power, however playful, can unlock darker impulses. Max’s journey becomes a study in how far someone will go to reclaim love and confidence, while the surrounding cast and setting keep the mood both buoyant and unpredictably tense, inviting audiences to wonder just how far the line between hilarity and hazard can be stretched.
Last Updated: August 10, 2025 at 14:11
Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.
Quirky stories where fantastical powers complicate romantic and personal lives.If you liked the whimsical chaos of 'Modern Problems,' you'll enjoy these movies where characters use magical or supernatural powers to navigate romantic rivalries and personal crises. These films blend comedy, fantasy, and lighthearted drama for a uniquely entertaining vibe.
These narratives typically follow a protagonist facing a relatable personal crisis—like a breakup or career stress—who acquires an unexpected power. They use this power to manipulate their circumstances, leading to a series of comical misadventures that test their character but ultimately resolve in a positive, hopeful manner.
They are grouped by their shared tone of whimsical fantasy mixed with grounded romantic comedy, a steady pacing that balances character development with supernatural antics, and a medium emotional weight that keeps the story engaging without becoming overly heavy.
Lighthearted romance stories where magic subtly bends the rules of reality.Discover movies like 'Modern Problems' that mix romance and comedy with a touch of magical realism. These stories feature characters using quirky supernatural abilities to win love, creating a feel-good experience that's both fantastical and emotionally grounded.
The narrative pattern involves a protagonist whose romantic desires are thwarted, leading them to discover or be gifted a magical ability. This power becomes a tool for pursuing their love interest, creating a series of humorous and sometimes dramatic situations that ultimately lead to self-discovery and a happy reconciliation.
They share a specific blend of genres (Romance, Comedy, Fantasy), a steady and straightforward narrative pace, a focus on romantic rivalry as a central conflict, and a tone that balances genuine emotional stakes with playful, supernatural elements.
Don't stop at just watching — explore Modern Problems in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Modern Problems is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Read a complete plot summary of Modern Problems, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.
Track the full timeline of Modern Problems with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Modern Problems. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.
Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Modern Problems: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.
Discover movies like Modern Problems that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.
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