The Couch Trip is a comedy film released in 1988, directed by Michael Ritchie. The movie follows John W. Burns Jr., a delinquent who manages to escape from a mental institution in Los Angeles. He boards a plane to Chicago and ends up impersonating Dr. Lawrence Baird, a popular radio show host and psychiatrist. Dr. Baird is going through a tough time in his personal life and is unable to fulfill his professional commitments. John assumes his identity, thinking it would be easy to fool the listeners.
As he starts hosting the show 'The Couch Trip,' John is apprehensive about being caught and tries to keep a low profile. However, his unconventional methods of counseling and advice-giving soon become a hit with the audience, and he gains massive popularity. Meanwhile, the real Dr. Baird, who is being held hostage by a patient, has become a nationwide news sensation, and people start to wonder who is impersonating him on-air.
As John's fame grows, he becomes attracted to Dr. Baird's assistant, who starts to suspect that he is not who he claims to be. Meanwhile, the authorities are closing in on John, and he must decide whether to reveal his true identity or continue the charade.
The movie features Dan Aykroyd as John W. Burns Jr., Walter Matthau as the real Dr. Baird, and Charles Grodin as his assistant. Other notable cast members include Donna Dixon, Mary Gross, and David Clennon.
The Couch Trip is a hilarious comedy that showcases Dan Aykroyd's versatility as an actor. He portrays the character of John W. Burns Jr. with a mix of charm, wit, and vulnerability, making the audience root for him even though he is a criminal on the run. The movie also explores the theme of identity and how people perceive themselves and others. Overall, The Couch Trip is a must-watch for fans of classic '80s comedies.
