A new remake has landed on Netflix, and it’s stirring mixed emotions among viewers. Trouble, a 2024 reboot of the 1988 Swedish comedy Strul, tries to balance humor, action, and sentimentality but stumbles into familiar storytelling traps. Released on October 3, Trouble follows Conny, a well-meaning, unlucky man who gets tangled in a murder investigation and a string of unfortunate events. It offers a playful ride, but many can’t overlook its reliance on well-worn action clichés.
An Action-Comedy Rooted in the “Wrong Place, Wrong Time” Theme
The plot centers on Conny (played by Filip Berg), a humble electronics salesman struggling with a recent divorce. In need of a fresh start, Conny’s only solace is spending time with his daughter, Julia. Things take a turn for the worse when he goes to a client’s house to install a TV and accidentally witnesses a murder.
After being framed, knocked unconscious, and swiftly thrown into prison, Conny’s troubles only begin. In jail, he encounters Musse and Norinder, two inmates with an escape plan doomed from the start. Each failed attempt at freedom draws Conny deeper into absurd circumstances, all while keeping the film’s tone lighthearted and humorous. Still, one particular scene stands out—and not in a good way.
Trouble tries to stay entertaining, but its adherence to predictable tropes, particularly around Conny’s character, becomes a sticking point. This leads to moments where suspension of disbelief wears thin, especially during a laughable scene at the airport.
The Airport Scene: When the “Nice Guy” Trope Backfires Hard
One scene at an airport manages to be both funny and frustrating. As Conny makes a break for freedom after escaping from jail, he finds himself in the middle of an altercation with armed enemies. In typical nice-guy fashion, Conny disarms one attacker but—rather than using the weapon—chooses to run away.
This choice feels oddly reminiscent of action tropes that audiences know all too well:
- The Bond Villain Exposition: Where a villain wastes time explaining their plan instead of acting.
- The Last-Minute Henchman Escape: When a lone villain escapes after the protagonist defeats their team, only to pose no real threat.
These kinds of scenes add to the film’s comedic spirit, but they also break immersion. Conny’s refusal to defend himself by holding onto the weapon frustrates viewers, especially when he hands a disarmed enemy’s gun to an airport employee. Moments like this are intended to highlight Conny’s pacifism but instead come off as unbelievable.
Divided Reactions: Amusing or Annoying?
Trouble has received a mix of reviews. While it hasn’t yet made a splash on Rotten Tomatoes, the reception on IMDb is polarized. Some love its charm, while others are frustrated with the overused plot devices. A recurring theme in reviews is the frustration with Conny’s pacifist choices.
One user left a 7/10 review, perfectly summarizing the audience’s mixed feelings:
“I would loved to give it 10 Stars, but sadly it happened what happens way too often in Movies and Series. Good Guy Fighting Bad Guy. Good Guy Manages to stun Bad Guy for a few Seconds and instead of getting the Weapon and defeat the enemy, good guy just runs away. I fricking hate it when that happens because its just always a stupid decision and I cant like the good guy anymore after that.”
This speaks to a broader issue with movies like Trouble: audiences have grown tired of seeing the same old tropes dressed up in new clothes. Even viewers who enjoyed Strul, the 1988 original, have expressed some disappointment in the remake’s storytelling choices.
A Fun Yet Flawed Crime Comedy with a Familiar Feel
Despite its flaws, Trouble finds some fans who appreciate its lighthearted tone. The film doesn’t aim to be a masterpiece—it’s meant to be a fun, mindless diversion. Berg’s portrayal of Conny adds warmth, and the supporting cast, including Joakim Sällquist and Dejan Čukić, keeps the energy flowing. But as the plot leans heavily into clichés, even the film’s most ardent defenders admit it can feel stale.
Still, Trouble offers moments of genuine humor. The slapstick escape attempts, the awkward prison encounters, and the heartfelt father-daughter relationship keep it entertaining. Those looking for a light crime-comedy with low stakes may still find it a decent watch.
Trouble is streaming now on Netflix, but whether you’ll laugh or roll your eyes may depend on how much patience you have for familiar movie tropes.
