- Film Review
- Reviewed By John Ferguson
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3 out of 5
Bill Murray made his breakthrough with this comedy and his sleazy charisma helps disguise the formulaic "you're in the army now" plotting. Layabout Murray and chum Harold Ramis (also co-writer) are conned into joining up (by an unbilled Harry Dean Stanton, in a neat cameo). Murray's sparring with the obligatory hard-nosed NCO (Warren Oates, in one of his last film roles) is a constant delight; the film only goes off the rails in the Rambo-ish finale. A surprise hit, it also features early high profile roles for Judge Reinhold, John Candy and Sean Young.
Plot Summary
Two layabouts enlist in the US Army in the mistaken belief that a modern serviceman's life is the equivalent of a luxury holiday. However, the pair quickly realise military duty is much more rigorous than either of them could ever have imagined, while a jaunt in a commandeered high-tech vehicle creates an international incident when they cross into enemy territory. Comedy, with Bill Murray, Harold Ramis, Sean Young, Warren Oates, John Candy and Judge Reinhold.
Cast and crew
Cast
- John
- Bill Murray
- Russell
- Harold Ramis
- Sergeant Hulka
- Warren Oates
- Stella
- P J Soles
- Louise
- Sean Young
- Ox
- John Candy
- Captain Stillman
- John Larroquette
- Stillman's aide
- John Voldstad
- Cruiser
- John Diehl
- Colonel Glass
- Lance LeGault
- Anita
- Roberta Leighton
- Psycho
- Conrad Dunn
- Elmo
- Judge Reinhold
- Hector
- Antone Pagan
Crew
- Director
- Ivan Reitman
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