Down Periscope (1996)

Memorable, crazy movie

There is, somehow, an interesting story here, as well as some good acting. There are also some good scenes

One of the worst ways to make a cult movie is to set out to make a cult movie.

The film never slows down or bores, plunging from one harrowing sequence to the next.

Down Periscope (1996): Dir: David Ward / Cast: Kelsey Grammar, Lauren Holly, Rip Torn, Rob Schneider, Harland Williams: Washout comedy that gives new meaning to low budget. Kelsey Grammar has a dream that unfortunately doesn't involve pulling the plug on this project. He wishes to command his own submarine and crew, which he eventually does but the sub is a rust bucket. Among the crew is Lauren Holly who wishes to become the first female submarine commander for the Navy. The crew play mean spirited pranks on her such as stealing her bra. Title indicates unsuccessful misfits but we already know that they will be rewarded for putting up with each other. David Ward, who previously made The Program, directs this film like a really bad sitcom with a budget of all of five dollars. Grammar is basically reciting his Fraser role. We know that he will gain respect in the conclusion but nobody really cares. We also know that Holly will prove herself and become higher rank and nobody cares about that either. Rip Torn and Rob Schneider are wasting time when they could be looking for better film projects. Harland Williams appears to be under a worst joke than drinking urine in Dumb and Dumber. It regards underdogs or underachievers, which pretty much sums up the screenwriter's ambition when penning this dreadful sinker. This film should be sunk…down a toilet. Score: 1 / 10

Military movies are hammed-up cringe-fests. Feel-good movies are so sickening, they induce projectile vomiting.This movie is a feel-good military (submarine) movie that actually works. Whilst it does have a sprinkling of cheese and some quite puerile moments it is largely inoffensive and quite funny.I couldn't fault the actors, the script, the characters or the general premise.Even better, I wouldn't hesitate to let my kids see it and wouldn't hesitate to watch it again.This movie might not win any prizes or - god forbid - earn cult status; but what it DOES do is entertain and it does that very well.

With talents like Kelsey Grammar and Rip Torn and a some funny lines, this is a great comedy for when you don't want to think.Premise is a bit dumb. As Russia is selling Diesel boats to other nations, an admiral wants to know how well one would fare against modern subs.Thankfully, with comedies of this sort, the plot is second nature to the dialog and comic acting. In this movies case, there's some pretty funny dialog, and some funny characters.I especially like Grammar's understated comedic acting. He delivers funny lines pretty straight. His character assumes sort of a kind fatherly relationship with his command.The "bad" guy is pretty well played. Nothing special, but solid.The supporting cast is decent. I liked the radio guy who made connection using his own body. He was pretty funny. The fat cook was too cliché. The chick was pretty. And her role was OK, a bit more depth might have been welcome.If you like your basic cliché comedy with some good lines now and again, and like Gammer and Torn, you will probably like this.I like it so much I have seen it three times. Why? I find myself in need of a movie where I will laugh a few times, and never have to think. This is that movies.

i bought both this movie and McHale's Navy cheap at the same time.i thought McHale's navy was pretty much a disaster.it's supposed to be funny,but i didn't think so.Down Periscope is in a similar vein,but is actually fairly funny at times.it's not great,but i did laugh on occasion.Kelsey Grammar is the main star.Lauren Holly,Bruce Dern,William H.Macy,Harland Williams,and Rip Torn also star,among others.even Rob Schneider has a role,but he is actually funny here.of course,he isn't the main character so that helps.along with some laughs,there's also a bit of action and excitement.in the end the movie turns out pretty decent.my vote for Down Periscope is a 6/10