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16 out of 25 people found the following comment useful :-
That's the fact Jack!, 29 June 1999

Author: Dan Grant (dan.grant@bell.ca) from Toronto, Ontario

Stripes is firmly planted in my vernacular as one of those films that helped shape me as a twelve year old boy. It is also one of those films that made me become the film lover that I am today. I know films like Star Wars and it's two sequels, First Blood and Rambo, Jaws and it's sequel, Halloween, Back To The Future, Ghostbusters, Raiders and it's sequels and Stripes ( there are many others but this review has to be under 1000 words )taught me the beauty of how a movie can make you feel. And Stripes was the first movie that me and my best friend at the time ( Gary ) ever memorized word for word. And I think that it is this movie that established Murray, Ramis and even guys like Candy and John Laroquette as comedians. It also has a small role for Bill Paxton in it somewhere. It was also a great stepping stone for the three amigos ( Murray, RAmis and Reitman ) to get funding for a bigger project like Ghostbusters. And if you were an executive at Columbia you would probably hand them a blank cheque for that project after seeing this film. Simply put this film is a classic in every sense of the word.

Stripes tells the story of how John Winger and Russell Ziskey ( Murray and Ramis respectively ) are two losers in life. Winger is an inept cab driver that hates his job so much that he throws his keys off the city bridge one day while driving an annoying lady to the airport. Ziskey is a terrible English as a second language teacher. And he is so inept that he tries to get is class to sing songs during class as their lesson. " I met her on a Monday and my heart stood still " Ziskey sings, and his class responds " da do da da da da da da da do da da da da, " and the he congratulates them and dismisses them until next week.

After Winger informs Ziskey that in the last three hours he has lost his job, his car, his apartment and his girlfriend, they decide to join the army. And then all hilarity breaks loose. It is here that we meet an assorted cast of hooligans and misfits that add to the enjoyment of the movie.

You have Ox ( Candy ) as an overweight guy who thinks the army is a perfect place to lose weight for free. There is Francis Sawyer, but everyone calls him Psycho, as a nut that thinks he is in Vietnam or someplace. You also have Cruiser, who joined the army because his father and brother were in the army and also because he thought he should join before he got drafted. Then there is Elmo, who is played by a pre-Fast Times Judge Reinhold. He is a wasted jolly stoner who is jjst looking to get stoned. Why he is joining the army is a little perplexing, but really, who cares? He is fun to watch so little details like this are overlooked. And of course we have Sgt. Hulka played with absolute earnestness by the late great Warren Oates. Needless to say, it is an interesting bunch of characters.

The film works for various reason, but mainly because Ramis and Dan Goldberg have written a hilarious script that puts the misfits through one twistedly funny situation after another. If only the army were this fun, everyone would want to enlist.

The first half of the film works because of the basic training scenes. The second half works because the misfit recruits are assigned to protect a secret R.V. that the army has concocted. Winger and Ziskey of course can't stay bored for long and they take the R.V. out for a run to Austria to go pick up their girlfriends.

Stripes is one of the funniest movies ever made and it should be checked out by younger people that were born after 1980. I was about 12 when I saw this and my dad laughed at this just as much as I did. And if all you have to go on for comedy is things like Waterboy and Big Daddy ( very funny movies in their own right ) you are missing some great older comedy. You should really check this out.

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9 out of 12 people found the following comment useful :-
With These Guys on the Front Lines..., 11 June 2001

Author: jhclues from Salem, Oregon

In one of his funniest comedies, Bill Murray takes on the U.S. Army, and without question, with guys like this on the front lines, we can all sleep a little easier at night. `Stripes,' directed by Ivan Reitman, is the story of John Winger (Murray), who in one day loses his girl, his job, his car and his apartment. So what's a guy to do after that, but join the Army? But he doesn't go alone, oh no-- he also talks his best friend, Russell Ziskey (Harold Ramis) into joining with him. And just like that they find themselves at boot camp, face to face with one of the most formidable Drill Instructors every to grace the silver screen, Sergeant Hulka (Warren Oates), and surrounded by as motley a group of raw recruits as anyone could imagine. Among them, there's Dewey Oxburger (John Candy), known as `Ox,' who plans to emerge from boot camp a `lean, mean fighting machine'; and `Cruiser (John Diehl),' who joined up to beat the draft (Hulka: `Son, there isn't a draft, anymore.' Cruiser: `There was one?'); and Francis Soyer (George Jenesky), known as `Psycho' (`Call me Francis, and I'll kill you. Touch my stuff, and I'll kill you. Touch me...and I'll kill you.' Hulka: `Lighten up, Francis...').

The pressure is on for Hulka and his men, when Colonel Glass (Lance LeGault) informs Captain Stillman (John Larroquette) that the `General' is looking for a squad of crack new recruits to man a special project, and Hulka's boys have been chosen. The project involves a secret weapon, an `urban assault' vehicle, that is to be unveiled on their base in Germany shortly. But first, Hulka has to get his troops through basic, which will be a minor miracle in itself, even though Winger goes `Out on a limb,' and offers to be their leader. And things proceed just as badly as you would expect, not only on the obstacle course, but off, when Winger and Ziskey get mixed up with a couple of female M.Ps., Stella (P.J. Soles) and Louise (Sean Young), and Ox gets coerced (by Winger, of course) into taking part in a female mud-wrestling event at a local night spot.

Along the way, Reitman sets up the situations for some serious laughs, and keeps it all on track with a good pace and excellent timing. Murray is terrific as Winger, with a performance that puts a generous helping of `dry' in the expression `dry humor.' He plays it all so straight, so serious, from his quips and one liners (watching a TV promo for the Army, `This looks pretty good--'), to his full blown inspirational speech to the troops on the night before their final test at basic training (`We're all very different people. We're not Spartans, we're not Watusi, we're Americans, with a capital ‘A.' That means our forefathers were thrown out of every decent country in the world--'), that it makes it all the more hilarious. He never tries to be `funny,' or fish for laughs, which is really what makes this movie work so well. Murray is perhaps the best in the business at playing this kind of humor and putting it across (Ben Stiller would be a close second).

Harold Ramis and John Candy also make invaluable contributions that make this one fly. Watch Ramis, reacting to what Candy is saying as `Ox,' as explains why he joined the Army; it makes what Ox is saying twice as funny. And Ox, talking about what a `shy guy' he is, and how `You may have noticed, I have this weight problem--' And Oates, as well, gives a singular performance that makes Hulka a real person, beyond the typical stereotype of the hard-nosed D.I. His portrayal, taken out of context, is one that would stand up even in more serious fare, like Kubrick's `Full Metal Jacket.'

The supporting cast includes Judge Reinhold (Elmo), John Voldstad (Stillman's Aide), Roberta Leighton (Anita), Antone Pagan (Hector), Fran Ryan (Dowager in Cab), Dave Thomas (M.C.) and William Lucking (Recruiter). From beginning to end, `Stripes' is a fun-filled laugh riot that's filled with memorable scenes and a plethora of lines you'll be quoting forever. This is one you can watch over and over again, with a bunch of characters you're never going to forget. Winger and Ziskey, Ox, Psycho, Cruiser. These are the guys who Demi Moore, as Galloway in `A Few Good Men,' could have been talking about when, in response to the question of why she likes these guys so much, replies, `Because they stand on a wall, and they say nothing is going to hurt you tonight, not on my watch...' It kind of makes you think. Or, as Cruiser might say, `Yeah... About what?' I rate this one 10/10.

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5 out of 5 people found the following comment useful :-
Funny as hell!, 5 March 2002

Author: superboy478 from U.S.A.

Stripes is a raunchy, adult comedy from critically acclaimed producer/director Ivan Reitman (Evolution, Kindergarten Cop). And it stars Bill Murray (The Royal Tenenbaums), Harold Ramis (As Good as it Gets), John Candy (Uncle Buck), Warren Oates (True Grit).

Low life cab driver John Winger (Bill Murray) loses a lot in 2 hours. That is his job, his apartment, his girlfriend, his car. So, he decides that he's had enough of his pathetic life in New York, so he decides to join the army. He also talks his friend Russel Ziskey (Harold Ramis) into joining with him.

When they finally do join, they are both put into a platoon drilled by Sgt. Hulka (Warren Oates) who has his eye on John. They both go through weeks and weeks of hell by doing basic training and putting up with Sgt. Hulka. But, they full fill their goal by meeting Stella (P.J. Soles) and Louise (Sean Young), two beautiful MP's who have their eys on Russel and John.

As the story moves on, they go to battle in Germany and end up in more hilarious confilcts.

I must say, I think that Warren Oates was a perfect choice for Sgt. Hulka, and that he was so brilliant and funny with the character. I give him graditude. 1921-1982

This is not a movie for kids, but teens may enjoy it if they are looking for a hilarious comedy. STRIPES is 100% classic and comedy!

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5 out of 6 people found the following comment useful :-
Classic Military Comedy With A Vintage Performance By Murray, 8 June 2007

Author: treeskier802 from United States

By today's standards, Stripes probably doesn't hold up to such comedies like Wedding Crashers or Old School where there are laughs every minute of the film. But Stripes is a classic comedy that paved the way for such modern films, and fans of Bill Murray should check it out.

As a kid, I used to watch this movie over and over. My friend and I would rewind the scene where the guys were sitting in the barracks telling each other their stories about why they joined the army. This scene is one of my all-time favorites in any comedy I've ever seen.

Murray's performance is vintage in this film. He is awesome as a smart-alec loser who you just have to root for because of his charm and sense of humor and his ability to not care about anything at all. Ramis is also very good as Murray's best friend; the two have great chemistry together.

Anyone who has ever been in the military will find this movie hilarious. The film does a great job with all the secondary characters such as Ox (John Candy), Elmo (Judge Reinhold), Sergeant Hulka (Warren Oates, and Psycho (Conrad Dunn). The two MPs played by PJ Soles and Sean Young are also sexy and great.

With its 1970s/80s humor and its classic soundtrack, this movie is probably not something anyone under 30 would enjoy. If you like Bill Murray or have been in the military, then you should give this one a look. Rating 8 of 10 stars.

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5 out of 6 people found the following comment useful :-
Great Murray, 29 May 2003

Author: RickM41 from West Chester, Pa

May be THE classic Bill Murray movie, with Murray, Ramis, Candy and other oddballs making it in the Army. There are three general sequences - Murray pre-Army, basic training, and the mission (occurring after Murray and Ramis "borrow" Army test vehicle with their MP girlfriends). Each of the sequences are funny, I personally like Murray pre-Army best and the mission least. Warren Oates as "Sgt. Hulka" is a modern classic. Over twenty years later and this is still the reigning service comedy.

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3 out of 3 people found the following comment useful :-
Best Comedy of all times., 8 September 2006

Author: William Simmons from United States

This is by far one of Bill Murray's best comedy efforts. John Winger the character played by Murray is the best one liner character I have ever seen. Harold Ramis and John Larroquette bring up the levels of character acting to above par for any comedy lover. John Candy and Warren Oates are also very good in there roles that they played. The visuals, and directing were superb for the time frame the movie was made. A great movie, plenty of action, one liners. The commencement scene is by far on of the best directed and acted scenes in a comedy in a long time. I love the movie and recommend seeing it, some scenes may not be suitable for all ages, the TV version takes away from the classic comedy, get the DVD and enjoy the extras and commentary that are available. A MUST HAVE for any movie fan. Comedy lovers must see this one. GREAT! GREAT! GREAT!

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4 out of 5 people found the following comment useful :-
Classic Bill Murray Comedy, 12 August 2003

Author: kellyadmirer from New York City/Colorado Springs

This film is one of the best comedies of the 1980s, along with "Ghostbusters," "Caddyshack" and "Tootsie." If you recognize that all of those also included Bill Murray, you win the gold prize. Take those with the vastly underrated "What About Bob" and "Groundhog Day" from the early '90s and you have a collection of perhaps the best comedies ever made, and all starring Bill Murray.

Here we have Bill in that perennial favorite, the military screwball comedy.

Who screws up? Well, pretty much everybody, naturally, which gives Murray and Harold Ramis enough elbow room to do their schticks. One of the nice things about this movie is that it includes elements of drama, romance, and farce all jumbled up into a big pretzel that keeps the mood going until the film's final scenes.

Warren Oates is masterful, giving the second-best '80s performance of a sergeant (after Lee Ermey in Kubrick's later Vietnam film "Full Metal Jacket," which perhaps coincidentally is structurally very similar to this film). He manages to play it straight (mostly) while everyone else chews the scenery. His "Lighten up, Francis" is among the enduring lines of this film, along with Murray's "That's the fact, Jack." Included is a hilarious send-up of the stereotypes of classic war movies (you have the gullible farm boy, the overcompensating scrawny tough guy, the big, funny fat guy etc.), along with P.J. Soles and Sean Young of all people as the female romantic leads. John Candy as "Ox" is at his absolutely most hysterical, this may be his best role.

They don't make them like this anymore. This film stretches the "Slacker" mentality to the limit, as Murray and Ramis send up all other movie characters that take themselves way too seriously. However, for those who think that life imitates art, compare the plot of the second half of the film - bumbling commander can't read a map and leads his troops into enemy territory, heroic rescue, then undeserved media fame for the people rescued - with the Kelly Lynch saga from the 2003 Gulf War and you will see a lot of parallels.

Highly recommended. Put your feet up and prepare to see Bill Murray take on the mighty Czechs with gusto!

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7 out of 11 people found the following comment useful :-
An Army of Laughers, 14 March 2004
Author: tedg (tedg@FilmsFolded.com) from Virginia Beach

*** This comment may contain spoilers ***

Spoilers herein.

I'm convinced that comedians don't so much find what is funny, they invent it. Because it comes from comedians, we laugh. Humor is not timeless but always mutating depending on who the leaders are. In this way, we are simple recruits in the army of laughers. We may complain, but there it is.

The Marx brothers are still funny, but for different reasons. It would be better to say that they are funny again. When I first saw `Stripes,' I thought it hilarious. Now it seems not even campy.

Why is this? My own theory is that Bill Murray learned his craft just when overt irony was fashionable. This was after Lenny Bruce could be pure by being profane and before we got into nostalgic humor. So he developed his routines around the notions of not being the character. This is his purest: a cool guy who is not cool, knows it and believes that not cool IS cool. It‘s reverse Austin Powers, who we're supposed to laugh at. Here, we're supposed to laugh at being made to laugh.

It was a gas then.

Ted's Evaluation -- 2 of 3: Has some interesting elements.

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2 out of 2 people found the following comment useful :-
Don't Join Up!, 12 May 2005

Author: raypdaley182 from Coventry

*** This comment may contain spoilers ***

worth 10 stars for several reasons. bill Murray at his best (uncle Hulka?) Harold Ramis who gets without a doubt the BEST line in the entire movie (I once got the sh*t kicked out of me in Wisconsin!) - and also acts his posterior off, this is most likely his best performance in anything he's ever been in, the man just shines. John Candy - the legend, the big man making a little part very huge, again he is excellent (especially in poker sequence). He steals every scene he's in, gotta love the guy. Elmer Berstein creates an excellent and hugely memorable score, my favorite has to be the tune behind johns girlfriend leaving. Looking across all the tunes elmer created, his legacy is them, most definitely. The chap playing Sgt Hulka is also excellent. Makes a lot of his character. Drill Instructors are definitely like this guy. I should know! I can watch this until the cows come home, well worth a look if you like SNL, Candy, Ramis, Murray.

OK, I've now seen the extended cut. And wow is that a different (and better!) movie. The whole extra scene in John's girlfriends apartment about the Winnibago which adds more to John's motivation to actually join The Army. Every time I watch this I totally fail to notice Sean Young (Rachel in Bladerunner) as one of the female MP's but she looks amazing!

There's also an extra scene of dialogue in the barracks between John & Russell which leads to a huge cut segment of John & Russell aboard a plane with Special Ops guys, jumping out, getting captured by bandits and almost getting killed (I assume this was cut for pacing) but saving themselves by getting the bandits high on acid and singing "Quando".

Having seen where the scene was cut from, I totally understand why it went (it spoiled the flow of the film, it didn't make any sense, it took up too much time). It does upset the following scene where Hulka asks about men leaving the base but at least explains why that happened.

Stillwell briefing the men about Hulka's accident is a new scene which explains their reason to go to the mud wrestling bar better. There are also a few extra small insert shots inside the bar as well.

The rifle drill sequence for graduation is longer with more moves than the normal cut. I'm still quite annoyed that they take Hulka to Italy with them. That just wouldn't happen, He was drill training staff. The likelihood of them posting him with that squad would be very low indeed. The fact that the female MP's (Stella & Louise) were posted to Germany at the same time John's Platoon had been sent to Italy is too contrived a plot device as well.

The scene loading the EM-50 (An armoured Winnebago!) with shells is another new scene which explains why John & Russell are guarding it alone before they borrow it. Combine that extra scene with the Winnebago scene near the start and this scene now makes even more sense to the plot!

There are extra scenes of John in the bedroom with Stella and Russell in the bathtub with Louise, cutting quite a bit of nudity from both women! The shots of the tanks blocking the road into Czechoslovakia has been added. The conversation about Russells sister is new too.

I did notice once in the Czechoslovakian base the soldiers stopped speaking Russian and some of them were speaking German? Good goof! The bits that were added on the whole do improve the movie and make the scenes that follow them make a lot more sense. I prefer this version I think. I am annoyed about the press cutting they use for Louise in front of the EM-50, it's supposed to be Top Secret but it's appearing on the front cover of a magazine?

Russell's headline is wrong as well "Zitzsky rates The Russians", actually they were Czechoslovakians! In general the whole "welcome home" ending is wrong, this was supposed to be a deniable mission, no-one back home would have even know it had happened. Also Hulka shouldn't be saluting John (and vice-versa) as neither of them are Officers. Watching the end credits I saw Bill Paxton played a soldier.

My final words? Gentlemen, It's Party time - Italian style!

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6 out of 10 people found the following comment useful :-
Military Hi-Jinks., 10 July 2002
Author: tfrizzell from United States

Losers Bill Murray and Harold Ramis think that joining the U.S. Army will be little more than a needed vacation, a place to avoid work and meet women. However they are in for a rude awakening in this hilarious film that does admittedly lose its way in its final act, but is still overall a good little movie experience. Warren Oates steals every scene as their hard-nosed and down-right rough drill sergeant. 3.5 out of 5 stars.

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