oneguyrambling

23 May 2012

Great 80s comedy with Bill Murray in his sarcastic prime.

I am on record as saying Bill Murray is a comedy God. He ruled the 80s(Caddyshack, Stripes, Ghostbusters, Scrooged) stole the 90s (GroundhogDay, What About Bob? Rushmore), and remained relevant in the dubbos byinterspersing more serious roles (Lost in Translation, Broken Flowers)in between the funny stuff.Though it must be said that the funny stuff is getting harder to find,Garfield 1 AND 2? In reality a minor cameo in Zombieland was thedecade's best effort – I'm not a fan of either Tenenbaums or SteveZissou.Over the last weekend one of the more retro channels had a minimarathon of classic 80s movies, so over the course of a weekend I satdown and watched Colors, Angel Heart, Enemy Mine and Stripes.Stripes follows the classic strategy of putting funny guys inunexpected situations and letting them act accordingly – Will Ferrellhas made a career out of it (whether I think it a worthy career isanother matter) – in this case John (Murray) and Russell (Harold Ramis)are down on their luck average joes who decide to enlist in the army tomake a few bucks… After all what could go wrong? Right? This lendsitself to various scenarios that show John, Russell and a cavalcade ofdisparate characters (including John Candy and Judge Reinhold) as theybumble and fluff their way through basic training under the watchfuland vigilant eye of one Sergeant Hulka (Warren Oates).Now as much as I love Murray and this film wouldn't exist without him,Sgt Hulka is what sets Stripes apart. His dogged determination andblunt dealings with his trainees creates a great juxtaposition withJohn's carefree and anti-rules position, and the two are often at oddswith each other over anything remotely pertaining to discipline.Being an 80s comedy there is an inept Captain in charge who has no ideahow the army really works, some quasi-hot female MPs who are there toprovide John and Russell with something to have sex with, and a varietyof non-standard situations to create laughs – a mud wrestling challengewith nubile young women anyone? So after the troop half arses their waythrough basic training a "could only happen in the movies" event seesthem all not only pass but get given the plumb job of guarding thearmy's new super secret weapon – which looks like a medium sized buswith some cheap metal riveted onto the side panels.Will they get up to mischief and inadvertently set the US on the brinkof international conflict? You'll have to watch and find out.Murray shines in his deadpan, dry, I couldn't possibly be moresarcastic – no, wait, yes I can way, Ramis is solid as the straight manreacting to his new surroundings in quite a reasonable way, and Hulkais always there to yell just loud enough and to create enough frictionto stir things up and keep the plot moving.As good as the soldiers are, Hulka drives them and the movie to greaterheights. His role is truly one of the defining supporting roles ofcomedy in the 80s.Final Rating – 7 / 10. Stripes is funny, lighthearted, painless andlikable in every way. It also has just enough gratuitous 80s nudity totop everything off…

22 May 2012

I already have this

This review is from: Stripes (Extended Cut) [Blu-ray] (Blu-ray) Why do I already have the Blu Ray Extended Cut when it hasn't been released yet? I bought this in October from amazon.com and it is the blu ray version. I looked on Sony's website and it shows that it will not release until January 24, 2012.

20 May 2012

Very Good Diversion!

This review is from: Stripes (Extended Cut) (DVD) For some reason, I decided to watch the commentary version and It was one of the most memorable commentaries that I have seen. The anecdotes are too cool and definitely put a new spin on an old favorite? Treat yourself to this one. In my opinion, the whole package was done very well

TheLittleSongbird

20 May 2012

Didnt do much for me

I do like Bill Murray and I love John Candy, so I thought this could beat least a decent film. But I found it uneven and it just didn't domuch for me. The film is well made, the score is wonderful, WarrenOates is excellent and there is evidence of good direction. But herecome the downsides, overall I just didn't find it funny. The scriptdoes have weaknesses feeling rather sporadic and ramshackle in thelaughs, complete with jokes that feel forced and flat, and while thestory starts off well the second half has a change of tone into a kindof a very generic action film that jarred with the rest of the movieand some scenes especially the mud-wrestling match and any sceneinvolving PJ Soles and Sean Young that fell short on credibility. Oatesis great, the other acting isn't that good in my opinion, Bill Murrayplays a very obnoxious and unlikeable character and unfortunately heisn't very funny which is sad, Harold Ramis' character is interestingbut is rarely built upon, both John Candy and Judge Reinhold with someweak scenes and dialogue are dull sadly and the best said about JohnLaroquette the better. All in all, has the odd bright spot but I wasleft cold. 4/10 Bethany Cox

18 May 2012

Not a single laugh

This movie has not stood the test of time. I had the misfortune of watching it recently and there's not a single laugh to be had. Also, if you believe the two ugly douchebags (especially Ramis) get the hot MP girls to love them...yeah right. Its interesting to see the mentality of this time: "were gonna be so clever and outsmart the military, and hilarious antics are going to ensue." Watching this movie is about as funny as a jimmy carter speech and is about as depressing when you deconstruct what its saying. There's something slightly grotesque about movies that mock the military. I couldn't help but imagine Bill Murray's character being shipped off to a real war, freezing in a foxhole and having one of his limbs blown off by a landmine. Ive never been in the military, and Im not a hawk, but there is something ugly about the subtext here.

18 May 2012

S trip (Unrated Extended Cut)

I real enjoyed it a great movie. I have watch it about 20 times and i have laughed all the way though. An excellent movie

18 May 2012

Still one of Murrays funniest

One of the films that helped make Bill Murray one of the most bankable comedy stars is certainly Stripes, and though I have never been one to label it a "classic" per se', the film still remains one of Murray's funniest. Though it hasn't aged as well as one may hope, Stripes features Murray, Harold Ramis, and John Candy moving towards their respective creative peaks, and in those respects alone, Stripes is a triumph of time. I won't delve into the storyline (you either know it by now or can read other reviews here), but this Extended Cut DVD features some extra footage that can be interlaced with the film. Sadly, most of this extra footage doesn't amount to a whole lot, and makes the film run for much longer than it really should. That aside though, Stripes remains one of the funniest films of Bill Murray's career, and the fact that the film is still enjoyable to this day surely amounts for something.

Arthur-23

17 May 2012

A fun comedic adventure!

Bill Murray, Harold Ramis, and John Candy. Need I say more? A trulyhilarious film that remains funny after repeated viewings. Murray'strademark sarcasm is right on target throughout the movie. Harold Ramis'English class is as funny as it is profane! This is a comedy with a heart.One without the gutter humor of contemporary juvenile comedies. Well worththe time to see.

16 May 2012

Great movie with a great cast.

This movie was great from start to finish. It had great cast Including "Ghostbusters" Bill Murray, Harold Ramis (Ghostbusters, Analyze This), Warren Oates,John Candy and Dave Thomas. The plot gets especially interresting when Murray and Ramis steel the new government vehicle and their platoon goes after them and gets captured. So its up to Murray and Ramis to take a trip behind the Iron Curtain to get them out. Co-scripted by star Harold Ramis and directed by Ivan Reitman.

16 May 2012

Great movie, very poor DVD quality.

Please read other reviews for analysis of the movie, these comments pertain to the DVD version. This is an uncut, uncensored version and is not the same as the video rental. This is not pointed out anywhere on the box. With a great movie such as Stripes, more might be considered better. Voyeurs may appreciate the increased nudity on display. However, the inclusion of shots that did not go through the finishing process continually disrupts the suspension of disbelief. Grainy close-ups alternate with pin-sharp group shots. Look for the glaring continuity errors as Bill Murray goes AWOL. How does something this sloppy get released on DVD? I expect a 'Collectors Edition' will be released to an unsuspecting public that cleans up the mistakes evident in this version. Not the first time movie fans have been forced to buy multiple copies of the same thing!

16 May 2012

great classic movie!

If you like silly funny movies, this one is for you. I've always loved this movie and when I thought about getting it on DVD, I came here. Good price, good movie. Nuff said.

OriginalMovieBuff21

16 May 2012

Bill Murrays best film and one of my favorite comedies!!!

Stripes is excellent!!! This is possibly one ofthe most recommended comedies out there in the world. Conrad Dunn as Francisor Psycho, is the funniest actor in the movie. His lines are pure hilariousand when his eyes big, I laugh extremely hard. "Any of you guys call meFrancis, I'll kill you!" Oh I died, laughing hard listening to what he wassaying in that meeting with Sergeant Hulka. Bill Murray is the secondfunniest as the smart ass military soldier. This is his, without a doubtbest film as that kind of character. I swear to you, you will laugh theentire movie, especially Francis, or I mean Psycho. John Candy is also veryfunny too and you will laugh very hard at his lines. Great movie and one ofthe best comedies. This is what comedies are all about10/10

14 May 2012

STRIPES ROCKS!

STRIPES was a hilarious movie about a young man(Bill Murray) stuck with a dead-end job and a faltering relationship who decides to make a new start in his life by joining the Army with false expectations by going through hell and back learning the hard way about what military life is all about just like Goldie Hawn did in the movie PRIVATE BENJAMIN, which was made a year prior to STRIPES, since PRIVATE BENJAMIN was released in the movie theatres in 1980 and STRIPES was released in the movies back in 1981. Therefore, you could say that STRIPES was almost like a carbon copy of the movie PRIVATE BENJAMIN, except STRIPES was a movie about men in the Army with false expectations and PRIVATE BENJAMIN is a movie about women in the Army with false expectations, but John(Bill Murray) ends up making something out of his life at the end of this movie when he graduates from the academy just like Judy Benjamin(Goldie Hawn) did at the end of the movie PRIVATE BENJAMIN when she graduated from the academy. This STRIPES DVD also contains some interesting and comical outtakes of the movie too along with a theatrical movie trailer feature, which also takes me all the way back to memory lane to the days when I was still living in the Imperial Valley since I was living in my hometown(El Centro, CA) at the time and takes me back to memory lane to when we had all those fiscal budget cuts going on from the recession we had back in 1981-1982 during Ronald Reagans presidency too. So if you liked PRIVATE BENJAMIN, you'll love STRIPES too since STRIPES was basically like a masculine version of PRIVATE BENJAMIN.

14 May 2012

A lean, mean fighting machine!

Ah, back in the days when the cast from Saturday Night Live went off and actually made quality movies. Maybe it's seeing this film through nostalgic eyes, but Stripes has aged quite well over the years as a prime vehicle for Bill Murray's comedic talents. No one quite mugs or delivers dialogue in such a funny, deadpan manner as Murray does in Stripes (except maybe the king of deadpan deliveries, Chevy Chase in Fletch).There are just so many classic bits in this film. From Murray's hilarious cab drive with a snooty lady ("I just wish I hadn't had all that cough syrup!") to his girlfriend leaving him ("All the plants are gonna die!") to hooking up with his best friend played perfectly by a young Harold Ramis (when he was thinner!). The give and take between the two of them is so well done (Ramis: My blood is on your hands. Murray: Just don't get any on my shoes.) and incredibly funny.Essentially, this is Private Benjamin but with Murray and Ramis as the leads and it still works so well and stands as probably the best military comedy to date (forget Major Payne or that Pauley Shore film). You've got a killer cast that includes the late, great John Candy (as the lovable oaf, Ox), a young, pre-Beverly Hills Cop, Judge Reinhold, John Laroquette, lovely young ladies, Sean Young and P.J. Soles, and last but not least, Warren Oates as the nasty Drill Sergeant Hulka. He's what really makes the film so great because he acts as the perfect antagonist for Murray. He doesn't take Murray's B.S. and gives as good as he gets. The scenes between them are priceless.However, the film does suffer from a weak last third. The film really should have ended after Murray and co.'s successful inspection. The stuff in Europe feels padded and added on and just isn't as strong as the first 2/3rds of the movie. Having said that, there are some amusing bits to be had in the last chunk of the film, it's just that they aren't as good.This is vintage Bill Murray at his finest. Definitely worth adding to your collection.

11 May 2012

Like a friendly quicky

Skips lightly through the story pausing only when there's a joke. "Stripes" is definitely not all that it could be, but it succeeds quite well at hitting the less ambitious target it aims for. The movie is a friendly quicky with no commitment and no repercussions.

11 May 2012

MILITARY LIFE WAS NEVER LIKE THIS!!!

Learn the meaning of the word looser when you meet up with these two buddies who join the Army for lack of a better life. Discover why "Lighten Up Francis'" "...no, never convicted...", "no, but we are willing to learn" and "...you mean like, flaming?" became popular phrases. Also stars John Candy and Judd Hirsh

08 May 2012

If this is the new Army were doomed

Buddies Bill Murray and Harold Ramis, whose lives are dull and boring decide to join the Army. The Army never sees what's about to hit them.What ensues is a wonderful movie that is a spoof of the military. They tear through basic training, much to the dismay of Sgt Hulka(Warren Oates strives as the tough as nails commander). Then, they get assigned to a super secret new weapon, much to the dismay of Capt. Stillman (played by John Larroquette,who gets to continue his womanizing that he carried onto television shows, like Night Court).The whole gang, which includes the likes of John Candy, and Judge Reinhold romp from the U.S, to Italy, to Czechoslovokia, causing trouble wherever they go. Also watch for the poor happless Russians at the guard tower who seem to get the worst of it numerous times. Just when they assume that they are safe they get it again.A real winner that even some from the Army said was realistic to a point with the basic training.

08 May 2012

You cant go...all the plants are gonna die!

Stripes was one of my favorite movies as a kid, and I'm happy to say that I still find it just as funny today. This extended cut adds several deleted scenes, some good, some not-so-good. My personal favorite is one where Harold Ramis' character reaches the breaking point and he and Murray go AWOL, hitching a ride on a cargo plane and parachuting into South America. This scene gives Harold Ramis a chance to shine, and is very funny, but during the commentary track it is mentioned that it was cut from the film (despite being a favorite of the studio execs) because it didn't seem to fit in the film from a pacing aspect (it is suggested it would've gone well over the end credits, but this was before such a thing was common).Speaking of the commentary track, it isn't mentioned on the packaging, but it's there, and includes director Ivan Reitman and writer/producer Dan Goldberg. And apparently, the extended cut wasn't Reitman's idea -- some of the deleted scenes he prefers to not have in the film. The DVD also includes a nice 2-part documentary which includes interviews with the cast.A great film!

bunny-18

08 May 2012

Slick, witty, and dry! Murrays icon performance!

Stripes is an incredible film. Bill Murray joins his future"Ghostbusting" partner (Harold Ramis) and an astounding and hilarious castincluding John Candy, John Larroquette, and Warren Oats. I saw this movieon HBO at first. It quickly became my favorite movie. Each time you see ityou pick up on more of Murray's under his breath dry humor. His course ofbasic training which is about half of the movie captures the audience'sattention. Watch Murray say to his drill sargent (Oats)what ever he wantsand attempt to make his training a relaxing, women chasing, and trulyunforgettable experience. Murray is amazing. This movie also contains agreat mud wrestling scene and suggested sexuality. The second half of themovie may lose many viewers attention but for die hard Bill Murray fans,this will keep you glued to the screen with laughs!I also recommend "What About Bob" and "Quick Change"

yikess62

08 May 2012

surprise prize blast from the recent past

i remember seeing this as a kid when it came out.. and only thing iliked then was when the platoon did the amazing song and dance atgraduation which in itself was very impressive, and of course the cutemp's that kept bailing them out of trouble.... but watching it again 20yrs later there's a ton of good stuff that i missed and can appreciatethis comedy ever more .... fully recommended for anyone having a lousyday ... put your feet up grab your snack foods and enjoy one of thebest comedies ever made... with an all star cast.. those then they werejust emerging.definitely a classic army comedy. solid flick with few cheesy momentseven they are likable.