Comedic master Kelsey Grammer stars in the story about a Navy submarine captain who is regarded as irresponsible and reckless in his pursuits, but has a sufficient amount of wit to commandeer even the most incompetent looking crew in the history of the Navy.
Lieutenant Commander Tom Dodge (Kelsey Grammer) has had a string of unfavorable incidents in the past while gathering together his resume for taking command of his own submarine. He is under review by the board who are deciding whether or not he deserves to take charge of his own sub; discussing his most embarrassing incident that has haunted him and his reputation for some time. Admiral Winslow (Rip Torn) believes Dodge is capable of running his own fleet because of his clever underhand tactics and the perseverance he possesses; but a jealous near-Admiral who continues to question Dodge's competence is all that stands in the way of his long deserved goal. Winslow gives Dodge a chance to prove his skills to the board by taking on an experimental war game which the Navy has been wanting to test out in case of an enemy attack. Dodge agrees, but sets it straight with the Admiral. If he succeeds in his mission, he will get command of his own submarine and crew. They agree about the terms; with Dodge feeling confident about his chances, his nemesis puts a small twist on his mission only to Dodge's shock and alarm. The sub he is to commandeer turns out to be a recommissioned WWII diesel engine called "The Stingray", and the crew which is transferred to him looks to be the most erratic and unreliable group of misfits the Navy has ever recruited. With all hopes of a triumph seemingly shattered, Dodge gets thrown another misfortune in his face. Lieutenant Lake (Lauren Holly) is assigned to be the Diving Officer on the sub under a pilot program that was put into effect by none other than the near-Admiral whose plan is to frustrate Dodge to the point where he has no choice but to quit. He has no idea who he is dealing with. As luck turns out, the crew happens to have their own individual talents, although unconventional, that could work to their advantage in these highly experimental war games. Comedy ensues along the way, but the question is whether or not Dodge will acknowledge his worth as well as the crew's.
An upbeat comedy filled with some of the most brilliant comedic actors in the industry is a winning combination for rebellious manifests aboard Navy vessels. Kelsey Grammer delivers a charming and smooth performance as the renegade who has to work with a crew that isn't so far off from his own ideology. Rob Schneider was absolutely hilarious in his role as the neurotic right hand man who is so by the book it's scary. Delivering some of the most memorable lines in the film it was almost sad to see him go after the first half of the movie. Lauren Holly delivers a breath of fresh air as the only woman on board and the character that seems to keep Dodge grounded and calm during the toughest moments of the mission. Most critics never lived up to the entertaining plot of this film, but they missed the fact that this film doesn't need to be complicated and solemn in mood. It serves to merely entertain, and I believe it carried out its purpose to the maximum. If you want a movie that is plain funny, sweet and refreshing; this is the one that has kept me excited and cheerful no matter how many times I've seen it. Sure, it may not be special in any way if you look at it from the perspective of great cinema, but for the "Average Joe" with no need for extensive spiels and deeply thought-provoking material, this would be the film that provides all the fun and frivolous action to keep you content. Who said a comedy doesn't have a moral to it? This film conveys something that all of us can relate to and strive towards in our own lives.
They're the underdogs. Going in against the big boys they're only hope of survival is their strategic experience, their ability to use their somewhat strange talents as strengths against their brawny opponents, and their will to work as a team no matter what their differences may be. A tough and daunting task to pull of if you look at it from one side, but once you go under, there is no turning back and your only option is to stick it to them like a man (or woman).
A feminist theme is addressed by the presence of Lauren Holly's character because she is the lone female in the crew. However, because she has one of the most significant roles on the submarine, it makes her that much more powerful in the eyes of the viewer, showing others that women can take charge and be proficient in their area of expertise. It may be hidden from the eyes of most because the film is so wildly comical, but people should take more notice of the roles women fill out in the film industry. Films express the desire for women to be powerful when it comes to taking charge in their life, and this of all films even included this message.
Teamwork can be difficult but if everyone focuses on their job, they can help run a group efficiently and neighborly, eventually reaching their planned target in the end. It may seem difficult to imagine when it comes to the crew of the Stingray, but despite all their quirks and differences, they melded together perfectly to make up an impressive crew which was nothing less than prepared, to serve the U.S. Navy. Some may think that this movie makes fun of the Navy and the type of people who get recruited, but I think it only serves to show that anyone can enlist if that's what their passion is. Hard work and dedication pays off, and of course it's great if you have a special talent that can aid you in service.
Overall, it's a funny and thrilling roller coaster ride from the first minute till the last. Highly recommended for those who are looking for a laugh and a feel-good grin on their face at the end. Down Periscope manages to make us laugh even from the depth of 500 feet and I'd say that's an accomplishment.
P.S. Stay for the credits.
One of my favorite movies!
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