Stripes
Stripes

Stripes

1981Movie106 minEnglish

Hard-luck cabbie John Winger, directionless after being fired from his job and dumped by his girlfriend, enlists in the U.S. Army with his close pal, Russell Ziskey. After his barely satisfactory performance in basic training, the irreverent Winger emerges as the figurehead for a ragtag band of misfits. However, his hijinks threaten to cause an international scandal when he inadvertently commandeers a military assault vehicle behind enemy lines.

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IMDb6.4/10
Rotten Tomatoes53%
Metacritic58/100
Google Users79%
Director: Ivan ReitmanGenres: Comedy, War

Plot Summary

Two aimless friends, John Winger and Russell Ziskey, impulsively enlist in the U.S. Army seeking adventure and a way out of their dead-end lives. Initially struggling with military discipline and questionable leadership, their unit, the 'Rats', finds themselves embroiled in a series of chaotic and often hilarious misadventures. From basic training mishaps to an unlikely international espionage mission, their journey is filled with camaraderie, rebellion, and unexpected heroism.

Critical Reception

Stripes was a commercial success and generally well-received by critics for its comedic performances, particularly Bill Murray's, and its blend of irreverent humor with military satire. While some found its plot predictable or its humor occasionally crude, many praised its ability to deliver consistent laughs and its memorable characters.

What Reviewers Say

  • Bill Murray's improvisational genius drives the comedy.
  • A fun, albeit formulaic, military comedy.
  • The film succeeds thanks to its energetic cast and witty dialogue.

Google audience: Audiences generally enjoyed Stripes for its straightforward humor and the comedic chemistry of its lead actors, especially Bill Murray. Many recall it fondly as a classic 80s comedy that provided plenty of laughs and quotable lines, though some found its plot less substantial than its comedic moments.

Fun Fact

The original script for Stripes was considerably darker, with a focus on the psychological toll of military service. Bill Murray and Harold Ramis heavily rewrote it to incorporate more comedic improvisation and absurdist humor.

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