Down Periscope

A mismatched crew aboard a dilapidated submarine from World War II is tasked with a seemingly impossible mission: to outwit and outmaneuver a superior enemy fleet. Led by the unconventional Lieutenant Commander Thomas "Tom" Dodge, the crew must overcome internal conflicts, mechanical failures, and a lack of respect from the Navy to prove their worth. Their ultimate goal is to reach a strategic location and deploy a crucial weapon, all while facing constant sabotage and the threat of annihilation.

Down Periscope was met with generally negative reviews from critics, who often found its humor to be juvenile and its plot predictable. Audiences, however, seemed to enjoy the slapstick comedy and the performances of the lead actors, leading to a moderate box office performance. The film is often remembered more for its cast than for any significant cinematic merit.

• The film relies heavily on dated gags and predictable humor, failing to deliver fresh comedic material.
• Despite a capable cast, the script offers little in the way of genuine wit or compelling plot development.
• While some viewers found amusement in the broad comedy, critics largely dismissed it as a shallow and uninspired effort.

Google audience: Google users generally found the movie to be a lighthearted and entertaining comedy, appreciating the performances of Kelsey Grammer and Tom Arnold. Many viewers enjoyed the silly humor and the premise, viewing it as a fun, undemanding movie to watch with family.

The submarine used in the film, the USS Starfish (SS-338), was actually a heavily modified German Type VIIC U-boat from World War II, originally named the U-995.