tstone
04-10-2006, 11:05 AM
Bill Murray is a comedy genius. Let there be no doubt. From his bawdy SNL/Meatballs/Ghostbusters days to his quieter, more whistful approach under the direction of Wes Anderson, the man has talent. And it's best realized under directors who understand what he does, give him good material to work with, and then step back to let him work his magic.
Ivan Reitman is one such director, who helmed Murray's efforts in Meatballs, Stripes and Ghostbusters. Then you pack the film with more talent, like John Laroquette, John Candy, Judge Reinhold and more. Wind them up and let them go.
You know the story. John Winger (Bill Murray) is a cab driver and wanna be photographer who's in debt, going nowhere. He loses his girlfriend, car and job, all in one day. He wants more, to accomplish more. And find a home for his restless spirit. So he does what many do, run off to the military (I did. Twice.). He drags his friend Russel Zitzski (Harold Ramis) along with him for the ride. Off they go to Ft Arnold (Ft Knox in real life) for basic training under the tender ministrations of their Drill Sergeant, Sergeant Hulka.
Winger's laid back goofiness and general disdain for authority doesn't go well, getting on Hulka's bad side as well as his training platoon. But it all comes along with a great set of gags and lines..
"Chicks dig me because I normally don't wear underwear..."
"Sergeant, I think I speak for the rest of the platoon when I say that this run should be postponed until we are all better rested."
Marching cadences to classic pop tunes. Really showy rifle drill. War with Warsaw occupied Cheklosovakia in a pimped out Winnobego.
And the DVD alone is worth the investment, even if you've seen this film dozens of times. From the commentary of the actors and crew now, looking back, to the deleted scenes, to the CRISP digital remastering, this one is for the library of any decent film buff.
BTW, did you know the Army and the Department of Defense officially endorsed this movie and supported the production?
True dat.
Check it out.
Ivan Reitman is one such director, who helmed Murray's efforts in Meatballs, Stripes and Ghostbusters. Then you pack the film with more talent, like John Laroquette, John Candy, Judge Reinhold and more. Wind them up and let them go.
You know the story. John Winger (Bill Murray) is a cab driver and wanna be photographer who's in debt, going nowhere. He loses his girlfriend, car and job, all in one day. He wants more, to accomplish more. And find a home for his restless spirit. So he does what many do, run off to the military (I did. Twice.). He drags his friend Russel Zitzski (Harold Ramis) along with him for the ride. Off they go to Ft Arnold (Ft Knox in real life) for basic training under the tender ministrations of their Drill Sergeant, Sergeant Hulka.
Winger's laid back goofiness and general disdain for authority doesn't go well, getting on Hulka's bad side as well as his training platoon. But it all comes along with a great set of gags and lines..
"Chicks dig me because I normally don't wear underwear..."
"Sergeant, I think I speak for the rest of the platoon when I say that this run should be postponed until we are all better rested."
Marching cadences to classic pop tunes. Really showy rifle drill. War with Warsaw occupied Cheklosovakia in a pimped out Winnobego.
And the DVD alone is worth the investment, even if you've seen this film dozens of times. From the commentary of the actors and crew now, looking back, to the deleted scenes, to the CRISP digital remastering, this one is for the library of any decent film buff.
BTW, did you know the Army and the Department of Defense officially endorsed this movie and supported the production?
True dat.
Check it out.