Review of Stripes (1981) by Johnny T — 09 May 2011

An anarchic slob movie, a celebration of all that is irreverent, reckless, foolhardy, undisciplined, and occasionally scatological. It's a lot of fun. An often hilarious film that provided Bill Murray with a perfect opportunity in which to display his comedic skills. Mr. Murray hasn't yet reached the point at which his routines can be sustained for more than 10 minutes at a time. But he has achieved a sardonically exaggerated calm that can be very entertaining. [Reitmam] manages a reasonable success rate at pulling off the numerous verbal and sight gags with which the script is peppered. Stripes is a complete success on its intended level--it's great, irreverent entertainment--but it was successful, too, as a breakthrough for Ramis, Reitman, and Murray, on their way to Ghostbusters. Comedy is one of the hardest film genres to work in.

VERDICT: "Matinée" - (Mixed reaction). These kinds of movies are usually movies that had some good things, but some bad things kept it from being amazing. This rating says to pay matinée prices to see at a theatre, buy an ex rental or a cheap price of the DVD to own.