Review of The Last Detail (1973) by Matthew G — 06 Mar 2010

Watching someone's innocence whittled away by the worldly pleasures of booze, drugs, and loose women is a wholly entertaining spectacle, and The Last Detail proves this point.

As "Badass" Buddusky, Jack is placed a role where being Crazy-Ass Jack is fitting and not a distraction. Coupled with a jivin' black Navyman who goes by the name Mule, the Badass and the Ass work together to transport a hopeless Boob to a Naval prison to serve an 8-year sentence for attempting to steal from a Polio collection box. The boob goes by the name Meadows, and is the posterboy for dopey, enthusiastic innocence. It takes a conscious effort to not feel sheer enjoyment as we watch the trio travel from city to city, picking fights with Army men, partying with hippie chanters, and playing Three Musketeers. Like Harold & Maude, Hal Ashby creates another endearing and hilarious film.