Down Periscope (1996)
Undemanding, low-key 'rebellious slob' comedy. Staunchly in the tradition of the anti-authoritarian comedy pioneered in the mid-to-late '70s and with no real surprises, it still manages to offer minor entertainment due to its general geniality and the amusement value of its spectacularly weird cast. (What other movie has Kelsey Grammar, Bruce Dern, Rob Schneider, William H. Macy and Patton Oswalt in its credits?) Also: Though most gags are telegraphed, there's the occasional bit (i.e. Harlan Williams speaking whale) that points the way towards the bizarre randomness of the 21st Century Faux-Stupid/Surreal Comedy that I adore so much. Not great, but cute enough and, in my eyes, at least better than its ultimate progenitor (National Lampoon's Animal House).
Grade: C+
Undemanding, low-key 'rebellious slob' comedy. Staunchly in the tradition of the anti-authoritarian comedy pioneered in the mid-to-late '70s and with no real surprises, it still manages to offer minor entertainment due to its general geniality and the amusement value of its spectacularly weird cast. (What other movie has Kelsey Grammar, Bruce Dern, Rob Schneider, William H. Macy and Patton Oswalt in its credits?) Also: Though most gags are telegraphed, there's the occasional bit (i.e. Harlan Williams speaking whale) that points the way towards the bizarre randomness of the 21st Century Faux-Stupid/Surreal Comedy that I adore so much. Not great, but cute enough and, in my eyes, at least better than its ultimate progenitor (National Lampoon's Animal House).
Grade: C+
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