Down Periscope (1996)
TOMATOMETER
AUDIENCE SCORE
Critic Consensus: Down Periscope takes audiences on an aimless voyage for aquatic hijinks, proving there really aren't any effective sub-stitutes for a well-written script.
Down Periscope Photos
Movie Info
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Cast
as Thomas Dodge
as Emily
as Admiral Graham
as Marty Pascal
as Buckman
as Nitro
as Howard
as Admiral Winslow
as Captain Knox
as Jackson
as Spots
as Stepanak
as Sonar
as Orlando Radioman
as Orlando Ensign
as Orlando XO
as Orlando Sonarman
as Stingray Radioman
as Helmsman
as Young Sailor
as Trawler Captain
as Fisherman
as Fisherman
as Supportive Admiral
as Admiral No. 2
as Orlando Young Sailor
as Admiral No. 3
as Secretary
as Orlando Young Sailor
as Sailor No. 2
as Conn Tower Officer
as Torpedo Man
as Singing Waitress
as Singing Sailor
as Singing Sailor
as Singing Sailor
as Singing Sailor
as Singing Sailor
as Singing Sailor
as Singing Sailor
as Singing Sailor
News & Interviews for Down Periscope
Critic Reviews for Down Periscope
All Critics (35) | Top Critics (11) | Fresh (4) | Rotten (31) | DVD (1)
Kelsey Grammar's transition to the big screen is far from seamless.
It's good-natured, innocuous frivolity that should raise a few smiles and generate good but not great spring box office.
he construction is so ramshackle (or the mood so PC) that the film-makers put a woman (Holly) on board, then can't find a thing to do with her.
The tone of the acting, which is set by Mr. Grammer's blandly laid-back performance, is all wrong for a genre that demands over-the-top hamming.
There are occasional laughs, but, as with most movies that think they're funnier than they actually are, most of the jokes fall flat.
More laid-back here than he is on television, Grammer seems to barely break a sweat.
Audience Reviews for Down Periscope
Down Periscope for me, at least is a harmless comedy. Down Periscope is one of those films that you either love or hate. People seem to hate it because it's "boring", "predictable" and that the jokes fall flat on their faces. I don't believe that. Sure there is definite room for improvement, but Down Periscope has many funny parts to it. Which I won't reveal, because I don't want to spoil the film for you. Kelsey Grammer plays Commander Tom Dodge who has just been assigned a commission to command a diesel powered sub. He also has been assigned with a crew of misfits. With that, Dodge is ordered to participate in a war game against the U.S Nuclear Navy. The premise of the film is simple, but it's lots of fun if you're in the right state of mind to watch this type of film. The film does provide a few good laugh out loud moments as you watch the ineptitude of the crew unfold. Though not perfect, Down Periscope is a good little comedy ton watch with friends over a few beers. Also this one of the few films where Rob Schneider is actually very funny, his performance in this film makes the film better than you might think. Kelsey Grammer gives a good comical performance as well. Down Periscope may not win any prizes, but it's a harmless fun comedy that has plenty of laughs. Give it a chance, it's better than what most people have claimed it to be. If you're in the mood for a silly comedy, the Down Periscope is the comedy for you.
Super Reviewer
A rusty sub. A rebel commander. A renegade crew. When destiny called, they should have hung up.
Inthebakset
Super Reviewer
This screwball comedy movie is practically Police Academy at sea. The humor is a little sleazy at times but the language wasn't too bad. Kelsey Grammar plays a likable role in the Navy comedy. Most of his crew are somewhat stupid characters but I did like the sonar man with the great hearing. Lauren Holy was okay as the sexy female interest but Rob Schneider was just plain annoying and tended to overact. He's either very funny or very stupid in his films. Bruce Dern, as always, was an effective "bad guy".
Super Reviewer
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