80s Movie Review - Stripes

Director: Ivan Reitman
Genre: Comedy
Runtime: 106 minutes
Year: 1981
Starring: Bill Murray, Harold Ramis, John Candy, Judge Reinhold, Sean Young, P.J. Soles, Warren Oates

Description: John (Bill Murray) and Russell (Harold Ramis) are dissatisfied with their jobs and decide to join the army for a bit of fun.

I WATCHED THIS MOVIE FOR MY 2020 MOVIE CHALLENGE.
WEEK 12: A COMEDY

Review: Bill Murray already worked with director Ivan Reitman and actor/ director Harold Ramis before. Movies like “Caddyshack”, “Meatballs” and “Stripes” were the prelude to the record-breaking “Ghostbusters” that came out in 1984.
In “Stripes” we follow John Winger who works as a taxi driver and clearly hates his job. After dealing with an uptight upper-class customer, John decides to quit his job. And that’s only the beginning of this terrible day. When he returns home his car is taken and his girlfriend breaks up with him. Not knowing what to do next, John decides to enlist in the army after seeing an add on TV. His friend Russel, who is working as an English teacher, joins him. Once in the army, John and Russell are put in a group led by sergeant Hulka. And it’s not an easy group to control.
“Stripes” is a typical 80s comedy, that probably wouldn’t work as well were it made today. That doesn’t mean it isn’t funny because it is. And the humor mainly comes from the situations and character John. And Bill Murray, who plays John, is the king of sarcasm. I’ve always loved his humor and it really shines here. And Murray doesn’t even have to try, it comes natural to him.
If it weren’t for Bill Murray, this comedy wouldn’t even be remembered. Because the story is quite forgettable, a bit silly at times and also messy. And seeing this movie was made in the 80s, the female characters don’t really have a lot of substance and are merely there for the purpose of the eye.
“Stripes” does have its moments and Bill Murray is definitely the main reason to watch this comedy.

Rating: 3/ 5