#1 Cheap Stripes (Unrated Extended Cut) Reviews
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I have always liked this movie. It's funny from the beginning, moves at a good pace at the beginning to the middle of the movie, and shows off Harold Ramis and Bill Murray (as "the comedian in our midst") at their youthful best. The uncut film has plenty of drug references, sex and nudity- and I love it. The cut scenes are frankly some of the best, and should have gone into the original theatrical version released in 1981. Be sure to choose the Extended Version when you watch the film (it will tell you when the "bonus scenes" begin and end).
My main gripe with the film (not the DVD) is that it could have easily stopped after the well-known graduation scene (an infamous segment w/ Bill Murray leading a riotous military dance routine that will stay in my head forever). Besides some great lines delivered from wonderfully deadpan Warren Oates and the underrated Ramis, the rest of the movie could have ended before the European trip began. Uncut, the film was already at an hour-and-a-half long before this plot line. The final half of the movie drags and seems like a desperate attempt to fill time, possibly in order to please the movie studio. It is a typical Russians vs. America ending so common in 80's films (Spies Likes Us, No Way Out, etc.). That makes the film seem dated and the performances by all of the actors, minus Oates, were obviously quite forced in regard to the Russia vs. US aspect.
Sean Young and P.J. Soles were gorgeous in this film and had fabulous chemistry with Ramis and Murray, respectively. Their love scenes were not really important to the plot, but they are to be expected. The best aspect of the movie was watching a downtrodden John Winger (Murray) attempt to revamp his life via a belated stint in the army, then of course breaking all the strict rules once he got there. John, true to character, hilariously runs around trying not to get caught by their much smarter, world-weary and tough-as-nails Sargeant (played by the outstanding Oates, in one of his final performances). A slick and smart fat guy, played to the hilt by the late John Candy, was a memorable foil to the cute but clueless Judge Reinhold and John Diehl characters. The rest of the supporting cast was a fine ensemble of talented actors.
Lastly, John Larroquette was a riot as a demanding and moronic, newly-promoted Captain, a man more interested in looking at naked female soldiers showering than properly performing his job. A true-to-life character of a boss unwilling to take responsibility for his own blunders, placing blame on anyone who happens to be near to the scene of his crimes, Larroquette played the role of the antoganist very well indeed.
This film is almost like an item for a time capsule, watching the first big-time work of many who became more famous in later roles (much like "The Outsiders"). A must-have in any comedy collection, perhaps not Harold Ramis' finest film, but very good nonetheless.
Stripes (Unrated Extended Cut) Overview
STRIPES - DVD Movie
I will never use an ice cream scooper again. - James McDonald - Southern California
What I really enjoyed about this DVD is the Extended Version includes the bonus footage within the film and denotes on screen when never-before-seen footage begins and ends without pause.
I wish other DVD movie companies would do the same thing.
The cast includes the recognizable faces of: Bill Murray, Harold Ramis, P.J. Soles, John Candy, Sean Young, Warren Oates, John Larroquette, Lance LeGault, Judge Reinhold, Fran Ryan, Joseph Flaherty, Dave Thomas.
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