Down Periscope (1996) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
Down Periscope (1996) is a nautical comedy that blends military humor, slapstick antics, and an underdog story into a lighthearted film about second chances. Directed by David S. Ward, the film stars Kelsey Grammer, Lauren Holly, and Rob Schneider, and follows the unconventional crew of an old diesel submarine as they embark on a challenging naval exercise. In this review, we’ll explore the plot, critical reception, and where you can watch Down Periscope online, especially in the U.S.
Plot Summary of Down Periscope
Kelsey Grammer stars as Lieutenant Commander Tom Dodge, an unconventional and often irreverent naval officer with a dream of commanding his own submarine. Unfortunately, his brash demeanor and unconventional methods have kept him from achieving that goal—until now. The brass, led by Admiral Graham (Bruce Dern), decide to test Dodge’s ability to lead by giving him command of the USS Stingray, a rusty, outdated diesel-powered submarine.
The catch? Dodge’s mission is to lead his ragtag crew in a war game against a more modern and advanced nuclear submarine. The crew consists of misfits and outcasts, including a hot-headed executive officer (Rob Schneider), a tattooed sailor (Harland Williams), and a rookie sonar technician with a hearing problem (Patton Oswalt in an early role). Lauren Holly plays Lt. Emily Lake, the Navy’s first female officer assigned to a submarine, who also has to contend with the quirky crew.
As Dodge tries to mold this group of misfits into a functioning team, they must rely on creativity and unconventional tactics to outsmart their competition, all while keeping the Stingray afloat. The movie provides a steady stream of laughs, with plenty of slapstick humor and one-liners as the crew bumbles their way through the exercises.
Despite its absurd premise, Down Periscope manages to deliver a heartfelt message about leadership, teamwork, and never giving up, all while keeping audiences entertained with its quirky characters and naval shenanigans.
Critical Reception
Upon its release, Down Periscope received mixed reviews from critics. While the film was praised for its lighthearted tone and fun performances, some felt that it leaned too heavily on slapstick humor and familiar comedic tropes. However, Kelsey Grammer’s charismatic performance as the unorthodox Lt. Cmdr. Dodge was widely appreciated, and many found the film to be an enjoyable, if somewhat predictable, comedy.
The film’s irreverent humor and focus on the oddball crew drew comparisons to earlier military comedies like Stripes (1981), but Down Periscope carved out its own niche by setting the story in the relatively unique world of naval submarines. The comedic chemistry between the cast members, particularly Grammer, Rob Schneider, and Harland Williams, contributed to the film’s charm and kept audiences entertained.
Despite its mixed critical reception, Down Periscope has become something of a cult classic, especially for fans of 90s comedies. Its blend of military spoofing, underdog spirit, and zany characters gives it a lighthearted appeal, making it a fun film to revisit when you’re in the mood for some nautical laughs.
Why Down Periscope Is Worth Watching
Down Periscope is a classic underdog story, packed with laughs and lovable oddball characters. While it doesn’t break new ground in terms of plot or comedy, it’s an easygoing film that doesn’t take itself too seriously. For fans of Kelsey Grammer, the film offers a chance to see him step away from his iconic role as Frasier Crane and embrace a more laid-back, fun-loving character.
The film’s setting aboard the decrepit USS Stingray adds to the humor, as the crew faces one mishap after another while navigating their war games. The dynamic between Grammer’s calm, experienced commander and Rob Schneider’s tightly-wound executive officer provides a humorous contrast that drives much of the film’s comedy. Lauren Holly’s role as the no-nonsense Lt. Lake also adds an interesting dynamic, particularly given the gender barriers she faces in the male-dominated world of submarines.
The movie’s heart, however, lies in its celebration of teamwork, perseverance, and thinking outside the box. It’s the kind of feel-good comedy that’s perfect for a laid-back movie night, offering plenty of laughs and a satisfying, if predictable, conclusion.
Where to Watch Down Periscope Online
If you’re looking to watch Down Periscope (1996) in the U.S., there are several streaming platforms and on-demand services where you can find the film. Whether you prefer to stream it with a subscription or rent it for a one-time viewing, here’s where you can catch this nautical comedy:
1. Streaming on Subscription Platforms
- Hulu: Down Periscope is available to stream on Hulu. If you’re a subscriber, you can dive right into the naval hijinks without any additional cost. Hulu offers a wide range of comedies, including other 90s favorites, making it a good choice for viewers seeking lighthearted films.
2. Rent or Purchase on Demand
For those who prefer to rent or purchase the movie for a one-time fee, Down Periscope is available on several on-demand platforms. Here’s a breakdown of where you can rent or buy it online:
- Amazon Prime Video: You can rent Down Periscope in HD for around $3.99 or purchase it for about $14.99 on Amazon Prime Video. The platform allows for easy streaming across multiple devices and also offers offline viewing options.
- Apple iTunes: On iTunes, Down Periscope is available for rent at $3.99 or purchase for $14.99. If you’re using an Apple device, this is a convenient way to stream or download the film.
- Google Play Movies & TV: Google Play offers the movie for rent ($3.99) or purchase ($14.99), allowing you to stream it on Android devices or through your web browser.
- YouTube Movies: Available to rent or purchase at the same rates as other platforms, Down Periscope can be streamed directly through YouTube Movies. It’s an easy option if you prefer watching through the YouTube app or website.
3. Other Streaming Options
- Vudu: Vudu offers Down Periscope for rental ($3.99) or purchase ($14.99), and it’s known for its high-quality streaming across a variety of devices.
- Microsoft Store: For Windows PC users or Xbox owners, the Microsoft Store provides the film for rent or purchase, making it easily accessible for Microsoft ecosystem users.
Conclusion
Down Periscope (1996) may not be the most groundbreaking comedy of the 90s, but it’s a fun, feel-good movie that combines military humor with a classic underdog story. Kelsey Grammer shines as the laid-back Lt. Cmdr. Tom Dodge, while the film’s ensemble cast of quirky characters adds to the lighthearted appeal. Though it received mixed reviews upon release, the film has since gained a loyal following, thanks to its comedic charm and heartwarming message of teamwork and perseverance.
Whether you’re a fan of Kelsey Grammer, enjoy military comedies, or simply want to watch something light and fun, Down Periscope is worth a viewing. With a variety of streaming and rental options available, including Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and Google Play, it’s easy to find a way to enjoy this naval comedy online in the U.S.
So, sit back, relax, and prepare to set sail on a comedic adventure with the ragtag crew of the USS Stingray!
