Movie Review: Stripes (1981)

★★★★★

Stripes is Bill Murray doing what he does best, being a lovable smartass in the middle of military chaos. Totally classic.

Cameron W.

Georgia

There are military comedies, and then there’s Stripes, a movie that manages to be both a broad, goofy laugh-fest and a surprisingly pointed commentary on authority, teamwork, and self-discovery.

As a reviewer for BoxReview.com, I’ve always thought Stripes is more than just “Bill Murray joins the Army.” It’s a movie that thrives on character chemistry, absurd situations, and a willingness to poke fun at the very system it’s set in, without losing its charm.

The Premise: From Couch to Combat

John Winger (Bill Murray) is having one of those weeks when he loses his job, his girlfriend, and even his car (in a hilariously humiliating way). Instead of wallowing, he convinces his friend Russell Ziskey (Harold Ramis) that they should join the Army for “a change of pace.”

Once they’re in, they’re assigned to a platoon of oddballs, led by the gruff Sergeant Hulka (Warren Oates). Between their laziness, sarcasm, and general inability to follow orders, Winger and Ziskey manage to turn basic training into a circus. And yet, somehow, they stumble their way toward heroics when a top-secret Army vehicle falls into enemy hands.

Bill Murray’s John Winger: The Slacker Idealist

Murray was at his peak here effortlessly blending dry wit, rebellious charm, and just enough sincerity to keep Winger from being a pure jerk.

What often gets overlooked is that Winger isn’t just a cynical wisecracker. Beneath the sarcasm is a guy who’s looking for purpose. His speech to rally the platoon before the big graduation parade isn’t just funny, it’s genuinely inspiring in a backwards, only-Bill-Murray-could-deliver-it way.

Harold Ramis’ Russell Ziskey: The Reluctant Sidekick

Ramis, who also co-wrote the film, plays Ziskey as the voice of reason, or at least, the closest thing to one in this group. His chemistry with Murray is key to the film’s rhythm. He’s not there just to feed Murray straight lines; he gets his own moments to shine, whether it’s in awkward flirtations or his deadpan reactions to the chaos around him.

The Misfit Platoon: Comedy Gold

The supporting cast is a treasure trove of comedic talent:

• John Candy as the lovable Ox, eager but clueless.

• Judge Reinhold as a stoner private with a blank stare and perfect timing.

• Warren Oates as Sgt. Hulka, the straight man, whose patience is tested to the limit.

It’s easy to forget how rare it is to have such a deep bench of memorable characters in a comedy. Even the smallest roles get standout moments.

Underappreciated Element: The Balance Between Satire and Slapstick

Many people remember Stripes for its absurd third act in Czechoslovakia or the “lighten up, Francis” line, but the film’s first half is a sharp send-up of military conformity.

Director Ivan Reitman manages to have it both ways, lampooning the Army’s rigid structure while still showing the camaraderie and personal growth it can foster. It’s a trick that keeps the movie from feeling mean-spirited.

The Basic Training Montage: Still One of the Best

The training sequence is pure 80s comedy magic. Watching the platoon botch obstacle courses, misfire weapons, and generally make a mess of things is fun enough, but the payoff of their unexpectedly perfect graduation drill is still one of the most satisfying turnarounds in a comedy.

And yes, Murray’s improvised dance moves in the routine are still the highlight.

The EM-50 Urban Assault Vehicle: Peak Absurdity

The movie’s final act shifts gears into a rescue mission using the EM-50, a tricked-out RV loaded with weapons and gadgets. It’s completely over the top, but by this point, the film has earned the right to go big.

Some fans debate whether the movie’s war-movie parody ending matches the tone of the first half, but I think it works because it feels like a natural extension of Winger’s “make it up as we go” philosophy.

The Love Stories: Light but Effective

The romantic subplots with MPs Stella (Sean Young) and Louise (P.J. Soles) are breezy and underplayed, adding just enough heart without bogging down the comedy.

What’s fun is how these relationships subtly show the women are just as quick-witted and resourceful as the guys, making them more than token love interests.

Why Stripes Still Works Today

Released in 1981, Stripes is firmly rooted in its era, from the Cold War backdrop to the fashion, but its humor is timeless. The idea of a bunch of misfits trying to game the system and still stumbling into heroism will always be relatable.

It’s also worth noting that Stripes helped set the tone for the next decade of ensemble comedies, paving the way for films that mix sarcasm, underdog stories, and big set pieces.

Final Thoughts

Stripes is one of those comedies that works because everyone involved fully commits to the premise, no matter how silly it gets. It’s a rare mix of sharp satire, lovable characters, and quotable lines that still hold up four decades later.

If you’ve never seen it, it’s a perfect watch for when you want something smart but not self-serious. And if you have, you probably already hear Murray’s voice in your head saying, “That’s the fact, Jack!”