down periscope（Going Underwater with Down Periscope）
Going Underwater with Down Periscope
Submarine movies have always fascinated the audiences with their claustrophobic settings, tense atmosphere, and dramatic storytelling. One of the most underrated submarine movies that deserve to be watched is \"Down Periscope\" (1996). Directed by David S. Ward, the movie stars Kelsey Grammer as a reckless Navy officer who is tasked with leading a group of misfit sailors in an outdated submarine for a simulated war game. In this article, we will dive deep into the world of \"Down Periscope\" and explore what makes this movie an entertaining and enjoyable ride.
The Plot and its Characters
The premise of \"Down Periscope\" is simple and straightforward. Captain Tom Dodge (Kelsey Grammer) is a Naval officer who is passed over for a promotion for his unorthodox methods. To prove his worth, he is assigned to lead the USS Stingray, a rusty old submarine, for a war game exercise against a state-of-the-art nuclear submarine commanded by his arch-nemesis Admiral Yancy Graham (Bruce Dern). However, the crew of USS Stingray is a motley bunch of Navy misfits who are undisciplined, inexperienced, and quirky. Among them are a genius sonar operator, a rebellious executive officer, an out-of-shape cook, and a sailor with a weird obsession with dolphins. Together, they embark on a hilarious and dangerous mission to win the war game and prove their worth.
The Humor and the Action
One of the strong points of \"Down Periscope\" is its clever and witty humor. The movie does not take itself too seriously, and the characters are depicted as likable and quirky individuals with their own personalities and flaws. Kelsey Grammer's performance as Captain Tom Dodge is pitch-perfect, as he brings his trademark charm and sarcasm to the role. The supporting cast is equally impressive, with Rob Schneider as the hyperactive sonar operator, Lauren Holly as the tough-minded Lieutenant Emily Lake, and Harry Dean Stanton as the grizzled Chief of the Boat. The movie also features some exciting and tense action sequences, including a stealthy infiltration of a Navy base, a thrilling chase through an underwater canyon, and a final showdown with Admiral Graham's submarine. The special effects might look dated, but they are still effective in creating a sense of danger and adventure.
The Message and the Legacy
Although \"Down Periscope\" is primarily a comedy movie, it also has a serious message about teamwork, leadership, and perseverance. The crew of USS Stingray might be an underdog team, but they learn to trust each other, respect their differences, and work together towards a common goal. Captain Tom Dodge also represents a maverick leader who thinks outside the box and challenges the status quo. His unorthodox methods might not be appreciated by his superiors, but they inspire the crew to be creative, resourceful, and brave. The legacy of \"Down Periscope\" might not be as illustrious as other submarine movies like \"Das Boot\" or \"The Hunt for Red October,\" but it is still a fun and entertaining movie that deserves more recognition and appreciation.
In conclusion, \"Down Periscope\" is a hidden gem among submarine movies. It might not be a masterpiece, but it is a movie that can be enjoyed by both fans of comedy and action genres. The movie's charm lies in its humor, its characters, and its message of teamwork and leadership. So, if you are looking for a movie that will make you laugh, cheer, and root for the underdogs, then \"Down Periscope\" is the movie for you.
