Crazy quilt comedy of epic proportions: Animal House meets Pearl Harbor

Rating: Null/10 (11 April 2003)

1941 (1979) (DIRECTOR'S CUT) *** Dan Aykroyd, John Belushi, Robert Stack, Treat Williams, Tim Matheson, Nancy Allen, Ned Beatty, Lorraine Gary, Christopher Lee, Toshiro Mifune, Warren Oates, Murray Hamilton, Eddie Deezen, Slim Pickens, Bobby DiCicco, Dianne Kay, John Candy, Mickey Rourke, Wendie Jo Sperber, Lionel Stander, Perry Lang, Joe Flaherty, Patti LuPone, Dub Taylor, Frank McRae, Sam Fuller, Walter Olkewicz, Lucille Bensen, Elisha Cook, Jr, John Landis, Jerry Hardin, David L. Lander, Michael McKean. Slapstick ensuing "epic comedy", one of the most expensive at $35M, directed by Steven Spielberg that many considered his one bomb; not really. Set during the days immediately after Pearl Harbor and loosely based on actual events in Santa Monica, CA, fueled by paranoia of Japanese attack, the zaniness begins when Armed forces settle in for combat and causing all sorts of havoc by militia and civilian alike with a huge cast of characters played with breakneck gusto (especially the USO dance sequence led by rubber-limbed DiCicco) and Belushi's grungy, gonzo fighter pilot ("I'm Wild Bill Kelso...and don't you forget it!") standing out from the eclectic group assembled. Fast, funny and thanks to some 26 minutes of restored footage excised from its theatrical release, makes up for the crossover plots and action taken by the cast. Story by John Milius and screenplay by Robert Zemeckis & Bob Gale. Nominated for Best Cinematography and Best Sound. Look for the clever "Jaws" take-off (and yes that is Susan Backlinie, the woman who played "Chrissie" the shark's first victim as the taken by surprise submarine ascension!!)