A Very Funny Military Comedy

Rating: 9/10 (29 May 2011)

Poor John. In one day he lost his job, girlfriend, car and apartment so he starts over with his friend Russell and joins the Army. When both of them enlist, the hijinks begin and it actually turns out to be a very funny military comedy, thanks to Bill Murray, in his first movie since he left Saturday Night Live. My favorite Murray scene was he was marching with the platoon and he started singing "Do Wah Diddy Diddy". It was so funny.
The other scene I remember well was the mud wrestling bar. It was dirty, hilarious fun.
In addition to Murray, several cast members from Second City Television also appear. Harold Ramis as Russell and John Candy as fellow platoon member Ox. Also appearing in small roles were Dave Thomas and Joe Flaherty.
Warren Oates also adds a lot to the movie as the no-nonsense Sgt. Hulka. If you have not seen Stripes yet, rent it. And that's a fact, Jack.