Great Early Bill Murray/Harold Ramis/John Candy Comedy

Rating: 8/10 (6 January 2020)

In what was originally supposed to be Cheech and Chong Go To the Army it became a great early 80s comedy that showed Bill Murray could carry a big picture, showed more of John Candy to American audiences and gave Harold Ramis a chance to show some of his acting chops on the big screen.
With a plot that honestly ain't too plausible cab driver John Winger (Murray in a great role) has lost his job, his car, his apartment and his girlfriend decides that perhaps he should join the army. Of course he brings his friend Russell Ziskey (Ramis) along for the ride. To me both Murray and Ramis have funny introductions to their characters. So, while in the army they are given to a wonderfully cast Warren Oates as Sgt. Hulka who will try and get his recruits into shape. Also enlisted is John Candy as Dewey Oxburger (who ends up in a mud wrestling pit) and Judge Reinhold as a pretty dopey dude named Elmo. John Larroquette is also very good as the villainous Cpt.Stillman.
There is also an extended version that clocks in at just over two hours that I own and would suggest maybe watching that version. I mean it doesn't add any need to see moments, but it does tighten up some of the material. Written by Len Blum, Dan Goldberg and Ramis. Directed by Ivan Reitman who had made MEATBALLS with Murray already. As expected has some very good music by Elmer Bernstein. Both P.J. Soles and Sean Young play MPs that Murray and Ramis take a liking to and also starring SCTV members Joe Flaherty and Dave Thomas. Has some very adult situations and littered with nudity so not for the younger audience like GHOSTBUSTERS which Reitman would make in a few years with Murray and Ramis. I really enjoyed this film and put a smile on my face while watching it. A must-see for any Bill Murray fan out there to see him in one of his earlier roles.