Early Bill Murray comedy that will keep you ... singing?

Rating: 8/10 (23 November 2005)

It's funny how you become attached to the things in your life. This movie is one of those things for me. It was the last feature film I saw just prior to reporting for basic training with the United States Navy. Sitting in the theater, I had little idea that a few weeks later, I too would be marching in step while singing Manfred Mann's "Doo Wah Diddy, Diddy" with 80 other recruits in late 1981. I should note that this movie had absolutely nothing to do with me joining the service. That would be another comedy altogether.
---- John Winger is a New York City cabbie having a bad day; he gets ripped off by one fare, incessantly berated by another, run over by the Repo Man in his own car and has his pizza dropped in the alley... upside down. Just to top things off, when he tells his girlfriend that he's quit yet another job, she decides it's high time they call their relationship quits. "It's just not fun anymore, John."
Russell Ziske is a smart guy. Trouble is, he doesn't have the job to prove it. Russell is just getting by, teaching Basic English to a fresh group of immigrants from God-knows-where. Learning their sole knowledge of English consists of words you could never use during the Oath of Allegiance, he decides on another tack that soon has them singing backup during his rendition of Phil Spector's "Da Doo Ron Ron."
While splitting the last remaining beer at Winger's apartment, a commercial for the United States Army comes on the television. Making a bet that he could still do 5 push-ups, it occurs to John that maybe the Army isn't such a bad idea. He gets Russell to drive him down to the recruiting station. Winger hesitates when they get there, looking at Ziske and saying, "Well... are you coming?" ----
FAST FORWARD 25 YEARS
Stripes is a military film staple. Having seen it a zillion times while serving aboard a variety of ships (I did 23 years in the service... who knew?), it has sat in my meager DVD collection for some time. But recently, I took the opportunity to watch it again with my new bride, who, being an immigrant herself (Though capable of much more English than the "Do Ron Ron" group) had never seen it before. I was prepared to sit through it with a jaundiced eye. She, however, was soon giggling and laughing at parts exactly as I had those many years ago. Her laughter reminded me of how truly good this comedy is. Murray does a respectable turn as the reluctant soldier learning what life in the military means. Outrageous, even ludicrous at times, it never the less leaves you feeling good at the end and humming a certain ... diddy. I would never hesitate recommending this film. It's part of Americana now. And for good reason.