Down Periscope

PG-13

1996

1 hr. 32 min.

Comedy

List

11%

35 Reviews

Tomatometer

62%

25,000+ Ratings

Audience Score

Cmdr. Tom Dodge (Kelsey Grammer) is not thought of very highly among his fellow Navy officers. So when he's offered the captain's seat on a decrepit boat that is part of a simulated challenge on the water, no one expects much from him. Set on getting his underdog crew in line in order to win the event, Dodge must face off against his nemesis, Adm. Yancy Graham (Bruce Dern) -- who will do anything to see Dodge disgraced and finally kicked out of the Navy.

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Critics Consensus

Down Periscope takes audiences on an aimless voyage for aquatic hijinks, proving there really aren't any effective sub-stitutes for a well-written script.

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Pierre L

In a sonar, "pings" explore the underwater environment. They locate objects by measuring echoes. A series of pings allows for covering large areas. To escape detection, one must move discreetly. In case of detection, it is possible to hide behind obstacles. Using noise-reducing devices is an option. Escaping detection remains challenging because sonars are designed for this purpose. But that's precisely where the art of the pirate lies…

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/20/24

Full Review

Christian S

This is a very enjoyable and fun movie with no hidden message but to entertain.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

02/20/24

Full Review

Ronnie V

fun!! doesnt takes itself to serious

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/20/23

Full Review

W. A

I watch this at least once a year. . even my kids think this movie is a fun time. If you just want a fun good hearted comedy , give this movie a shot. .

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/01/23

Full Review

Joe S

I love this movie. I have seen it countless times. The fact that the critics don't like it confirms how good it is. Critics never like this kind of movie. It is cheesy greatness!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/01/23

Full Review

Olivia B

A colourful and charismatic character comedy. Not absorbed in its own ego or expectations, this film is fully enjoyable to watch and rewatch. One of my favourite films of all time for a reason, leaves a smile on my face.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/17/23

Full Review

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David S. Ward

Director

Kelsey Grammer

Lt. Cmdr. Thomas "Tom" Dodge

Lauren Holly

Lt. Emily Lake, Diving Officer

Bruce Dern

RAdm. Yancy Graham

Rob Schneider

Executive Officer Martin T. "Marty" Pascal

Rip Torn

Vice Adm. Dean Winslow

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82%

65%

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23%

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59%

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Hot Shots! Part Deux

27%

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Nine Months

TRAILER

for Nine Months

29%

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Bob McCabe

Empire Magazine

Kelsey Grammar's transition to the big screen is far from seamless.

Rated: 2/5

Aug 4, 2009

Full Review

Leonard Klady

Variety

It's good-natured, innocuous frivolity that should raise a few smiles and generate good but not great spring box office.

Nov 21, 2008

Full Review

Time Out

he construction is so ramshackle (or the mood so PC) that the film-makers put a woman (Holly) on board, then can't find a thing to do with her.

Jan 26, 2006

Full Review

David Nusair

Reel Film Reviews

...a sluggish comedy that slowly-but-surely squanders its raft of appealing, seemingly foolproof elements...

Rated: 2/4

Oct 13, 2021

Full Review

Sarah Cartland

Caution Spoilers

Far from feminist, though I enjoyed seeing so many men doing the cleaning. There are fun moments and Kelsey Grammer as the hapless new sub captain is rather good if not hapless enough. Bruce Dern and Rip Torn spar enjoyably, but it lacks actual jokes.

Rated: 2/5

Nov 9, 2018

Full Review

Brian Costello

Common Sense Media

Some innuendo, profanity in mediocre slapstick comedy.

Rated: 2/5

Sep 9, 2014

Full Review

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Synopsis

Cmdr. Tom Dodge (Kelsey Grammer) is not thought of very highly among his fellow Navy officers. So when he's offered the captain's seat on a decrepit boat that is part of a simulated challenge on the water, no one expects much from him. Set on getting his underdog crew in line in order to win the event, Dodge must face off against his nemesis, Adm. Yancy Graham (Bruce Dern) -- who will do anything to see Dodge disgraced and finally kicked out of the Navy.

Director: David S. Ward
Production Co: Twentieth Century Fox
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Comedy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): Mar 1, 2013
Box Office (Gross USA): $23.3M
Sound Mix: Surround

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