Down Periscope

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Down Periscope

PG-13

1996

1h 32m

Comedy

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

11%

Tomatometer

35 Reviews

62%

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25,000+ Ratings

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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Bob McCabe

Empire Magazine

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

Rated: 2/5

Aug 4, 2009

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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

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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

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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

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Brian Costello

Common Sense Media

Some innuendo, profanity in mediocre slapstick comedy.

Rated: 2/5

Sep 9, 2014

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Ben B

Lighthearted, goofy, surprisingly well casted. Just a joy to watch.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/23/25

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Ivan H

A thoroughly enjoyable feel good movie. A light hearted Police Academy style navy film. View it like that and you'll thoroughly enjoy it for the light-hearted entertainment it was created to be. There's a place for the masters and there is a place for light hearted comedy this film is. See it as that, and you'll thoroughly enjoy it.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/05/25

Full Review

Brent W

dumb 90's movie that is fun and hilarious. Don't think too hard. Just watch and laugh. If you need something in the background while doing something else - this is your answer.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/01/24

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Crash U

90s comedy movie. Very entertaining light-hearted. With 90s hot chick. It's perfect movie for a Saturday night with a beer and popcorn.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/04/24

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Happy B

Movies are for entertainment and some are more serious than others while some are just fun. This is a fun movie and will make you smile. It's silly and funny and a great little time passer!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/23/24

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Ian C

90's Humor is on point with this film. Just a good, funny Naval movie.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

10/14/24

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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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
Producer: Robert Lawrence
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
Runtime: 1h 32m
Sound Mix: Surround

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