"Major Benson Winifred Payne" (Damon Wayans) is a United States Marine who has been trained to be a killing machine. However, when he fails to gain in rank a second time he is given his discharge orders. He then tries to adjust to civilian life, without success.
His former commanding officer then gets "Payne" a job as commanding officer of a Virginia prep school's Junior ROTC program where he is in charge of some young misfits. He also has to butt heads with a beautiful prep school counselor (Karyn Parsons), whom he instantly falls for.
His mission: to shape these misfits into a team for the Virginia JROTC Military Games. His personal mission: Change his ways to get the counselor, "Emily", to fall for him.
I've seen this story before, and done better with more laughs. There are some good jokes in this movie, but they are few and far between. I didn't laugh a lot, but when I did, the laughs were out loud.
One problem with this movie was chemistry. The kids had strong chemistry together, and with Wayans, and were pretty fun to watch. However, Parsons and Wayans didn't have the best chemistry in the entire movie.
Another problem was character development. We don't get the best development in the majority of the kids. One of the older kids gets more development than the rest, and does a good job when he locks horns with "Payne". Another kid gets lesser development, but his only job is to help "Emily" soften the "Major's" military attitude.
Wayans is probably the best of the entire cast, but he picked the most annoying voice for "Payne". He is also pretty comical when he is treating the kids like they are actual soldiers. Because of his performance, "Payne" is the most memorable character in the entire movie.
One thing parents should be aware of is that there is some fairly strong language, and mild violence. However, it's not even close to really graphic stuff.
Another bad part is that this movie is pretty predictable, and misses some laughs. Because the story has been done before with different situations, you already know how it's going to end.
Despite the flaws, it's still a fairly fun movie, mostly because of Wayans. I would say it might be a pretty good second choice if your first choice to rent is not available.
THIS IS SO FUNNY I WATCH ALL THE TIME AND IF I GO TO SOMEONE HOUSE I BRING IT!! I WATCH 2 MUCH THAT I REMEBER EVERY WORDS/EVERY SCENE!! I WATCH IT TO MUCH!!!
the hilarious story of a Marine determined to show that he still knows how to stay on top even though he is given a "curve ball" and is told to teach some young boys the ins and outs of the military and why he is the best of the best
This movie is hilarious, i remember watching it over and over as a kid and never getting sick of it, and i still cant get sick of it. I would definately watch it when im in the mood for a good laugh.
When hardass army killing-machine, Major Benjamin Payne (Wayans), is released from his military duties, he sees no future in civilian life for himself and he longs for a return to the service. As a favour, his old General gets him a role back in the military again - at a school for army cadets. In a typical kids versus adults movie scenario, Payne must take a team of no-hoper cadets from oblivion to winners of the Military Games. I wonder will he do it...
There is the usual array of kids; the fat kid, the smartass kid, the black rap-dude, the kid with the big ears and the young-and-left-out-of-everything-because-he=s-too-small kid. Also thrown in for good measure is the token love interest in the shape of the sensitive teacher played by the attractive unknown, Karyn Parsons.
So far it sounds like the usual kids-turned-heroes mush along the lines of 'Little Giants', 'The Big Green' or 'Champions' but surprisingly 'Major Payne' turns out to be better than all of the above. There is one reason why.
Damon Wayans. Wayans is arguably the most underused comedy talent of recent times, and he once again takes a hand in writing the screenplay to one of his movies, and it shows. His performance is comical; from his over-the-top descriptions of how he likes to maim POWs to his physical comedy, in this case a sample of 1980s robotic dancing. His dialogue (which he no doubt wrote) is sharp and witty. When Cadet Tiger complains about being left out of everything because he is so small, Payne replies: 'Phooey. What about all the small people who achieved big things - Little Red Riding Hood, Three Little Pigs, Spike Lee....'
This film is far less cliche ridden than you would expect and in fact the cliches are more or less at a suitable level. I think one of the main reasons I liked this film is that Wayan=s character rarely crumbles from his tough military image. Just when you think he is going to go all slushy, he counters with a dose of edgy, violent, murderous language which in itself is always funny. Top marks to the director for this.
While it is no 'Kingpin' (one of the best comedies of the 90s), it is an excellent straight-to-video title which for the easy-going viewer, is bound to entertain. Also look out for a short appearance from former film star, Michael Ironside.
Couldn't believe a remake this different from the original could be even better. Even with Wayans going so over the top it was better than the Heston original.
For some reason I was kind of grossed out by Damon Wayans... I think it was his voice and demeanor in this movie... but it definitely had some decent moments.
I used to love Damon Wayans, but by this point he's past his prime.http://www.flixster.com/static/images/done.gif http://www.flixster.com/static/images/done.gif
"Major Payne is a pain in the ass Butt so tight he cant pass gas" I think we watched this movie about a million times as kids and I still laugh every time I see it
Funny movie. This movie a little bit ridiculous, it has great characters, and most of all it has heart. This is one of those movies that you can watch over and over and it is still funny.
I think that I've seen this movie about a billion times. In my mind this is the best of the Wayan's movies. Its a little bit ridiculous, it has great characters, and most of all it has heart. This is one of those movies that you can watch over and over and it is still funny. I don't think that there is more I really can say.
this was an outrageously funny weird, crazy, silly, stupid, and even more stupid, movie, but you have quite a few lifes, between the so stupid unreal parts. watch it if you dont beleive me.
I wanna see this movie again. I can't seem to find it anywhere. Saw this one growing up. I thought the farting part was so funny! Oh yeah and the part when he shaves all of their heads and makes them run around in dresses!
MCT:September 30, 2008
MCT:September 25, 2008
MCT:July 28, 2008
MCT:July 18, 2008
MCT:May 26, 2008
MCT:May 24, 2008
MCT:May 16, 2008
MCT:April 13, 2008
MCT:March 28, 2008
MCT:January 21, 2008
