Down Periscope
An unorthodox submarine captain leads a chaotic crew in a comic naval exercise against a technologically superior rival.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Mild
- Complexity
- Simple
- Violence
- Mild
- witty
- irreverent
- breezy
- lazy sunday
- group comedy night
What critics said
Critics generally found the film harmless but underwritten, with scattered amusement undermined by low energy and an ineffective script.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Tom Dodge commands a submarine crew composed of unconventional sailors, including Lt. Emily Lake, Lt. Marty Pascal, and Lt. Howard.
Dodge uses an aging diesel submarine and an unconventional crew to challenge expectations within the navy hierarchy.
The Stingray is assigned to oppose the nuclear-powered USS Orlando and destroy a dummy battleship during a training mission.
Most of the comedy unfolds aboard the aging USS Stingray, where the crew works under cramped operational conditions.
Films like Down Periscope, and why
In the Army Now
Shares broad ensemble comedy, military setting, eccentric personnel, and irreverent workplace hijinks.
Private Benjamin
Shares comic military hierarchy, mismatched recruits, physical gags, and good-natured farce.
Police Academy
Shares an ensemble of misfits, institutional satire, and escalating comic competition.
The Last Detail
Shares submarine setting, crew camaraderie, command conflict, and lighter comic treatment of naval life.
Movie Details
- Director
- David S. Ward
- Release Date
- 1996-03-01
- Runtime
- 92 min
- Rating
- 6.4 / 10 (553)
Cast
- Kelsey Grammer
- Lauren Holly
- Rob Schneider
- Harry Dean Stanton
- Bruce Dern
- William H. Macy
- Rip Torn
- Ken Hudson Campbell
- Toby Huss
- Duane Martin
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Down Periscope about?
- An unorthodox submarine captain leads a chaotic crew in a comic naval exercise against a technologically superior rival.
- What is Down Periscope like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Down Periscope as brisk, its intensity as mild and its storytelling as simple.
- Is Down Periscope violent?
- Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in Down Periscope as mild.
- What did critics think of Down Periscope?
- Critics generally found the film harmless but underwritten, with scattered amusement undermined by low energy and an ineffective script.
- Which films are like Down Periscope?
- Films with a similar feel include In the Army Now, Private Benjamin, Police Academy, and The Last Detail.
- How long is Down Periscope?
- Down Periscope runs 92 minutes.
- Where can I watch Down Periscope?
- In United States, Down Periscope is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home.
