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Major Payne [1995]
![Major Payne [1995]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51V2M9BYSDL._SL160_.jpg)
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Editorial
Amazon.co.uk Review
Let's face facts here: You don't watch a movie like Major Payne for its artistic merit any more than you'd watch Schindler's List for its comedy. If you go in thinking otherwise, you're bucking for a disappointment. So it's a pleasant surprise to discover that Major Payne is more entertaining than a barrel full of bad reviews would lead you to believe. It's a totally formulaic comedy about a bunch of misfit kids who turn into a crack squad of skillfully disciplined ROTC cadets, but Damon Wayans is spot-on hilarious in the title role as the hardened military bulldog who whips the little slackers into shape. Wayans plays the role as if killing and warfare were the only joys in life, and when he finds himself cast adrift without a military commission, a scene that directly parodies Apocalypse Now lets you know that Wayans (who cowrote the script) is going to bring something new to this routine scenario. Major Payne's idea of a good bedtime story is to recall his worst battlefield horrors, and Wayans gives it just the right twist of comedy to put Payne's bullet-pierced heart in the right place--he's really just a good guy with an iron-clad exterior. The young recruits strut their stuff in the final round of their cadet competition (their marching rap is good for a solid laugh), and director Nick Castle keeps it all from becoming too stupid or over the top. It's arguably only for Wayans's most ardent fans, but as a send-up of all the great movie drill instructors, Major Payne is painlessly enjoyable. --Jeff Shannon
Major Payne has hurt my sides with laughter
Review date: 2007-06-30 Rating: 8 out of 10
"Major Payne" is one of the funniest movies that I enjoy to watch over and over again. I thought that Damon Wayans delivered a knockout performance as the loud-mouthed, gold-toothed, trash talking, squeaky voiced Major Benson Winifred Payne. He was so funny that I nearly had a heart attack while laughing at the same time.
After a major drug bust goes extremely well in South America, Major Payne (Damon Wayans) returns to Parris Island, South Carolina and finds out that the U.S. Marine Corps is throwing him out of the military back into civilian life. After two weeks of civilian life, Payne is let back into the military under one condition: go to Virginia and train a group of delinquents for an ROTC program at Madison Academy. Payne regretfully accepts the job and puts each of the boys into 8 weeks of living hell! It becomes a fight because the boys do what they can to put Major Payne out of their lives!
I have so many favorites scene through out this movie but the one that shines the brightest is when Wayans had a dance sequence at a club where he performs a series of moves (including a very nice "robot"), and with the help of music from 2 Live Crew. Many of the gags are side-splitting funny, and the vocal tones and mannerisms of Major Payne are just spot-on hilarious. And the kids in the film do a remarkable job in their supporting roles. The kids in fact steal the show (especially the younger ones). Lots of absurdity in the movie, but still here and there peeks through a poignant maturity on the deeper symbolism of what boot camp is all about
Of course, it is a feel good movie so you know everything will work out in the end. Base on some of the lower reviews you can see that this movie is not for everyone, but at the same time is worth seeing. If you don't like it by the time Payne does his "Failure to communicate!" line then maybe it isn't for you. As for me it's utterly brilliant.
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Reviews
Major Payne or a major pain u decide!
Review date: 2007-03-26 Rating: 8 out of 10
i must admit im biased as i find damon wayans movies enjoyable and genreally funny, this was a movie that fulfilled this objective. It was basically a comical movie about a war vetern whose life was his job and then it gets taken away from him.the only way he can stay in the army is to take over a ROTC program with a school that hasnt made a notable achievement in the cadet field. it is fun watching the major tame the kids and the kids soften the major. At the same time the movie loses direction near the end and tries to finish in a hurry.this doesnt mean that it isnt a good movie to watch and enjoy the gags and the cameo performances from people like Bambam bigglo of wwf and witly,i think it is from cosby's.this film is as good as Blankman is , which is another early damon wayans movie
Major Payne
Review date: 2006-07-29 Rating: 8 out of 10
People often seem to sneer at things just because they have Damon Wayans in them, but I really don't understand why: he's a good comic actor & I really like this film!
It's a difficult film to pigeon-hole, but try to imagine a cross between the first Police Academy movie for its premise, and Churchill: The Hollywood Years for it's caricature of an absurdly butch US Marine.
It has to be said though that it does lose its way toward the end (which is pure cheese), & some people may find it a bit hit and miss. But don't let that deter you, as the funny bits are hysterically funny. There are also several in-gags for people who have been in the armed forces.
Let's put it this way: if you think that excessively PC American comedies like Friends or Will & Grace are the very epitome of funny - this film is probably not for you. If you prefer a more juvenile type of comedy which involves punching and farting, it may be worth a look.
Product Details/Specifications
Actor(s):
Bill Hickey
Karyn Parsons
Michael Ironside
Damon Wayans
Steve Martini
Creators:
Damon Wayans (Primary Contributor)
Karyn Parsons (Primary Contributor)
Director(s):
Recording label: Universal Pictures UK
Manufacturer: Universal Pictures UK
EAN: 5050582396201
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 1
Format: PAL,
Release date: 2006-01-02
Audience rating: Suitable for 12 years and over
Region code: 2
Running time: 93 minutes
Theatrical release date: 1995
Language: English (Original Language)