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Stripes

The story of a man who wanted to keep the world safe for democracy...and meet girls.

1981 · 1h 46m · R Action, Comedy
Directed by Ivan Reitman

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Overview

Hard-luck cabbie John Winger, directionless after being fired from his job and dumped by his girlfriend, enlists in the U.S. Army with his close pal, Russell Ziskey. After his barely satisfactory performance in basic training, the irreverent Winger emerges as the figurehead for a ragtag band of misfits. However, his hijinks threaten to cause an international scandal when he inadvertently commandeers a military assault vehicle behind enemy lines.

Director and cast

Critics on Rotten Tomatoes

Top critics, in their words

All reviews
88%
Tomatometer
Fresh

The balance of the film consists of time-tested commercial material, most of which is still working fine.

Dave Kehr, Chicago Reader
Fresh

An anarchic slob movie, a celebration of all that is irreverent, reckless, foolhardy, undisciplined, and occasionally scatological. It's a lot of fun.

Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times
Fresh

Mr. Murray hasn't yet reached the point at which his routines can be sustained for more than 10 minutes at a time. But he has achieved a sardonically exaggerated calm that can be very entertaining.

Janet Maslin, New York Times
Rotten

Stripes will keep potential felons off the streets for two hours. Few people seem to be asking, these days, that movies do more.

TIME Magazine
Fresh

[Reitmam] manages a reasonable success rate at pulling off the numerous verbal and sight gags with which the script is peppered.

Time Out

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