Down Periscope (1996)

Down Periscope is that rare military comedy that feels like it’s having fun with the Navy without ever turning mean-spirited, powered by Kelsey Grammer’s effortlessly dry charm as a captain who wins people over by refusing to be “by the book.” The movie’s special pleasure is watching a rust-bucket submarine and a crew of lovable screwups become an unlikely instrument of tactical mischief, with the war-game setup giving the jokes a steady sense of momentum and stakes. David S. Ward keeps the tone light and buoyant—more sitcom-smart than slapstick—while the cast clicks in a way that makes even the silliest moments feel warmly earned. It’s not for everyone if you’re allergic to PG-13 innuendo or prefer your service stories serious, but if you want a brisk, good-natured underdog romp with a surprisingly winning ensemble, this one goes down easy.

Down Periscope is clearly trying to be a scrappy underdog Navy comedy where a misfit crew and an old rust-bucket sub outsmart the smug brass in a war-game showdown. The problem is the script leans on predictable beats and broad, sometimes sleazy PG-13 gags, so if you’re hoping for sharp writing or consistent laughs, you may find it oddly low-energy and repetitive. Kelsey Grammer’s dry confidence and the goofy “pirate tactics” premise give it a few bright spots, and the cast has enough charm to keep it afloat in places. But if crude humor, cartoonish military characters, or a thin plot bother you, this one will feel like it’s coasting on a fun idea it never fully cashes in.