Biloxi Blues (1988)

 Biloxi Blues (1988)

Mike Nichol’s Biloxi Blues is a fun time. It is not The Graduate or Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf, but it is a breezy, light film that benefits from a charismatic Matthew Broderick performance and another exceptional, wacky screenplay from Neil Simon. After the release of Full Metal Jacket the year prior, it seemed to be a surprise that another film about basic training was released so soon. Simon, being the type of screenwriter/playwright he is, took a more light-hearted approach to this story. As a result, we get some funny scenarios that truly made me chortle.

This story was based off Neil Simon’s own experiences of his basic training stint during World War II. One could be forgiven if the story plays out like any other movie with similar ideas, but is that not reality? Like any of Simon’s plays or movies, he is able to incorporate some social commentary behind the zaniness. For example, Simon tackles culture clash. Broderick’s character is from New York and heading to a Mississippi training camp where his New York Jewish background clashes with the vastly different southern culture. There are definite laughs to be had here as I believe everyone can relate. In addition, I really found the scene where Broderick ate army food for the first time to be hilarious. If anyone knows what army food tastes like, then you can understand the reactions. Just little stuff like that makes this movie fun to watch. And anytime Christopher Walken graces us with his presence is also a joy.

Eugene Jerome (Matthew Broderick) is a New York City teenager. He enlists in the army and is sent to a training camp in Biloxi, Mississippi. Like many teenagers from this time, they want to proudly serve their country during the waning years of World War II. That said, Eugene believes his time in camp will be a piece of cake. He did not expect to encounter the sadistic Sgt. Toomey (Christopher Walken) who is borderline crazy and fellow recruits most of whom are less than nice. Through his boot camp experience, Eugene learns about the hardship of war and understands what it is like to feel in love thanks to Daisy (Penelope Ann Miller). Despite these hardships, he tries to maintain his sense of humor to get him through even the darkest of times. Before he leaves camp, he needs to survive Toomey.

The performances are solid enough. Matthew Broderick is a charismatic presence, and he adds a nice blend of comedy to a role that is often played to death. Same with Mr. Walken. While the crazy drill instructor is a role that grows old fast, Walken injects a different kind of energy. Walken brought his own experiences into the role and played him as a “nice guy.” In other words, he does not need to scream to instill fear in the cadets. The best kind of drill instructor, don’t you think?

Overall, I thought Biloxi Blues was a fun movie about basic training. Yeah, it is predictable and does not have anything new to say. But it is an entertaining diversion that allows us to see directing genius Mike Nichols play around with the autobiographical words of famed playwright Neil Simon. On top of that, we are blessed to see Christopher Walken and Matthew Broderick banter with each other while providing some effective social commentary. As I said before, it is no Full Metal Jacket. But it does not need to be.

My Grade: B+