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Down Periscope

Play trailer Poster for Down Periscope PG-13 1996 1h 32m Comedy Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
11% Tomatometer 35 Reviews 63% Popcornmeter 25,000+ Ratings
Cmdr. Tom Dodge is not thought of very highly among his fellow Navy officers. So when he's offered the captain's seat on a decrepit boat that is part of a simulated challenge on the water, no one expects much from him. Set on getting his underdog crew in line in order to win the event, Dodge must face off against his nemesis, Adm. Yancy Graham-- who will do anything to see Dodge disgraced and finally kicked out of the Navy.
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Down Periscope

Down Periscope

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Critics Consensus

Down Periscope takes audiences on an aimless voyage for aquatic hijinks, proving there really aren't any effective sub-stitutes for a well-written script.

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Critics Reviews

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Bob McCabe Empire Magazine Aug 4, 2009
2/5
Kelsey Grammar's transition to the big screen is far from seamless. Go to Full Review Leonard Klady Variety Nov 21, 2008
It's good-natured, innocuous frivolity that should raise a few smiles and generate good but not great spring box office. Go to Full Review Time Out Jan 26, 2006
he construction is so ramshackle (or the mood so PC) that the film-makers put a woman (Holly) on board, then can't find a thing to do with her. Go to Full Review David Nusair Reel Film Reviews Oct 13, 2021
2/4
...a sluggish comedy that slowly-but-surely squanders its raft of appealing, seemingly foolproof elements... Go to Full Review Sarah Cartland Caution Spoilers Nov 9, 2018
2/5
Far from feminist, though I enjoyed seeing so many men doing the cleaning. There are fun moments and Kelsey Grammer as the hapless new sub captain is rather good if not hapless enough. Bruce Dern and Rip Torn spar enjoyably, but it lacks actual jokes. Go to Full Review Brian Costello Common Sense Media Sep 9, 2014
2/5
Some innuendo, profanity in mediocre slapstick comedy. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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wALTER S @TuringHERO Oct 9, 2026 With the exception of Bruce Dern a very solid cast. The kind of comedy movie you watch periodically for a few good laughs. Kelsey Grammer was leading actor material while delivering the same fantastic comedic timing that made him a Cheers standout. Somebody needs to tell critics that comedy art is not the same as drama...it's fun - DUH See more Robert P @Superbad Sep 19, 2026 This movie is worthy of *3* stars See more Eric R @RT06572718 Sep 15, 2026 Ignore the critic reviews. Still just as funny as it was 30 years ago. The jokes land strong and the pacing is great. This is pure endless entertainment. Not some artsy exploration of naval warfare. Perfect way to spend an hour and a half. See more Justin W @RT98197255 Aug 24, 2026 It's a lighthearted comedy that was funny 30 years and remains still. See more Joey O @RT37936128 Jul 4, 2026 Yeah, the critics are wrong. This movie is hilarious without being dumb. See more Mitch P @RT99167099 May 23, 2026 First off, I don't know what on earth is wrong with the "critics" who truly don't seem to "get" this movie?! What's not to love about it? It's funny, light-hearted, good ol' entertainment! Great ensemble cast of actors and comedians giving great performances. It's a spoof film and a damned good one, too! Love the characters, LOVE the submarine, love the the storyline. Cinematography I also thought was great! I bought a copy of this movie and I have watched it so many times, yet it never fails to make me laugh! I think those critics who panned this film are in urgent need of a sense of humour transplant personally! Don't go by THEIR reviews, go by the audience reviews! We ALL love this film! See more Read all reviews
Down Periscope

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Cast & Crew

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David S. Ward

Director

Kelsey Grammer

Lt. Cmdr. Thomas "Tom" Dodge

Lauren Holly

Lt. Emily Lake, Diving Officer

Bruce Dern

RAdm. Yancy Graham

Rob Schneider

Executive Officer Martin T. "Marty" Pascal

Rip Torn

Vice Adm. Dean Winslow

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Down Periscope

Down Periscope (1996) Down Periscope (1996) Down Periscope (1996) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis Cmdr. Tom Dodge is not thought of very highly among his fellow Navy officers. So when he's offered the captain's seat on a decrepit boat that is part of a simulated challenge on the water, no one expects much from him. Set on getting his underdog crew in line in order to win the event, Dodge must face off against his nemesis, Adm. Yancy Graham-- who will do anything to see Dodge disgraced and finally kicked out of the Navy.
Director
David S. Ward
Producer
Robert Lawrence
Production Co
Twentieth Century Fox
Rating
PG-13
Genre
Comedy
Original Language
English
Release Date (Streaming)
Mar 1, 2013
Box Office (Gross USA)
$23.3M
Runtime
1h 32m
Sound Mix
Surround
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