Profile
Came out in 1988
Rated PG-13
Running time of 1 hour and 45 minutes
Available on VHS
Directed by Mike Nichols
Written by Neil Simon (based on his play of the same name)
Main Stars: Matthew Broderick, Christopher Walken, Penelope Ann Miller
What's it all about:
Matthew Broderick reprises his stage role of
Eugene Morris Jerome in the second of Neil Simon's semi-autobographical trilogy.
The film depicts Eugene's adventures during army basic training during the late stages of World War 2. His colorful experiences include numerous
confrontations with his eccentric drill sergeant and his fellow officers as well as finding the first love of his life.
Why I Recommend It:
1 - The acting. Christopher Walken steals the movie as drill sergeant
Toomey, who plays the eccentric antagonist to Matthew Broderick's
Eugene
Morris Jerome.
2 - The dialog. Neil Simon does an excellent job adapting his stage play into a witty and smart comedy screenplay.
3 - The movie is also a well done coming of age movie showing Eugene's transformation into becoming a smart, young man that should appeal to a wide audience.
Distinguishing Jewish Appeal:
1 - The movie depicts the trysts of two young Jewish males in the US
Army
during the late stages of World War 2. Eugene and Epstein confront
peers
who constantly badger them with anti-Semitic remarks. Yet, through the
course of the film, these peers come to an understanding about Eugene
and
Epstein and end up on friendly terms with them.
Of Note:
1- Biloxi Blues is the second of Neil Simon's semi-autobiographical
trilogy
that includes Brighton Beach Memoirs and Broadway Bound.
2- This is the first film that Matthew Broderick plays Eugene, a
character
that he played on Broadway in the entire trilogy.
3- This is the first film that teams Matthew Broderick and Penelope Ann
Miller together. They next appeared as co-stars and love interests in
the
comedy "The Freshman" (another comedy that I highly recommend).
4- Park Overall, who is known for her role on the TV show "Empty Nest"
has a
small role in the film.
Community :
Rated #4 Jewish Comedy