Is Down Periscope Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Down Periscope is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies.
It features a runtime of 92 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Down Periscope Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1996, Down Periscope emerges as a significant entry in the Comedy domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Maverick Navy Lieutenant Commander Tom Dodge will never be a textbook officer, but he's a brilliant seaman who's always wanted to command a nuclear submarine — he's been given one last chance to clean up his record. Unlike standard genre fare, Down Periscope attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Comedy is often anchored by its ensemble, and Down Periscope features a noteworthy lineup led by Kelsey Grammer . Supported by the likes of Lauren Holly and Rob Schneider , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Down Periscope (1996) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.4/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Down Periscope Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Down Periscope is a Comedy film that brings laughter through clever writing and comedic timing, offering both entertainment and social commentary. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
The comedic structure relies on both situational humor and character-based comedy. Maverick Navy Lieutenant Commander Tom Dodge will never be a textbook officer, but he's a brilliant seaman who's always wanted to command a nuclear submarine — he's been given one last chance to clean up his record. Unfortunately, Admiral Graham, his nemesis, would rather sink the fleet than give Dodge his own boat. So, Graham stacks the deck against him and assigns Dodge to the Stingray, a diesel-powered WW2 submarine that can barely keep afloat. To make matters worse, Dodge's crew is a collection of maladjusted, mistake-prone misfits. Then, he's tagged the "enemy" in a crucial war game, and ordered to take on the U.S. Navy's best. The film finds humor in relatable situations while maintaining narrative momentum. The jokes serve the story, with callbacks and running gags that reward attentive viewers.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The opening establishes the comedic tone and introduces the central conflict through humor and character quirks.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. The arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The comedic climax ties together running gags and character arcs, delivering both laughs and emotional satisfaction.
Down Periscope Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Down Periscope concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to comedy resolution.
The conclusion addresses the core thematic questions, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the comedy themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Down Periscope reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Down Periscope?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Comedy films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want some laughs and light entertainment
Down Periscope Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Worldwide Gross | $37.6M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
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Full Cast & Crew of Down Periscope
- Kelsey Grammer – Lt. Commander Tom Dodge
- Lauren Holly – Lt. Emily Lake
- Rob Schneider – Lt. Marty Pascal
- Harry Dean Stanton – Lt. Howard
- Bruce Dern – Rear Admiral Yancy Graham
Top Highlights
Kelsey GrammerLt. Commander Tom Dodge
Lauren HollyLt. Emily Lake
Rob SchneiderLt. Marty Pascal
Harry Dean StantonLt. Howard
Bruce DernRear Admiral Yancy Graham
William H. MacyCaptain Knox
Rip TornAdmiral Winslow
Ken Hudson CampbellSeaman Buckman
Toby HussSeaman Nitro
Duane MartinPlanesman 1st Class Jefferson 'R.J.' Jackson
Where to Watch Down Periscope Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Google Play Movies
YouTube🏷️ Buy on
Google Play MoviesYouTubeParents Guide & Age Rating
Down Periscope is rated PG-13. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.4/10, and global collection metrics, Down Periscope stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1996 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Down Periscope movie hit or flop?
Down Periscope has received mixed reviews with a 6.4/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Down Periscope worth watching?
Down Periscope is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Comedy movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Down Periscope online?
Down Periscope may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
