Down Periscope
Down Periscope Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 8, 2026
Movie Overview: Down Periscope
| Movie | Down Periscope |
| Release Year | 1996 |
| Director | David S. Ward |
| Genre | Comedy |
| Runtime | 92 minutes (1h 32m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Down Periscope (1996) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.4/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Comedy.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in Down Periscope are led by Kelsey Grammer . The supporting cast, including Lauren Holly and Rob Schneider , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
While Down Periscope does not fully realize its potential, it still contains moments that may appeal to viewers who enjoy Comedy films.
- Interesting concept or premise
- Some entertaining scenes
- Supporting cast delivers occasional highlights
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, Down Periscope has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Comedy fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: Down Periscope
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1996, Down Periscope is a Comedy film directed by David S. Ward, written by Eliot Wald. The narrative brings laughter through sharp writing and comedic timing, providing amusement while touching on deeper societal themes. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Kelsey Grammer as Lt. Commander Tom Dodge.
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 production finds humor in relatable situations while maintaining narrative momentum. The jokes serve the story, with callbacks that reward attentive viewers.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: Down Periscope's opening establishes the comedic tone through Kelsey Grammer as Lt. Commander Tom Dodge's interactions, introducing the central conflict with humor and character quirks that David S. Ward layers throughout.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. Kelsey Grammer's arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The comedic climax ties together the recurring threads, with Kelsey Grammer's storyline wrapping up predictably but entertainingly.
Ending Explained: Down Periscope
Down Periscope Ending Explained: Directed by David S. Ward, Down Periscope wraps up the main storyline while leaving some interpretation to viewers. The ending highlights the core comedy themes developed throughout the film.
The conclusion reflects the central themes explored throughout the narrative, particularly in scenes involving Kelsey Grammer. The interpretation of the ending may vary among viewers.
Key Elements of the Ending
- Narrative Resolution: The story resolves its primary conflict while leaving room for interpretation.
- Character Development: Character motivations become clearer by the final scenes.
- Thematic Message: The ending reinforces the comedy themes introduced earlier in the film.
The final moments of Down Periscope reflect the creative choices of the filmmakers and align with the tone of the narrative.
Who Should Watch Down Periscope?
Age Advisory: Rated PG-13.
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Comedy films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Kelsey Grammer or the director
- Want some laughs and light entertainment
Box Office Collection: Down Periscope
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Worldwide Gross | $37.6M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Where to Watch Down Periscope Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Google Play Movies
YouTube🏷️ Buy on
Google Play MoviesYouTubeDown Periscope Parents Guide & Age Rating
1996 AdvisoryWondering about Down Periscope age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Down Periscope (1996) is 92 minutes (1h 32m). Directed by David S. Ward, the film runs for 92 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.4/10, and global performance metrics, Down Periscope is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1996 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Down Periscope worth watching?
Down Periscope is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies. It has a verified rating of 6.4/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Down Periscope parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Down Periscope identifies it as PG-13. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of Down Periscope (1996)?
The runtime of Down Periscope (1996) is 92 minutes (approximately 1h 32m).
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
