I never understood why so many people hated this film. Maybe it's the whole tongue in cheek attitude this film took toward the military and the good ol'boy system which seems to encompass within the ranks. Or maybe the military is too much of a sacred institution to make fun of (yeah right!). Nonetheless, I felt the film was funny in many parts, despite the rather improbably ending and premise. However, this film did have a great collection of comics who have their own little quirky following. Harland Williams, Rip Torn, Harry Dean Stanton, Kelsey Grammar, Rob Schneider and William H. Macy all gave solid performances, reciting their lines with a great amount of wit. And to note, Lauren Holly looked ravishing with her natural blonde hair (which was a shock, considering I had only seen her in red up to that point).

It's the last chance for rebellious Tom Dodge (Kelsey Grammar) to command a submarine. He's given the rusty obsolete diesel-powered USS Stingray and a crew of misfits by Admiral Graham (Bruce Dern). Marty Pascal (Rob Schneider) is the XO with a crew including Emily Lake (Lauren Holly),Howard (Harry Dean Stanton),and Sonar (Harland Williams). Intelligence shows the Russians activating their diesel fleet. Admiral Winslow (Rip Torn) gives Dodge an assignment to test the Navy's defense. Graham sends Captain Knox (William H. Macy) and the modern attack sub USS Orlando.

Ten years earlier, this would have been led by Steve Guttenberg. Kelsey Grammar isn't quite the same. He doesn't have the rebellious carefree personality. I would rather have Guttenberg past his prime. That would fit the character anyways. He's suppose to be past his prime with a final shot at the captaincy. Other than that, this is a functional submarine comedy adventure. It would be a lot better with a leader who fits the role.

Lt. Cmdr. Tom Dodge (Kelsey Grammar) is assigned as Captain to the USS Stingray, an old diesel driven submarine that has seen better days. With a crew that consists only of outcasts, he is headed against the atomic powered USS Orlando, with the mission to destroy a dummy battleship.

Oh, my goodness, this incredible cast: Bruce Dern, William H. Macy, Patton Oswalt, Rob Schneider, Harry Dean Stanton, Rip Torn and others. Even if the film is not that great (and many would say it is not),the sheer breadth of characters aboard the ship is sure to please.

The inclusion of Lauren Holly in unfortunate. Not because she is a bad actress, but because hr character merely exists to be a sexual object. Sure, the film is now almost twenty years old (this is 2014),but were we not already past such things in the 90s?