In the Army Now (1994)
Synopsis:
In the Army Now follows the story of two slackers, Bones Conway and Jack Kaufman, who decide to join the Army Reserve to make some quick cash. Expecting an easy ride, they soon find themselves in over their heads when they are unexpectedly called to active duty. Sent to a desert training camp, the duo struggles to adapt to military life and the challenges of boot camp. Alongside their fellow recruits, including the tough Christine Jones and the tech-savvy Fred Ostroff, they must learn to work together to survive the rigors of military training. As they face various comedic mishaps and misadventures, Bones and Jack must step up to the plate and prove they have what it takes to be soldiers.
Where To Watch: In the Army Now
Parental Feedback
"In the Army Now" is a comedy film released in 1994, rated PG, and primarily aimed at kids. The movie features a lighthearted and humorous take on military life, with a focus on slapstick comedy and silly antics. While some parents appreciate its comedic elements and harmless fun, others feel it lacks depth and meaningful content, making it a mixed bag for family viewing.
Why Kids Should Watch In the Army Now
The movie offers a fun and entertaining experience with its comedic approach to military life.
- Promotes teamwork and camaraderie among characters.
- Features a memorable scene where the main characters learn the importance of working together.
- Provides visual humor and slapstick comedy that kids enjoy.
Why Kids Shouldn’t Watch In the Army Now
Some parents express concerns about the lack of educational value and depth in the film.
- May present a trivialized view of military service.
- Contains scenes with immature behavior that might not be suitable for all children.
- Some jokes and humor may be confusing or inappropriate for younger audiences.
Verdict: Mixed Messages
Verdict: Mixed Messages
Parents are divided—some love it, others raise concerns about its lack of depth and meaningful content.
What Parents Should Know About In the Army Now
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does this movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? | The characters eventually learn to work together, showcasing the value of teamwork. |
| Does this movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? | Some scenes may trivialize military service, which could require parental guidance. |
| Does this movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? | Characters face humorous consequences for their antics, reinforcing cause-and-effect. |
| Does this movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? | Teamwork is highlighted as the characters learn to rely on each other. |
| Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? | The core message is the importance of working together and supporting one another. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
"In the Army Now" is appreciated for its comedic elements and lighthearted approach, making it a fun watch for kids who enjoy slapstick humor. However, the lack of depth and meaningful content may not appeal to all parents. Engaging with children during or after the movie can help address any confusing elements and reinforce positive messages. For families seeking more substance, alternatives like "Toy Story" or "The Incredibles" might be more suitable.
Official In the Army Now Trailer
The Core Values Learned From In the Army Now
In the Army Now's most common core values include Teamwork, Determination, and Friendship. Kids exploring these values will see how Bones and Jack, the main characters, learn to work together in a place that's super tough. At first, Bones and Jack think that being part of the Army Reserve is going to be simple. But they soon realize they have to rely on each other and their new friends to make it through boot camp. Teamwork becomes important as they train and face challenges. Their determination helps them push through tough spots, and their friendship keeps them going when things get hard.
A standout moment for teamwork occurs during a drill in boot camp. Bones, Jack, and fellow recruits have to pull together to finish a task in the desert. It's not easy, and they mess up a lot at first. But working as a team, each person uses their strengths to support the others. This moment clearly shows how teamwork can make things possible that seemed too hard before. Their determination keeps them from giving up, even when they're tired and sweaty. Friendship shines through when they laugh off their mistakes and keep trying, showing how important it is to stick together no matter what.
Other Core Values Explored: Bravery | Problem-solving | Perseverance | Responsibility. | Courage
The 5 Biggest Lessons Learned From In the Army Now
Working as a Team: The movie showcases the importance of teamwork as Bones and Jack learn to rely on their fellow recruits. This is most evident during the challenging desert drills where they must collaborate to succeed, highlighting how combined efforts lead to overcoming difficulties.
Building Friendships: Throughout their military journey, Bones and Jack build strong friendships with their teammates. These bonds are crucial for emotional support and help them navigate the tough times at boot camp, illustrating how friendships can be a vital source of strength.
Learning from Mistakes: Mistakes are a big part of Bones and Jack's experience. Each error becomes a learning opportunity, teaching them to adapt and grow. The movie emphasizes the value of acknowledging mistakes and using them to improve one's skills and decision-making.
Facing Fears Head-On: The characters must confront their fears, from desert training to the pressures of active duty. Through these challenges, they learn that facing fears directly is the path to personal growth and self-discovery.
Finding Courage: In moments of doubt, the characters find courage within themselves to step up to unforeseen challenges. Their journey illustrates that courage isn't about not being afraid but acting despite the fear.
Other Lessons Learned: Being True to Yourself | Embracing Differences | Never Giving Up | Supporting Your Friends
Why Kids Love In the Army Now
In the Army Now is a comedic whirlwind where kids dive into a world filled with slapstick humor and wild antics. Bones and Jack, always up to mischief, find themselves in a world of silly jokes and outrageous stunts as they stumble through military training. From unexpected pranks to awkward situations, there is always something wacky happening. The duo's knack for breaking the rules and doing things their way creates hilarious chaos that will keep kids giggling. As they team up with their fellow recruits, kids get to see the fun of proving yourself and standing out, even when things don’t go according to plan. The movie's light-hearted chaos invites children to enjoy every funny misstep and ridiculous challenge that comes their way.
Action-packed drills and laugh-out-loud moments make the desert setting feel like a playground of surprises. Kids are drawn to the thrilling idea of being the hero, as Bones and Jack tackle outrageous stunts and unexpected adventures. The film celebrates the thrill of making new friends and learning to lead, with each crazy challenge showing how teamwork really wins the day. The dynamic group tackles everything from hilarious high jinks to fixing the big problems in the quirkiest ways. With slapstick comedy and the spirit of being unique, this movie keeps kids entertained with every unpredictable turn and jaw-dropping stunt. In the Army Now is a whirlwind of laughter and camaraderie, making sure kids are glued to every wild moment and clever prank.