Down Periscope (1996)
Synopsis:
Down Periscope follows Lieutenant Commander Tom Dodge, who is given command of a rusty, outdated submarine, the USS Stingray. Tasked with a challenging mission, Dodge must lead his unconventional crew through a series of naval war games. The crew, a mix of misfits and oddballs, must work together to outsmart their opponents and prove their worth. As they navigate through various obstacles and unexpected situations, Dodge's leadership is put to the test. The film is filled with comedic moments as the crew attempts to overcome their differences and achieve their goal.
Where To Watch: Down Periscope
Parental Feedback
Down Periscope, released in 1996, is a comedy film aimed at teens, featuring a mix of humor and naval adventure. The movie is generally light-hearted, with a comedic tone that appeals to a teenage audience, though some parents have mixed feelings about its suitability due to certain mature themes. While many appreciate its humor and entertaining plot, others caution about its appropriateness for younger viewers.
Why Teens Should Watch Down Periscope
Down Periscope offers a fun and engaging experience with several positive elements.
- Promotes teamwork and camaraderie among the crew members.
- Features a strong character arc for the protagonist, who learns to lead effectively.
- Provides plenty of comedic moments that teens find entertaining.
- Showcases creative problem-solving in challenging situations.
Why Teens Shouldn’t Watch Down Periscope
Some parents express concerns about the film's content and themes.
- Contains mild language and innuendo that may not be suitable for all teens.
- Includes scenes that depict risky behavior without clear consequences.
- Some humor may be considered inappropriate or outdated.
Verdict: Case-by-Case
Verdict: Case-by-Case
Parents are split, and it largely depends on your teen’s maturity level due to the film's humor and mild innuendo.
What Parents Should Know About Down Periscope
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does this movie explore topics that require emotional maturity or guidance? | The film includes themes of leadership and responsibility, often presented with humor that may require guidance. |
| Does this movie portray risky behaviors that go unchecked or without consequences? | There are scenes where characters engage in risky behavior, such as bending rules, which are not always critically addressed. |
| Does the main character show growth or learning across the story? | The protagonist evolves from a laid-back officer to a responsible leader, learning to earn the respect of his crew. |
| Are gender roles, relationships, or family dynamics portrayed in thoughtful or outdated ways? | Some interactions may reflect outdated gender roles, particularly in the portrayal of female characters. |
| Will this movie prompt important conversations with my teen? | The film can spark discussions about leadership, teamwork, and the consequences of bending rules. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
Down Periscope is praised for its humor and engaging storyline, making it a fun watch for teens who enjoy comedy. However, parents should be aware of the mild language and innuendo, which may not be suitable for all audiences. Watching together can provide opportunities for discussions about leadership and responsibility. For those seeking alternatives, consider other teen comedies that balance humor with positive messages.
Official Down Periscope Trailer
The Core Values Learned From Down Periscope
Down Periscope's most common core values include Teamwork, Leadership, and Perseverance. Teens watching this story will notice how these values help the characters to work together and solve problems. Lieutenant Commander Dodge and his oddball crew must become a team, even with all their differences. By doing this, they learn how important teamwork is in achieving a shared goal. Leadership is shown through Dodge as he takes charge of his rusty submarine and guides a group that often needs direction. Perseverance comes into play when the crew faces tough situations but keeps pushing forward, showing that Determination can help overcome even the biggest challenges.
One scene that highlights these core values is when the crew hits a big obstacle during the war games. Instead of giving up, Dodge's leadership shines as he rallies his crew and encourages them to come up with creative solutions. The team works hard together, despite their quirky personalities, demonstrating determination and the power of not giving up. This scene reveals how they must rely on each other's strengths and stick together to keep moving forward in their mission.
Other Core Values Explored: Problem-solving | Courage | Determination | Trust | Resilience | Standing up for what's right
The 5 Biggest Lessons Learned From Down Periscope
Believing in Yourself: The character of Lieutenant Commander Dodge exemplifies self-confidence, even when faced with a seemingly impossible mission. His belief in his abilities inspires his crew to rally behind him and tackle challenges head-on, showing the importance of having faith in oneself.
Working as a Team: The crew of the USS Stingray consists of various oddballs and misfits who must learn to collaborate despite their differences. Through effective teamwork, they manage to outsmart their opponents and achieve their goals, demonstrating the power of collective effort and cooperation.
Embracing Differences: The diverse crew members have unique quirks and personalities, which could be seen as obstacles. Instead, Dodge encourages them to embrace these differences and utilize each member's strengths, illustrating the value of diversity and inclusion in achieving success.
Learning from Mistakes: Throughout their journey, the crew encounters multiple obstacles that require quick thinking and adaptability. They make mistakes along the way but use these experiences as learning opportunities to improve and devise better strategies, underscoring the importance of learning from errors.
Leading with Courage: Dodge's leadership is defined by his courageous decisions amidst challenging situations. By facing fears and showing bravery, he motivates his crew to do the same, highlighting the impact of courageous leadership in overcoming adversity.
Other Lessons Learned: Building Friendships | Doing What's Right | Never Giving Up | Solving Problems Creatively
Why Kids Love Down Periscope
Jump aboard the USS Stingray for a quirky maritime mission full of mischief and antics. Teens are quickly pulled in by the comedic chaos brewing among the submarine’s unlikely crew, who bring loads of laughs with their silly jokes and pranks. Each member brings wild personality quirks to the mix, creating a hilarious scenario where misunderstandings and awkward situations keep everyone on their toes. The Rusty old submarine may not look like much, but it becomes the scene for outrageous stunts and slapstick humor that make the adventures beneath the sea unforgettable. The journey is filled with unpredictable mishaps, and teens love watching the crew turn blunders into brilliant opportunities to outwit their opponents.
As the USS Stingray stealthily navigates through naval war games, teens are excited by the clever tactics and rebellious spirit of the crew. This isn’t your typical military mission — it’s an epic showdown where breaking the rules and doing things your way is the key to success. Teens are captivated as the oddball crew demonstrates how daring to stand out and being unique can be a winning strategy, even when outsmarting seasoned adults. The movie stitches together high-seas puzzles and crafty tricks, showing the Stingray’s unlikely heroes fixing every problem that comes their way. With a mix of creativity and chaos, it’s a wildly entertaining ride that showcases why teamwork and thinking outside the box are such a blast!