Biloxi Blues (1988)

Review by All Movie Guide
The second in a trilogy of autobiographical play adaptations penned by Neil Simon, this congenial comedy is an ensemble crowd pleaser with remarkable performances from several of its enthusiastic cast members. The material is decidedly episodic and even anecdotal, but director Mike Nichols breaks it out of its stage-bound roots, opening up to the humid Southern locales and giving his actors some breathing room. Of the three plays-cum-films that comprise the Simon cycle, this is easily the most cinematic and probably the only one that works even better as a film than it does on the boards. The young actors reward Nichols with noteworthy work, particularly Christopher Walken as a sadistic drill sergeant, Matthew Broderick as the sweet-natured hero briefly embarrassed by his heritage, Corey Parker in a revelatory turn as a brainy nerd, and Matt Mulhern as a bully with a surprising sense of honor. Only a third act confrontation between Walken and Broderick feels contrived, but the moment also gives the scene-stealing Walken his big chance to grab center stage, and he makes the most of it in one of his clip reel-worthy best. Biloxi Blues is a slighter film than the classic best of both Simon and Nichols, but it's a sturdy, thoroughly enjoyable entry in the coming-of-age genre. ~ Karl Williams, All Movie Guide