Stripes (1981)

Stripes (1981) is a quintessential Ivan Reitman comedy, brimming with the kind of exuberant, slapstick energy that defined his style. John Winger, an indolent sad sack in his 30s, impulsively joins the U.S. Army after losing his job, his girlfriend, and his apartment. This unlikely premise serves as a springboard for a series of hilarious misadventures within the ranks of a training camp, as Winger and his fellow recruits navigate the absurdities of military life with a mix of naivete and deadpan humor. The film features a stellar ensemble cast, including Bill Murray in one of his best early comedic performances, and provides a sharp critique of the military experience, all wrapped in a delightfully absurd package. Reitman's signature blend of physical comedy, witty dialogue, and heartwarming camaraderie is perfectly on display. Stripes undeniably belongs on a list of Reitman's best works because it exemplifies his signature approach to filmmaking. While incorporating the recognizable elements of his comedic style, Reitman also showcases a subtle understanding of character development, especially in Winger's arc. From a man who epitomizes the "loser" archetype, he transforms into a reluctant leader and, by the end, a capable soldier, albeit one with an eccentric approach. This combination of witty humor and character growth, with its focus on camaraderie and the struggle for belonging, is a key characteristic of Reitman's oeuvre, making Stripes a worthy inclusion alongside films like Meatballs and Ghostbusters, and firmly anchoring it within the best of his comedic output.