The film is spoiled by the last 20 minutes.
Otherwise, Neil Simon's writing is at its best as he describes Eugene Jerome's experiences in the army during World War 11.
Simon etches out some real characters in this film that shows that bonds are possible between guys in wartime, even when there is religious and racial prejudice involved.
It is a film declaring the coming of age of youth as Jerome loses his virginity and uses his talents as a writer to describe his experiences.
Christopher Walken shines here as the brutal sergeant who gets the men to hate the 2 Jewish guys in the outfit. He lets Jerome and his buddy decide who will get the bad things to do. It is when Walken goes berserk at the end that the film goes awry.
Otherwise, Neil Simon's writing is at its best as he describes Eugene Jerome's experiences in the army during World War 11.
Simon etches out some real characters in this film that shows that bonds are possible between guys in wartime, even when there is religious and racial prejudice involved.
It is a film declaring the coming of age of youth as Jerome loses his virginity and uses his talents as a writer to describe his experiences.
Christopher Walken shines here as the brutal sergeant who gets the men to hate the 2 Jewish guys in the outfit. He lets Jerome and his buddy decide who will get the bad things to do. It is when Walken goes berserk at the end that the film goes awry.