McHale's Navy

Synopsis

McHale's Navy is a 1997 comedy film starring Tom Arnold that revives the antics of the original 1960s television series. Set during World War II, the film follows Lieutenant Commander Quinton McHale and his misfit crew aboard the PT-73 as they navigate through a series of humorous wartime escapades. Their unconventional methods and renegade spirit often clash with military protocol, leading to a blend of slapstick comedy and naval hijinks. Featuring a mix of veteran and new characters, the film attempts to capture the camaraderie and chaos of the original show, set against the backdrop of the Pacific theater.

Cast

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  Tom Arnold

  Lt. Cmdr. Quinton McHale

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  Dean Stockwell

  Capt. Wallace B. Binghampton

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  Debra Messing

  Lt. Penelope Carpenter

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  David Alan Grier

  Ensign Charles Parker

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  Bruce Campbell

  Virgil

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  French Stewart

  Happy

Reviews

McHale's Navy received overwhelmingly negative reviews from critics and audiences alike. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a very low rating of 3%, reflecting widespread critical disapproval, with many reviewers criticizing its outdated humor and lackluster execution. The site's consensus highlights the film's failure to capture the charm of its television predecessor, calling it "a forgettable attempt to cash in on nostalgia." IMDb users gave it an average score of 4.6 out of 10, indicating general disappointment among viewers. Metacritic scores the movie at 18 out of 100, signalling 'overwhelming dislike' based on professional reviews. Critics frequently pointed out Tom Arnold's performance as uninspired and the overall comedy as lacking wit and originality. Some reviews noted that the film's slapstick style and juvenile jokes seemed misplaced, preventing it from appealing to either new audiences or fans of the original series. Despite a few moments of light entertainment, the consensus is that McHale's Navy falls short of delivering a successful wartime comedy.