Major Payne (1995) User Reviews (94)

Wow! A Wayans movie that is pretty good!

[Rob_Taylor · 7/10 · 23 November 2005]

I'll admit, I found the thought of watching this painful. To say I'm not a fan of the Wayans is an understatement of giant proportions. But I have to admit, within a few minutes I was smiling and laughing despite this predisposition. I think the problem with the Wayans is when they get together they aren't funny anymore. But individually, they have the potential to add to a movie greatly.

So it is with Major Payne. Wayans' nasal speech pattern could have been intensely aggravating, yet somehow it came across as just right. Neither too strong nor too whiney. The kids all give great supporting roles and nobody lets the film down.

Another plus for this movie (at least as far as I was concerned) was its absolute failure to be anything like politically correct in regard to Payne's treatment of the kids under his charge. Too often these days we see movies that are soppy wet and dripping with syrupy goodness. It makes a pleasant change to see a film where that doesn't go on. Well, at least for the most part. Payne does "mellow" somewhat as the film progresses, but not to the point of a complete character reversal, thank god.

Highlight of the movie for me was Payne's version of the "Little Engine that Could", as recited to a six year old. The story starts off normally, but steadily involves less and less "Little Engine" and more and more "'Nam" tales! The way that Payne throws out the horrors of war during the telling is just hysterical.

Of course, it is a feelgood movie so you know everything will work out in the end. That doesn't stop you smiling the whole way through, or of hanging on Payne's every utterance (which are nearly always hilarious).

I guess the movie is not for everyone, but take it from me (as an avowed Wayans hater!) that this movie is worth your time. If you don't like it by the time Payne does his "Failure to communicate!" line then maybe it isn't for you. As for me, well, it's forced me to re-evaluate my opinion of the Wayans clan somewhat.

SUCH A HILARIOUS MOVIE!

[AgentKaren · 7/10 · 2 January 2022]

This is such a hilarious movie. Major Payne was hilarious in this. This is my second favorite movie of all time, behind The Truman Show. I wanted everyone to see this hilarious movie.

It's hard not to laugh honestly

[Smells_Like_Cheese · 6/10 · 2 November 2007]

Last night I was looking for a movie to watch and I came across Major Payne, with Damon Waynes as the star. I wasn't too sure if the movie would work, from the looks of the cover, it just looked like an over the top comedy that would have forceful humor. But I have to admit that when I watched it, it actually made me laugh quite a bit. I know that it was a silly movie, but how could you not laugh at these situations? I just loved the whole introduction to the cadets, how pathetic they were and how they had to face Major Payne. This movie is by no means Oscar material, but it's just a fun little comedy that I'm sure will get you a few laughs. The story is Full Metal Jacket, just the more fun and light version.

Major Payne is kicked out of the military after having a few "anger" problems. But he is given a new assignment, to handle a military school with little kids. The kids aren't exactly military material, they're skinny, fat, undisciplined, and over sensitive. It's Major Payne's job to teach these little one's his world of discipline. He drives them crazy, so much so, to the point where they wanna prove themselves and win the trophy against other tougher military schools and prove to Major Payne who's the best troop around.

Major Payne is pretty stupid at times, but it was just a fun comedy. I couldn't help but laugh at the part where they hire Bam Bam to beat up Major Payne, it looks like the kids finally won and yet of course, Major Payne wins again. Not to mention when Major Payne was reading one of the kids a bed time story and how graphic he got with it, I know it was a stupid part, but it was just so funny to me. Major Payne is worth a look, I thought it was a cool comedy that put a different twist on boot camps all around the world.

6/10

Seriously Funny

[scops8273 · 20 January 2004]

This was a truly fun movie. Being x-military myself I thought this was a great movie. I laughed all the way through from start to finish. The shooting of the bogyman through the closet door was priceless. The story of the "Little Engine That Could" was great. I hope that a sequel will be made where they have the blind guy and his Seeing Eye dog. That will be funny stuff.

A few laughs A feel good movie Didn't expect much more

[SnoopyStyle · 6/10 · 19 October 2013]

Maj. Benson Payne (Damon Wayans) is a super soldier, except he has failed to get a promotion for the second time and gets discharged. He finds his killing skills have little use in civilian life. His only job is to command a local school's JROTC program for a bunch of ragtag misfits. He finds his skills are not really appreciated by the kids either.

Damon Wayans is doing a pretty funny bit here, but it could be tiresome at times. The good part is the kids. They all learn a good lesson and we have a good laugh over it. Sure he's a cartoon character, but that's what we expect. Nobody is expecting Shakespeare.

Unpredictable unforgettable and basically painless

[mafloblitz · 7/10 · 27 November 2020]

It was very unpredictable, you never knew what was coming, you would never guess the funny names he calls the kids, great comedy even for adults. You see i have a problem, whenever I am exposed to something cringe worth I cringe hard, more than most, and this movie wasn't cheesy to my eyes, I only cringed a few times. Very good righting for a kids movie meant for adults and kids.

Tries a little too hard sometimes, but stays funny

[nickyeskens · 7/10 · 16 January 2017]

Mayor Payne is a must see classic to me. I was only two when it came out, but I remember watching it as a young kid, and i watched it many times after that. Now being old enough to actually have opinion about the movie I wanted to re-watch it. And it did not disappoint.

Damon Wayans as Mayor Payne is a comedic master piece. Every line he deliverers and every looks he gives is funny, even his laugh is hilarious. The movie itself is as good as a silly comedic movie can be, which is not amazing. BUT its cute. Watching the movie again made me realize there are some things that are weird, Like the deaf kid being able to hear. Of course I realize this is part of the movie, and its a message the movie is trying to send (I think its a good one) but its also a little hard to overlook.

This movie is and stays very close to my heart, even though sometimes it tries a little hard to be funny and silly. I realize this movie is not for everyone but people who enjoy movies like Police Academy will find Mayor Payne a funny movie with a good message behind it. Now I'll make sure I watch it every year!

A Fun Film, But Not For Kids

[ccthemovieman-1 · 5/10 · 13 October 2006]

I really liked this on the first viewing and felt the opposite the next time I watched. Funny how these things happen. I guess the first time I didn't mind the crudeness, kids' swearing and predictable ending. I guess I didn't feel that this would be poor examples for other kids to see. Well, I was wrong.

Nonetheless, to point out the good parts, Damon Wayans was funny as "Major Payne," dishing out some genuinely funny insult lines to the kids. The strange way he talks was pretty humorous, too. While the language is crude at times, there are no f-words or Lord's name in vain. Karyn Parsons is a new face and name and is a pretty woman, although her character was annoying at times. She looks and sounds a lot like Jada Pinkett.

This is a fun movie...but I don't recommend it for kids.

Surprisingly good!

[fibreoptic · 9/10 · 30 January 2005]

Before i sat down to this i thought it would be a stupid kiddy comedy movie like something off Nickleodeon but i was wrong, this will appeal to adults just as much (if not more) than children. It's about a hardened kill happy Major who doesn't have anything else left to do in the army so his commanding officer gives him a job training a bunch of cadets.

Daman Wayans is fantastic as Major Payne and really makes the character shine. This movie isn't about a bunch of unruly kids making Major Payne's life hell but more like the other way around. The children try hard to get rid of him but their attempts are all futile. It takes a good three quarters of the movie before the kids warm up to the Major. It really is a bit too formulaic near the end but i still think that this is a top notch movie mostly due to Daman Wayans. This guy should be in more stuff. A really funny movie that is for everyone and just when you think it's going to turn sickly sweet in a couple of the scenes....well you'd better watch it to find out. 9/10

Good

[manitobaman81 · 7/10 · 1 September 2014]

The dichotomy in reviewer assessments of MAJOR PAYNE has, I fear, more to do with the reviewers' life experiences than the film. I waited years to see this movie. Now that I've seen it and read the other reviews, I wonder if I watched the same movie. The film is dull. The sets are strictly poverty row, the cinematography uninspired. There is absolutely no creepiness except for the ending. The actors walk through their parts. MAJOR PAYNE is like a time capsule, a reflection of a world long gone. After seeing the previews I thought I'd be disappointed; it just seemed wrong. However, on viewing the film I must say the persons involved did a credible job.

Major Pain in the Ass.

[anaconda-40658 · 5/10 · 30 June 2015]

Major Payne (1995): Dir: Nick Castle / Cast: Damon Wayans, Karyn Parsons, Steven Martini, Michael Ironside, William Hickey: Formula driven military comedy about an individual succeeding the thresholds of war and now reduced to a different trial. Damon Wayans plays Major Benson Winifred Payne who returns from a South American drug raid that contains a hilarious reference to Apocalypse Now. Unfortunately he is placed in charge of a group of misfit kids that he immediately lines up and unloads every insult possible in accordance to any physical standout in their appearance. This lands him in hot water with the mother of one of the boys. She is played by Karyn Parsons and her job is to lecture and predictably become the cardboard romantic interest. Wayans holds his own injecting harsh reality to these kids including an amusing sequence where he unloads his gun on a closet door to prove to one kid that nothing scary is in there. The pranks pulled by the kids always backfire proving Payne to be ahead of them intellectually. Supporting cast are an assortment of cardboard cut-outs. Steven Martini plays the rebel older kid in need of a reality check. Michael Ironside is wasted in one scene as an abusive father. William Hickey appears briefly to prove that he has more insects in his office than cans of Raid. While it satires military and behaviour, its delivery is a pain all its own. Score: 5 ½ / 10

hilarious and entertaining!

[edacheeky · 9/10 · 23 September 2015]

I don't know why this film has such a bad rating because it is hilarious!! I know there are some things that are a bit weird and over the top but otherwise, this film is hilarious and entertaining!! I find myself laughing at almost every line/scene. I don't know, maybe its just me but I think Major Payne is a great movie it's definitely a classic!! Actually I've read what another reviewer has written and they seem to agree with me! Thank you at least someone agrees! Anyway Major Payne is great! It's a movie I've watched countless times and each time I watch it I find myself laughing just like I did when I first saw it. It's really a great movie, so give it a try!

Not bad, just didn't find it terribly funny

[TBJCSKCNRRQTreviews · 6/10 · 23 August 2006]

I've watched this a number of times, and I still have yet to really find any part of it terribly funny. In spite of that, I will attempt to review it as objectively as I can. The concept is interesting, though the formula, basic plot progression and execution is something that we've seen before. The plot was fair. The humor is pitch black and then some, with violent verbal descriptions and images, to go with the lead being a tough Marine. The first few scenes detailing his personality, methods and preferred activities do a nice job of setting up for the rest of the film. We join Mr. Payne(a name I personally found was put to better use in the video game released half a decade ago, featuring a title character of the same last name, but I digress) just as he's being discharged from the Marines. There's no one left for him to kill. So what does a killin' machine do? Train children in the vein of his own training. The acting is fairly good. I must say, Mr. Wayans really surprised me. He clearly does possess more talent than one would think... and this is coming from someone who really does like the man, and watched as much of the sitcom that was named after him as I had the chance to. Say what you will about him, but don't claim that he can't act. Going about as far into the other end of the spectrum from the grinning charmer that he usually portrays, he's just about as hardball and nasty as you get, in this film. The cinematography and editing are decent enough... they do a fine job of making it all work and come together, without going above expectations or breaking any new ground. In fact, the same could be said about the writing. The soundtrack is adequately chosen. All in all, I'm sure this film has an audience... the sheer amount of positive reviews compared to negative ones on this very site support that theory pretty well. I recommend this to anyone who has read positive reviews and recognizes what they read as something they'd enjoy. 6/10

a nice way to pass time, but don't expect anything great

[lee_eisenberg · 5/10 · 29 May 2006]

Before Damon Wayans started appearing in movies like "Bamboozled", he starred in completely silly flicks like "Major Payne". This one casts him as an ex-soldier who becomes a drill sergeant for a bunch of teenage losers. As you might expect, there's a lot of humor that seems like they deliberately wanted it to be stupid, but the movie does elicit a few laughs. Still, there are much better movies out there, so only make this your choice if there are no other choices (although I hold it in higher regard than I hold Disney's version of "Cinderella"). Witless, but quite entertaining. In conclusion, you won't feel a major pain if you watch this.

Very Funny Movie

[Lon-17 · 5 July 2000]

This is one very funny movie. I can't believe that it wasn't graded any higher. Damon's character is very funny, and there are several scenes that are side splitting. His character's militaristic interaction with the young kids makes for some funny scenes.

'PG' Wayans!

[allfunandgames · 7/10 · 3 September 2002]

MAJOR PAYNE comes a refreshing surprise to anyone who sits down expecting to see a standard 'kids vs adults' story, mainly due to Wayans playing against type and some wicked black humor. Note, there are 3 uses of the 'S' word (for anyone watching with kids).

7/10

There were a few laughs, but most of this was predictable.

[MJB784 · 6/10 · 18 April 2024]

We've seen army movies before where the drill Sergeant is an insensitive wacko who has weird drills for his men at a military school (in this case, for kids). Wayans seems way over the top and forced as the Major. He seems to be trying too hard for a comedic career as a loudmouth, but at least some of the jokes in the screenplay (also written by Wayans) were funny. I'm sure if he toned his performance down and had a more surprising script in mind, I might have laughed more. Expectedly, the team wants to get rid of Major Payne and he's too smart for that and embarrasses the crew as punishment then warms up to them and vice versa. There is a good subplot with Major Payne and a girl played by Karyn Parsons, which also had a few laughs, but most of this is familiar and forced.

the locomotive that could

[Olakinocritic · 6/10 · 17 January 2023]

The film lacks comedic moments, in general, an ordinary family film, there were a couple of funny moments that made me smile, about the gooky train that could and others, I liked how the major from unwanted people became a good commander who not only commands, but replaces his father, he rallied the team and made winners out of lazy people, because at the beginning of the film there was not even a goal to get a cup, it's very good that the major didn't listen to the captain's order, but stayed there for the sake of his love and guys. I put 6 because this is a simple film with a regular plot, there is an evolution of almost all the main characters, perhaps the plot is original, I am not yet such an expert to say exactly about this film.

Not excellent, but it is funny

[rebeljenn · 4/10 · 19 January 2006]

'Major Payne' is a film about a major who makes life a living Hell for his small group of boys in the marines. This film does not really have a lot to offer, but it provides several hilarious moments that are well-worth a watch. Don't expect it to be a memorable film, however. Just expect to laugh your way through the film and at the expense of other people. The confrontation between Major Payne and the chubby boy were hilarious, and that's really all I remember about the film except for the boys wanting revenge on Major Payne. Again, it is not a great film, and it is probably best watched on a rainy day when you need some laughter.

Damon Wayans played the role perfectly...

[muzukashii · 9/10 · 29 September 2001]

I'm not much of a Damon Wayans fan, but this is one of my favorite movies. The cover is misleading since Major Payne doesn't smile much in the movie. I also don't think it is for children due to the profanity and adult situations. Given the right target audience, though, this movie is hilarious. If you have ever been in the real military (sorry AF vets), you should see the humor in a battle-crazed but hardcore military officer using adult military training techniques on children in order to teach them discipline and teamwork. I don't think anyone could have played that role better than Damon Wayans. I believe this movie shows he has true acting talent which doesn't seem to show up much in his other movies.

Major Win

[S_dot_M_dot · 6/10 · 22 September 2021]

Once there is no one left to kill, Major Payne (Damon Wayans) must face his most formidable foe, a group of mismatched misfit JROTC cadets. With the help of Emily Walburn (Karyn Parsons), Major Payne must guided his squad from losers, to winners.

Right off the bat, Damon Wayans plays the perfect character. He takes charge of every scene he is in and sets the comedic tone for the entire film. The cast of cadets are a great compliment to Waynes and has a who's who of 90's child actors. Karyn Parsons is an excellent addition as the love interest, and mother figure to the kids.

On a technical level, this film doesn't have much to offer. The soundtrack is a good edition and ties together the various set pieces. There isn't anything wrong with the direction, cinematography, score, they just don't stand out.

This film will divide the general audience. There is no denying Wayans comedic performance is top notch, but some may find it childish and just annoying. This is a great family film that will have the kids laughing the whole time.

Oh, dear. I can think of a few ways to make this worse...

[AlienByChoice · 2/10 · 16 March 2003]

but there are not too many of them. Probably the worst "major release" film I have seen in my life. Definitely the worst for this year. There is no point in commenting on the plot, the cast or the acting. The problem is beyond all that. It lays in the absolute stupidity of the annoying kind (not the funny kind) of everything that takes place on the screen. I don't know why I gave it a 2/10 instead of 1/10. Probably, because of Steven Martini. He really did try. Bottom line - 95 minutes washed down the toilet along with a few brain cells. Avoid at any cost.

One of the most underrated films out there, a true classic

[cpbeau · 10/10 · 31 January 2006]

This is a great film that you can sit back with your children and watch again and again.

The story is taken from an old Chuck Heston film called Major Benson's Private War that took a serious "military man" and put him in charge of a group of children in an ROTC unit.

Major Payne takes that story and inserts Payne as the 1990s caricature of a Rambo-esq "killing machine" - with an over the top slant to make his character comical in nature.

There are some tried and true story lines here. Payne's 'tough love' motivates the children and helps them to grow...but he also grows as a person through his concern for the children as well as a love interest. The children at first despise Payne for his tough methods, but they learn to respect him. Payne sees emotion and caring as weaknesses early in the film, but he learns to value those. We see that the kids can have discipline yet still be kids, and the adults can be strong role models and be sensitive.

Wayans's voice and high strung nature may turn some off, but they truly accentuate his character.

The film has a happy ending where all has turned out for the best.

This is a film you can watch over and over. Very few of the jokes get old, and you find yourself repeating many of the lines back. A fun movie that has appeal for both young and old.

**,2 out of 5 stars, a somewhat funny but incredibly abusive film.

[PJS-5 · 6/10 · 14 May 1999]

True I can well say the occasional amount of good damon wayans humor was pretty much the only good part of the film,I know it's supposed to be boot camp but did they had to get a 6-year old to go through the basic-training-styled verbal abuse,& seeing children getting pugnasciously beaten up just for some "hunt the enemy statue mission",so if it weren't for the damon wayan's styled humor the film would've gone down majorly & the "trying to get payne sensitive" was a bit of a good help,& the funniest parts of the films I thought were the "I do feel like a jack&$^" & the leave it too beaverish family moment in a Major payneish twist so you should really see it only if you're a Damon wayans fan or a fan to some or all of his movies.

Not really that good

[Lexicon · 3/10 · 16 October 1998]

Major Payne was really not very good at all. Despite being funny here and there, the story was ridiculous and the acting was poor. Major Payne's voice and temperament were especially annoying. The idea was ridiculous and the things that the boys had to do in that film were even more ridiculous. I would not recommend this film to anyone.