In the Army Now (1994)

Two misguided youths join the reserves to make some money for their entrepreneurial dreams. No sooner than they finish basic training are they called up to do their part to save the free world.

Director:

Daniel Petrie Jr.

Writers:

Steve Zacharias (story), Jeff Buhai (story)

Stars:

Pauly Shore, Lori Petty, Andy Dick

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Pauly Shore	...	Bones Conway
Andy Dick	...	Jack Kaufman
Lori Petty	...	Christine Jones
David Alan Grier	...	Fred Ostroff
Esai Morales	...	Sgt. Stern
Lynn Whitfield	...	Sgt. Ladd
Art LaFleur	...	1st Sgt. Brandon T. Williams
Fabiana Udenio	...	Gabriella
Glenn Morshower	...	Richard Day, Recruiting Sergeant
Beau Billingslea	...	Sgt. Daniels
Peter Spellos	...	Mr. Quinn
Barry Nolan	...	Stu Krieger
Coleen Christie	...	News Anchor Person
Ryan Cutrona	...	Colonel
Paul Mooney	...	Lt. Col. Peter Hume

Storyline

Bones and Jack are two guys with very little going right in their lives. The two decide to join the Army as part of the water purification team and eventually find themselves on the front lines in the conflict between the northern African countries of Chad and Libya. The two men, along with a few companions, have it upon themselves to save the day in combat, something they know little about.

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Plot Keywords:

military | u.s. military | shaved head | head shaving | fish out of water | 

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Taglines:

Sleep tight, America! The safety of the free world rests in his hands!

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Genres:

Comedy | War

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG for some war action, mild language and comic sensuality

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

12 August 1994 (USA)

Also Known As:

You're in the Army Now

Filming Locations:

Santa Clarita, California, USA

Box Office

Gross USA:

$28,864,707

Company Credits

Production Co:

Hollywood Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

91 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

According to an interview, the scar on the back of Pauly Shore's neck, which can be seen when he first encounters the female drill sergeant, occurred during filming when a shell casing from one of the firearms ejected and landed on his neck, burning him. This scar can actually be seen first after Bones gets his hair cut and the barber turns him around

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Goofs

Bones is offered a promotion to Private First Class (PFC/E3) as an incentive to continue doing his job well. This is incorrect for a number of reasons: Enlisted men in the US Army are not "promoted" until they reach the rank of Sergeant (SGT/E5). Changes in rank from the pay grade of Private (PVT/E1) through Specialist (SPC/E4) are treated as "advancements" since the rank does not convey additional responsibility, only additional pay and seniority. All advancements in rank from E1 to E4 are automatic after a certain amount of time in the Army, whereas promotion to SGT requires additional training (the Primary Leadership Development Course, at the time of filming) and selection by a promotion board. Also, Bones, Jack, Christine, and Fred all graduated from water purification training at the same time, so presumably they have all been in the Army for the same amount of time. As a result, they would all advance to PFC at the same time. The one likely exception would be Fred who mentions that he is a dental student. Dental school is a graduate level school, which means Fred already has a Bachelor's Degree. Anyone who enlists in the US Army who has already earned a Bachelor's Degree would start their enlistment as a SPC (E4). Even if he had not completed his Bachelor's Fred would probably have enough college credit to begin his enlistment as a PFC. Either way, Fred would have very likely been the senior ranking Soldier in the group. Finally, purified water in the Army must meet certain requirements, none of which include taste. US Army water purification units have neither requirement, nor the equipment to improve the taste of their water.

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Quotes

[while under fire]
Jack: [to Bones] Tell me about the store again.

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Alternate Versions

The TV version includes a couple of deleted scenes, including a scene in which Bones and his friends get revenge on the special forces soldiers.

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Connections

References The Addams Family (1964)

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Soundtracks

Bloom
Written by P. Brouwer, D. Gibbs, S. Hurley, P. Hurley
Performed by Gigolo Aunts
Courtesy of the RCA Records Label of BMG Music

User Reviews

decent vehicle for Shore

Bones and Jack are two ne'er-do-well best friends who work odd jobs to support themselves, but really have dreams of opening their own store. Out of work and looking to make some extra cash, they enlist in the U.S. Army Reserves where they sign up to be water purification specialists. Little do they dream that they'll be sent on active duty after conflict erupts in the country of Chad. Dry comedy has its moments and is likely to please fans of its star, but it's never uproarious and never really exploits the premise for all it's worth. In most cases actor Shore is an acquired taste, but he's enjoyable and adds life here. **