Common Sense Media Review
By Barbara Shulgasser-Parker
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Silly slapstick movie has some violence, salty language.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
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Major Payne
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 8 parent reviews
Based on 13 kid reviews
Kids say that this film is a surprisingly funny military comedy with a heartwarming message about teamwork and perseverance, despite containing a significant amount of swearing and some mild violence. Many viewers found it delightful and enjoyable, emphasizing its comedic aspects while acknowledging the presence of inappropriate language and a few suggestive moments.
- funny moments
- heartwarming message
- heavy swearing
- mild violence
- family appeal
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
MAJOR PAYNE is a send-up of formulaic movies about sadistic drill sergeants who whip pathetic recruits into shape for their own good. The Payne of the title is a career Marine (a self-described "trained killing machine" played by Damon Wayans) shocked to find himself passed over for promotion and pushed out of the Corps. He reluctantly accepts a position as commander of a junior ROTC program at a prep school. The humor derives from Payne's over-the-top denigration and humiliation of his squad, comprised mostly of prepubescent boys (age 6 to one who shaves). He sets out to terrorize the boys into winning a prestigious ROTC competition, a prospect that seems unlikely given the lack of unity and drive in the motley crew. But in rebellion against Payne's insensitivity, name-calling, and punishment, the boys gain self-confidence, skills, and a kind of respect for their leader. Along the way, Payne's narrow-mindedness broadens as he gains enough affection for the recruits to inspire him to stay on and teach more cadets.
Is It Any Good?
Damon Wayans plays Payne with outrageous conviction, giving a stock character a kind of wacky truth and credibility and, in turn, pumping an old story with new comic life. The script he cowrote never betrays the killing machine's basic insanity, but it also shows that his insanity has an internal logic that lives alongside Payne's deep intelligence, goofy humor, and basic humanity. That's no small accomplishment.
Older tweens and teens will find plenty of laughs in Major Payne, and parents may find themselves enjoying the humor at times as well.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about whether authoritarian leaders are good people or monsters. Give some examples. Are there good leaders in Major Payne?
What is the movie's point of view? What is it saying about military training?
Even if a teacher is mean, can he or she teach something important to his or her students?
Movie Details
- In theaters : March 24, 1995
- On DVD or streaming : January 5, 1999
- Cast : Damon Wayans , Michael Ironside , Steve Martini , Karyn Parsons
- Director : Nick Castle
- Inclusion Information : Black Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Universal
- Genre : Comedy
- Run time : 95 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : Some crude humor and language
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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