A pair of inept government workers are recruited to act as unwitting and disposable decoy agents for the CIA on a top-secret mission that involves the US Star Wars program (America’s Strategic Defense Initiative).
With films such as The Blues Brothers(1980) to his credit, John Landis forged himself the reputation of being one of Hollywood’s slickest comedy directors. But this highly resistible throwaway spoof is one of his failures.
Paired for the first time in a film, former Saturday Night Live alumni Dan Aykroyd and Chevy Chase simply fail to gel, and there’s little fun to be had once the boisterous training school gags are exhausted.
Except for Donna Dixon, who somehow manages to seem fresh and engaging in a silly role as Chase’s love interest, the supporting cast is reduced to a corps of straight men. Steve Forrest is stuck with an especially thankless role as war-hungry General Sline.
Cold comfort can be obtained from a brief appearance by Bob Hope, and movie aficionados can while away the time playing spot the famous film-makers in a variety of cameo roles.
Emmett Fitz-Hume
Chevy Chase Austin Millbarge
Dan Aykroyd General Sline
Steve Forrest Karen Boyer
Donna Dixon Mr Ruby
Bruce Davison Colonel Rhombus
Bernie Casey Mr Keyes
William Prince General Miegs
Tom Hatten Test monitor
Frank Oz Jerry Hadley
Charles McKeown Rob Hodges
James Daughton Bud Schnelker
Jim Staahl Bob Hope
Himself
Director
John Landis
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Paired for the first time in a film, former Saturday Night Live alumni Dan Aykroyd and Chevy Chase simply fail to gel, and there’s little fun to be had once the boisterous training school gags are exhausted.
