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Major Payne
A drill instructor looks at the camera as four cadet boys look scared.
Theatrical release poster
Directed byNick Castle
Screenplay by
Based on
Produced by
  • Eric L. Gold
  • Michael Rachmil
Starring
CinematographyRichard Bowen
Edited byPatrick Kennedy
Music byCraig Safan
Production
company
Wife 'n Kids Productions
Distributed byUniversal Pictures
Release date
  • March 24, 1995 (1995-03-24)
Running time
95 minutes
CountryUnited States
Languages
  • English
  • Spanish
  • Vietnamese
Budget$10 million
Box office$30.1 million[1]

Major Payne is a 1995 American military comedy film directed by Nick Castle and starring Damon Wayans, who wrote with Dean Lorey and Gary Rosen. The film co-stars Karyn Parsons, Steven Martini, and Michael Ironside. It is a loose remake of the 1955 film The Private War of Major Benson, starring Charlton Heston. Major Payne was released in the United States on March 24 and grossed $30 million. Wayans plays a hardened military officer who, after being discharged, attempts to lead a dysfunctional group of youth cadets to victory in a competition.

Plot

[edit]

Major Benson Winifred Payne, a battle-hardened Force Recon Marine, Vietnam War and Persian Gulf veteran, returns from a successful drug raid in South America to find out that he has been passed over for promotion to Lieutenant Colonel. Payne receives an honorable discharge and tries to adjust to civilian life applying to become a police officer but ends up being arrested during the process. His former commander gets him out of jail and secures him a position back in the military.

Payne is sent to Madison Preparatory School in Virginia and is given command of the JROTC students. The cadets are a disorderly group of delinquents and outcasts who have placed last in the Virginia Military Games for eight straight years. Payne immediately takes a hard stance with the cadets and asserts his authority. He shaves the cadets bald and moves them out of their dorms and into a dilapidated barracks, excluding Tiger and Leland, the two youngest cadets who were relocated to the ROTC building. Payne's harsh punishments and lack of empathy for the cadets lead to friction with school counselor Emily Walburn, who tries to soften Payne's approach.

Sickened with the training and encouraged by the rebellious leader Alex Stone, the cadets make several attempts to sabotage Payne and drive him out of the school, via laxative cupcake and attempting to frame him for pedophilia. The final scheme they attempt is hiring a biker to assault Payne, and even though he finds it difficult, he defeats the biker. After Alex claims sole responsibility in order to save the other cadets, Payne demotes cadet Dotson and makes Alex the squad leader, recognizing his leadership and willingness to sacrifice for his team. Things come to a head, and Payne offers to quit if the cadets acquire the Military Games trophy from Wellington Academy. Dotson refuses to go on the mission, angry about the demotion and telling the cadets he’s contacted his father to have him transferred, and the boys refused to let Tiger tag along due to his youth and size. When the boys attempt to steal the trophy, Payne tips off the Wellington cadets, who drive the Madison cadets away. Meanwhile, Payne and Emily go out to dinner, dancing, and share a kiss after Payne gifts her a bullet taken from his heart. As Parents Day approaches, Payne defends Alex from his abusive drunken stepfather, earning his gratitude and respect. The cadets realize they must earn the trophy honestly, and practice diligently for the Military Games. They develop into a unified squad, and Payne tells them that they have graduated from the program and are fit to compete in the games.

Before the games, Payne is asked to return to the Marines to fight in Bosnia under the rank he was passed over for promotion. He eagerly accepts the new posting, but his deployment means he will miss the Military Games. As Payne waits for a train to depart, he daydreams about being in a family with Emily and Tiger. The cadets don't want to participate in the Games without Payne, but Alex convinces them to do it, taking the role of leader. At the games, the boys hold their own until Dotson, who transferred to Wellington, intentionally trips Alex in the foot race in retaliation for the demotion. Alex injures his ankle as a result, making him unable to participate in the final event, but manages to cross the finish line, giving the Madison boys a chance to qualify. As revenge for Dotson's dirty move, Cadet Williams knocks Dotson out, instigating a rumble between the Madison cadets and the Wellington cadets. The fight is broken up, and the judges chose to disqualify Williams from the finals.

Payne refuses his new posting and commission and shows up at the last minute. He smooths things over with the judges and tells Tiger to replace Alex as squad leader in the drill competition, as he has watched the group and knows the drill in entirety. The group executes an unorthodox but entertaining routine which wins them the trophy. On the first day of the new school year, Madison displays the Military Games trophy, along with Alex’s individual achievement trophy. Payne resumes being an instructor, having married Emily and adopted Tiger. Stone resumes his role as a squad leader, as Tiger becomes assistant squad leader. Payne has softened a bit, saying he will be a positive leader while instilling discipline. When a disrespectful blind cadet shows up with his service dog, Payne reasserts his dominance by shaving both him and his dog bald with his field knife and laughs.

Cast

[edit]
  • Damon Wayans as Major Benson Winifred Payne, a battle-hardened Marine. Payne has difficulty adjusting to life outside the military.
  • Karyn Parsons as Emily Walburn, the school counselor. She and Payne clash over his style of training the cadets.
  • William Hickey as Dr. Phillips, the headmaster of the school. He appears to be mainly focused on academia, not bothered by his school's dismal record in the Military Games. His only orders to Payne are that he keep the cadets from causing trouble around the school.
  • Steven Martini as Cadet Alexander "Alex" J. Stone, a rebellious teenager with no respect for authority. He opposes Payne's hardline approach to training and actively works to get rid of Payne, yet ends up being cadet squad leader in place of Dotson.
  • Michael Ironside as Lieutenant Colonel Stone, Alex's stepfather, an alcoholic who abuses Alex. (NOTE: all but one of Ironside's scenes were cut from the movie, despite his co-starring credit.)
  • Orlando Brown as Cadet Kevin "Tiger" Dunn, an orphan adopted by the school and raised by Emily Walburn. The youngest of the cadets, he struggles to keep up with the others and find his place.
  • Albert Hall as General Elias Decker, Payne's former commanding officer.
  • Andrew Harrison Leeds as Cadet Dotson, a brown-noser who was a cadet squad leader for Madison prep JROTC. Dotson transfers to Wellington after being demoted in favor of Cadet Alex Stone.
  • Damien Dante Wayans (Damon's real-life nephew) as Cadet Dwight "D" Williams
  • Chris Owen as Cadet Wuliger, a hypochondriac.
  • Joseph Blaire as Cadet Bryan
  • Stephen Coleman as Cadet Leland, the second youngest cadet in the squad, wears black-rimmed glasses.
  • Mark Madison as Cadet Fox
  • Peyton Chesson-Fohl as Cadet Sergeant Johnson
  • Bam Bam Bigelow as Biker. He is hired by the cadets to confront Payne and intimidate him into leaving.
  • R. Stephen Wiles as Cadet Heathcoat, the overweight cadet.
  • R. J. Knoll as Blind New Cadet

Production

[edit]

Major Payne was filmed at the Miller School of Albemarle in Charlottesville, Virginia.[2]

Reception

[edit]

Review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes gave the film an approval rating of 29% based on 14 reviews.[3] Metacritic, which uses a weighted average, assigned the film a score of 34 out of 100, based on 18 critics, indicating "generally unfavorable" reviews.[4] Kevin Thomas of the Los Angeles Times wrote, "While Major Payne is too predictable for most adults, it's an ideal entertainment for youthful audiences that allows Damon Wayans to be at his best in a dream part."[5] Caryn James of The New York Times wrote, "Though the movie is rarely more clever than its title, Mr. Wayans gives the dark cartoonish comedy an irreverent edge."[6]

Roger Ebert of the Chicago Sun-Times rated it three out of four stars[7] and called it a smart and funny satire of military films:

The key to this kind of comedy is to go all the way with it, and Wayans creates a comic character out of narrowness, obsession, and blind commitment. Of course the arc of the storyline is familiar; we know the pretty teacher will soften him, and that he will grow fond of the cadets, and no prizes for guessing who wins the big all-Virginia ROTC [sic] competition... Wayans is one of the most talented comic actors around, especially when he lets go and swings for the fences.[7]

Box office

[edit]

The film debuted at number 2 at the US box office behind Outbreak with a gross of $7 million on its opening weekend.[8] Major Payne went on to gross $30.1 million worldwide.[1]

References

[edit]
[edit]
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Major Payne

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from Grokipedia
Major Payne is a American directed by and written by , Dean Lorey, and Gary Rosen. The film stars in the title role as Major Benson Winifred Payne, a battle-hardened U.S. Marine Corps who, after being honorably discharged due to peacetime, reluctantly accepts a position as a (JROTC) instructor at the fictional Madison Academy, a private military-style school. There, Payne applies his rigorous military discipline to transform a ragtag group of underachieving and undisciplined cadets into a competitive unit for the State JROTC competition, while grappling with personal growth and forming unexpected bonds. The movie serves as a loose remake of the 1955 film The Private War of Major Benson, updating the premise with contemporary humor and Wayans' signature style. It was released on March 24, 1995, by , running for 97 minutes and receiving a PG-13 rating for language and some violence. The supporting cast includes as Emily Walburn, a who becomes Payne's love interest; as Lt. Col. Stone, the academy's ; and a young Orlando Brown as Cadet Kevin "Tiger" Dunne. Other notable performers include Steven Martini as Cadet Alex Stone, Damien Dante Wayans as Cadet Deak Williams, and Bam Bam Bigelow in a cameo as the Huge Biker. Major Payne grossed over $29.4 million at the North American , marking a moderate commercial success. Critically, it holds a 29% approval rating on based on 14 reviews, with detractors noting its formulaic plot but praising Wayans' charismatic and over-the-top performance. The film has since developed a for its satirical take on tropes and themes of redemption, , and the value of perseverance.

Synopsis and characters

Plot

Major Benson Winifred Payne, a battle-hardened U.S. Marine Corps Force Recon of the and Persian Gulf conflicts, returns from a successful drug raid in only to learn he is being honorably discharged due to the absence of active wars. Haunted by vivid flashbacks to his brutal combat experiences in , Payne struggles profoundly to adjust to civilian life, viewing himself as a "" unfit for peacetime society. He attempts several jobs, including a brief stint as a at a and an interview for a police position, but his aggressive demeanor results in comedic failures and confrontations, leaving him homeless and desperate. Payne's former commanding officer intervenes, recommending him for a temporary role as drill instructor for the disorganized Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) program at Madison Academy in Virginia, where the previous instructor has resigned. Upon arrival, Payne encounters a squad of misfit cadets: squad leader Cadet Kevin "Tiger" Dunne, an orphaned boy seeking structure; Emily Walburn, the compassionate school counselor who oversees the program; the overweight and insecure Dot Matrix; the asthmatic Nick; the timid Allen; and others who joined JROTC as an alternative to harsher punishments or simply to avoid classes. The cadets are initially incompetent and undisciplined, mocking Payne's rigid style and failing basic drills, prompting him to impose grueling boot camp-style training with relentless verbal abuse and physical challenges to "whip them into shape." As training progresses through montages of obstacle courses, marches, and survival exercises, tensions rise; the cadets stage a by tying up Payne during a nighttime drill, but he escapes and turns the incident into a lesson on vigilance. Bonds begin to form, particularly between Payne and Kevin "Tiger" Dunne, who challenges Payne's authority but grows under his guidance, developing confidence and skills. A subplot emerges as Payne develops a romance with , leading to vulnerable moments where he opens up about his lonely past and fears of emotional connection, softening his hardened exterior. The group participates in lighter activities, including a chaotic that fosters and a where the cadets mock Payne's tough persona, highlighting their emerging camaraderie. The training is interrupted by Christmas break, during which the cadets revert to old habits and lose their discipline, returning out of shape and demoralized. Rivalry intensifies when Lt. Col. Stone from the rival Wellington Academy mocks Madison's program and challenges them to the state JROTC competition, a precision drill parade. Just as the cadets prepare, Payne receives orders to reenlist for a deployment, forcing him to leave; however, inspired by Kevin "Tiger" Dunne's plea and his own attachment to the group, Payne returns in to lead them. In the climactic competition, the transformed cadets execute flawless maneuvers, defeating the rivals and securing victory in the parade. In the resolution, Payne chooses to remain at Madison Academy as the permanent JROTC instructor, officially adopting Cadet Kevin "Tiger" Dunne as his son and marrying Emily, embracing a surrogate family role that provides him purpose beyond the battlefield.

Cast

The principal cast of Major Payne (1995) is led by comedian Damon Wayans, known for his work on sketch comedy series such as In Living Color, in the titular role of the strict disciplinarian Marine Major Benson Winifred Payne, a parody of over-the-top drill sergeants from military films. Karyn Parsons portrays Emily Walburn, the compassionate school counselor who serves as Payne's love interest and a voice of reason amid the chaos. Supporting the ensemble are a group of young actors as the misfit cadets at Madison Academy, including Orlando Brown in his first major film role as Cadet Kevin "Tiger" Dunne, the orphaned protégé who forms a close bond with Payne.
ActorRoleDescription
Major Benson Winifred PayneA battle-hardened, no-nonsense officer assigned to train unruly , embodying a comedic exaggeration of military authority figures.
Emily WalburnThe empathetic who challenges Payne's harsh methods and develops a romantic connection with him.
Orlando BrownCadet Kevin "Tiger" DunneThe youngest and most vulnerable , an orphan raised by the , who becomes Payne's unlikely favorite and shows growth under his guidance.
Cadet Alex StoneOne of the rebellious who initially resists Payne's discipline but contributes to the group's transformation.
Andrew LeedsCadet Dotson ("Dot Matrix")A tech-savvy but awkward nicknamed for his matrix-like glasses, representing the stereotypical nerdy misfit in the ensemble.
Damien WayansCadet Dwight "D" WilliamsA tough-talking and family relation to lead actor (as his nephew), adding to the group's diverse personalities.
Albert HallGen. DeckerPayne's stern in the , who reassigns him to civilian duties.
Lt. Col. StoneA rival military officer who competes against Payne's team in a drill competition.
William HickeyDr. PhillipsThe eccentric principal of Madison Academy, overseeing the 's operations.
The cadet ensemble, including additional performers like as Cadet Bryan and Chris Owen as Cadet Wuliger, highlights a collection of stereotypical underachievers—hypochondriacs, slackers, and outsiders—who evolve through Payne's rigorous training, underscoring the film's comedic take on redemption and teamwork.

Production

Development

The development of Major Payne stemmed from a loose adaptation of the 1955 comedy The Private War of Major Benson, a film starring that earned an Academy Award nomination for its screenplay. The new script was crafted by Dean Lorey, Gary Rosen, and , transforming the original story into a modern military satire tailored as a starring vehicle for Wayans after his breakout success on the Fox sketch comedy series (1990–1994). Nick Castle was selected to direct, drawing on his experience helming family-oriented comedies and adventure films such as Tag (1982) and The Last Starfighter (1984). The project was produced under with a budget of $10 million, reflecting a modest scale for a mid-1990s aimed at blending broad humor with drill sergeant tropes. Principal photography commenced in 1994, following focused on securing commitments from Wayans and key supporting cast members.

Filming

Principal photography for Major Payne commenced on June 20, 1994, and wrapped on August 31, 1994, spanning approximately ten weeks. The production was based primarily in , leveraging the state's diverse landscapes for both school and sequences. The Miller School of Albemarle in Charlottesville served as the primary location, doubling as the fictional Madison Preparatory School for the film's ROTC program scenes. Additional shooting occurred in Goochland, Ashland, Charles City, and Richmond, capturing outdoor drills and ensemble interactions. Several cadets from the nearby participated as extras to enhance authenticity in group military sequences. Cinematographer Richard Bowen handled the visual capture in , emphasizing the comedic contrast between rigid military settings and youthful chaos. Editing duties fell to Patrick Kennedy, who assembled the 97-minute runtime to balance humor with character development.

Release and reception

Distribution

Major Payne was distributed by and premiered in the United States on March 24, 1995, marking its theatrical debut without prior major film festival screenings. The film received an MPAA rating of PG-13 for some crude humor and behavior, positioning it as a comedy suitable for older children and adults during the late winter movie season. It launched with a across 1,989 screens nationwide, reflecting Universal's strategy to capitalize on ' star power from his stand-up and television background. The marketing campaign emphasized the film's blend of parody and Wayans' over-the-top comedic portrayal of a tough drill sergeant, with trailers showcasing humorous montages and character-driven gags to appeal to audiences seeking lighthearted . Promotional posters prominently featured Wayans in full attire, barking orders with exaggerated intensity, which reinforced the movie's satirical take on discipline and boot camp life. These materials were distributed through magazine ads and television spots, aiming to draw in families and fans during a period dominated by action blockbusters. Internationally, the rollout followed the domestic release in early 1995, expanding to markets like on November 23, 1995, and various European and Latin American countries in 1996, primarily through theatrical and video channels. This phased approach allowed Universal to test and adjust promotion based on U.S. , focusing on dubbed versions and localized to highlight the universal humor in the film's military themes.

Box office performance

Major Payne earned $7.01 million during its opening weekend of March 24–26, 1995, across 1,989 theaters, placing second at the North American box office behind Outbreak. This debut yielded a per-screen average of approximately $3,525. The film held a position in the top 10 for four weeks, with its second weekend grossing $5.25 million to rank third. In total, Major Payne grossed $29.4 million domestically and $30.1 million worldwide against a $10 million , achieving profitability as a mid-tier . Its earnings were comparable to other family comedies of the era, such as , which accumulated $26.3 million domestically earlier that year.

Critical response

Upon its release, Major Payne garnered mixed to negative reviews from critics, who often highlighted its entertainment value for younger audiences despite structural shortcomings. On , the film holds a 29% approval rating based on 14 reviews, with an average score of 4.4/10. On , it received a score of 34 out of 100 based on 18 critic reviews, indicating generally unfavorable reception, with 17% positive, 17% mixed, and 67% negative assessments. Critics praised ' charismatic portrayal of the titular drill sergeant, noting his ability to infuse the role with humor and energy that elevated the . awarded the film three out of four stars, commending its "smart and funny" take on drill sergeant tropes and the laughs derived from Payne's over-the-top antics with the cadets, describing it as a that effectively pokes fun at familiar formulas through sharp dialogue and performance. The heartwarming elements of the cadets' growth under Payne's guidance also drew positive mentions for providing emotional balance amid the . However, reviewers frequently criticized the formulaic plot, uneven tone blending with , and reliance on juvenile stereotypes for humor. The review described it as "too predictable for most adults," better suited as for youth, while emphasizing its overdependence on broad, childish gags. In retrospective assessments during the 2020s, Major Payne has been reevaluated as a , appreciated for its nostalgic charm and quotable lines on streaming services. A 2025 analysis highlighted its enduring appeal as a "," crediting Wayans' performance and the film's blend of discipline and heart for fostering generational . Similarly, coverage marking the film's 30th anniversary in 2025 noted its status as a beloved , with reviewers emphasizing the satirical humor's timeless entertainment value despite initial critical dismissal.

Legacy

Cultural impact

Major Payne has endured as a cult classic in American comedy, particularly within and youth audiences, due to its over-the-top portrayal of drill sergeant antics and memorable one-liners that have permeated popular discourse. The film's quotable dialogue, such as "What we have here is a ," continues to be referenced in environments, serving as a humorous for motivational among service members. This integration into humor underscores the movie's lasting appeal as a satirical take on and camaraderie, often invoked in informal settings to lighten the mood during rigorous exercises. The movie's cultural footprint extends to its role in Black-led comedies, where Damon Wayans's lead performance exemplifies the era's blend of physical humor and on figures. As a vehicle for Wayans following his success, Major Payne contributed to the visibility of Black comedians in mainstream family films, influencing perceptions of comedic archetypes in subsequent works. Its emphasis on a tough mentor shaping misfits resonated in discussions around and personal growth, particularly in (JROTC) programs, where the film's JROTC plotline mirrors real cadet experiences. In the 2020s, the film experienced a resurgence in popularity, marked by its 30th anniversary celebrations that highlighted its enduring quotability and nostalgic charm. Streaming availability and clips have amplified its reach, with viral moments reigniting interest among younger viewers who appreciate its on rigid and redemption arcs. This modern revival positions Major Payne as a touchstone for examining themes of in contemporary media, without major awards but through cultural staying power.

Home media and availability

Following its 1995 theatrical release, Major Payne was made available on formats starting with tapes distributed by MCA/Universal Home Video on September 12, 1995. A subsequent edition followed in February 1996. The film received a DVD release from Universal Studios Home Video on January 5, 1999, presented in format with a runtime of 97 minutes and DTS , though it included no significant extras such as commentary tracks. International editions, including bilingual versions for markets like , were also issued in DVD format. A Blu-ray edition arrived on June 6, 2017, from , featuring 1080p video and 5.1, but similarly lacking bonus features beyond trailers. No 4K UHD remaster has been released, limiting high-definition upgrades to the 2017 Blu-ray. As of November 2025, Major Payne is accessible digitally for purchase or rental on platforms including and Apple TV, with streaming availability on Peacock Premium (added in November 2025), , and . The film has periodically aired on cable networks, contributing to its ongoing accessibility.

References

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