Reviews provided by RottenTomatoes
Janet Maslin, New York Times: Mr. Murray hasn't yet reached the point at which his routines can be sustained for more than 10 minutes at a time. But he has achieved a sardonically exaggerated calm that can be very entertaining. Read more
Dave Kehr, Chicago Reader: The balance of the film consists of time-tested commercial material, most of which is still working fine. Read more
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times: An anarchic slob movie, a celebration of all that is irreverent, reckless, foolhardy, undisciplined, and occasionally scatological. It's a lot of fun. Read more
TIME Magazine: Stripes will keep potential felons off the streets for two hours. Few people seem to be asking, these days, that movies do more. Read more
Time Out: [Reitmam] manages a reasonable success rate at pulling off the numerous verbal and sight gags with which the script is peppered. Read more
Gary Arnold, Washington Post: The premise and star remain out of whack until the rambling, diffuse screenplay finally struggles beyond basic training. Read more