Biloxi Blues (1988)

Editor's Note In the second of Neil Simon's semi-autobiographical trilogy (with BRIGHTON BEACH MEMOIRS and BROADWAY BOUND), Matthew Broderick plays Simon's alter ego, Eugene Jerome. This time Eugene is in army basic training during World War II, and his general dissatisfaction with military life is exacerbated by his sadistic drill sergeant, Toomey (performed with comic perfection by Christopher Walken). Eugene has three goals--to get out of the army alive, to lose his virginity, and to fall in love. In funny, poignant lessons, Eugene learns about friendship from his fellow soldiers, about sex from a down-home, no-nonsense prostitute, and about love from a local girl he meets at a dance. The strong supporting cast includes Park Overall as the prostitute and Penelope Ann Miller as Daisy, Eugene's first love. Broderick's deadpan delivery of his smart-aleck observations gives Mike Nichols's film many of its funniest moments.

	Casey Siemaszko
	Christopher Walken
	Corey Parker
	Matt Mulhern
	Matthew Broderick
	Michael Dolan
	Penelope Ann Miller
	Bill Butler - Cinematographer
	Mike Nichols - Director
	Neil Simon - Screenplay
	Ray Stark - Producer
	Sam O'Steen - Editor

With BILOXI BLUES, director Mike Nichols brings Neil Simon's comic play to the silver screen. Set in Mississippi during the final months of WWII, the film follows the trials of Eugene, a young man trying to survive boot camp, lose his virginity, and find love. New York Times
"...A very classy movie....Superb performances..." 03/25/1988 p.C1

Variety
"...Park Overall proves deliciously sly and knowing....The most intriguing performance comes from Christopher Walken...By starting so coolly, his subsequent aberrations seem all the more shocking..." 03/23/1988

Los Angeles Times
"...It has some marvelous moments....Nichols seems to have perfect pitch when he's working with Simon..." 03/25/1988 p.C1

Sight and Sound
"...Crackling dialogue and vivid characterisation....There are some moments to savour..." 06/01/2000 p.61

Total Film
"...In adapting Neil Simon's play, Nichols rarely swerves from his source....Broderick fits snugly into his everywimp persona..." 07/01/2000 p.104

Chicago Sun-Times 4 of 10
The performances are all more or less adequate, but a strange malaise infects the movie, a low-grade - Roger Ebert