major payne review
Major Benson Winifred Payne’s cynical, ripped-from-the-battlefield approach to leadership may turn some off but it’s hard to argue with the results. Before dismissing his tactics as plainly toxic it’s important to remember that Payne is carrying around the same psychological scars and post-traumatic stress as is commonly attributed to Heath Ledger’s Joker of The Dark Knight fame. Both Payne and Ledger’s Joker are deeply resentful of being used up by the military and unceremoniously discharged. Both in turn deploy their military training, natural charisma and acerbic – some would say caustic – wit to devastating effect, quite literally cracking jokes and laughing in the face of mortal danger. While neither are physically imposing, both are as dangerous hand-to-hand and with weapons as they are strategically. One wouldn’t want to face down either. Lastly, both are supremely intelligent, dynamic leaders (albeit with different endgames). There is a strong case that Payne and Ledger’s Joker are obvious victims of their chosen professions and stricken with trauma that makes it impossible to return to civilian life. Going into Major Payne with this perspective certainly darkens the proceedings. If Karyn Parson’s Ms. Walburn doesn’t unknowingly intervene at the exact right moment would Major Payne have broken Tiger’s finger? We’ll never know. It’s still a hilarious film with a performance by Damon Wayans that has rightfully gained a cult following. Major Payne is a silly nineties comedy on its face but dig just a bit deeper and you’ll uncover biting commentary on the merits/demerits of traditional masculinity and the importance and value of a woman’s traditionally softer voice in balancing it. The genesis of the screenplay is the problematic nature of how military service members are treated after being deemed no longer useful. It’s heady stuff that transforms a classic yet breezy family comedy into something with enough heft to warrant a repeat viewing.