Good Morning, Vietnam (1987)

Byrge finds the film a funny, sharply aimed comedy that develops a dark personal undercurrent. He especially praises Robin Williams’s brilliant comic performance and the pain behind it.

The review finds the film a triumph overall, despite a clumsy final half-hour. It praises Robin Williams’s improvised radio performances and the energy they bring to the comedy.

The review presents the film as an energetic showcase for Robin Williams. It singles out his comic performance as the film’s chief strength.

Freedman finds the film entertaining when Robin Williams is performing but less successful when it turns serious. He praises Williams’s comic performance and the film’s portrayal of Vietnamese people as real individuals.

The review finds the film an exciting, energetic ride, but says its comedy turns inward instead of engaging with the surrounding war. It praises Robin Williams’s rapid-fire impressions and Bruno Kirby’s comic moments.

Wilmington finds the film shallow and uneven, but says Robin Williams’ performance largely makes it special. He praises Williams’ anarchic, improvised broadcasts while faulting the script for flat characters and obvious humor.

Murray finds the film uneven and overly self-congratulatory, especially when its comedy depends on Williams’s manic radio routines. He praises the subtler humor of the supporting cast’s exchanges with their superior officers.

The review suggests the film’s idea is thin and bathetic despite a virtuoso performance. It singles out Robin Williams’s performance as the film’s strength.