Best Defense

Best Defense, released in 1984, is an intriguing mix of comedy and war-drama genres, brought to life by two comedic powerhouses of their era: Dudley Moore and Eddie Murphy. Moore is known for his impeccable comic timing, while Murphy, with his eccentric personality and quick wit, adds a distinct flavor to the film. The film also features Kate Capshaw, who stands out in her performance, constructing a subtle bridge between comedy, romance, and tension. The director, Willard Huyck, skillfully binds sitcom style humor with the darker elements of war, presenting the audience with an unpredictable and entertaining narrative.

In Best Defense, Dudley Moore portrays Wylie Cooper, an engineer working at a large defense company. His character offers a comical yet relatable perspective into the corporate world of defense business. Cooper is faced with a professional challenge as he is tasked with adding a design module into a military tank system. The module doesn't serve any appreciable purpose, but it needs to be incorporated as it has already been billed to the U.S. government.

On the other hand, Eddie Murphy plays Lieutenant T.M. Landry, an American tank commander. Murphy's role in the film appears in a parallel narrative set one year in the future, where he is stationed in Kuwait and lands in a compromising situation while operating the same tank that Dudley Moore's character, Cooper, has been working on. The movie weaves back and forth between the past and the present narratives, with Wylie's corporate world and Landry's military fieldwork fueling the humor, satire, and suspense of the film.

Despite being set in contrasting scenarios, the two main characters' narratives beautifully converge, showcasing how decisions made in corporate settings can have serious implications. On one side, we see the chaos, panic, and ticking time bomb that is associated with a war setting. On the other side, we get a peek into Wylie's professional life in a defense corporation influenced by corporate politics, last-minute decisions, and blunders, ultimately shaping the circumstances that Landry finds himself in later.

Kate Capshaw, who portrays the character of Laura Cooper, adds another interesting dynamic to the story. Her character as Wylie’s wife provides occasional relief from the dual tension-filled settings, adding a touch of domestic comedy and romantic moments to the narrative.

One of the film's distinctive features is its satirical commentary on the cold-blooded efficiency of the military-industrial complex overlayed with laughter-inducing scenarios. Alongside the skilled script-writing, the hilarious banter between characters, and the unexpected twists and turns keep you on the edge of your seat, guessing what could possibly happen next.

Best Defense does an excellent job of combining humor and drama, with subtle undertones of satire that provoke thought amongst the laughs. While the plot may be described as chaotic to some, others may find it amusing and entertaining in the unique way it breaks away from regular storytelling patterns.

Dudley Moore delivers a sterling performance, capturing the essence of a corporate engineer grappling with professional challenges and personal stress. He showcases his known comedic prowess while also delivering on the emotional intensity when required. Eddie Murphy, with his undeniable ability to own the scene, complements the narrative beautifully, adding vibrancy, humor, and suspense. Kate Capshaw, with her effortless portrayal of Laura, enriches the narrative and contributes to the overall balance of the movie plot.

Best Defense is complete with comedy, satire, drama, romance, and a dash of suspense, inviting its viewers into an unpredictable world of corporate defense and field warfare. Despite the heavy themes, it never forgets to make its viewers laugh, offering a distinctive and enjoyable cinematic experience.