SummaryA remake of one of Charlton Heston's few comedies, "The Private War of Major Benson," (1955). A recently discharged Major (Damon Wayans) finds himself commanding a motley crew of Cadets.
Directed By:Nick Castle
Written By:Joe Connelly, Bob Mosher, William Roberts, Richard Alan Simmons, Dean Lorey, Damon Wayans, Gary Rosen
Major Payne
Metascore
Generally Unfavorable
34
User score
Generally Favorable
7.3
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Top Cast
Metascore
Generally Unfavorable
34
17% Positive
3 Reviews
3 Reviews
17% Mixed
3 Reviews
3 Reviews
67% Negative
12 Reviews
12 Reviews
75
Payne is played in the movie by Damon Wayans, in the best work he's done since the inspired "In Living Color" TV series.
60
Major Payne takes about an hour and 10 minutes before it wallows in sappiness. That's not a bad record for a formula family comedy in which the ending is clear from the start.
User score
Generally Favorable
7.3
72% Positive
21 Ratings
21 Ratings
21% Mixed
6 Ratings
6 Ratings
7% Negative
2 Ratings
2 Ratings
Jan 4, 2023
8
Awesome awesome movie! One of my favorites growing up. Damon Waynes is a hard ass to some teens training them for the military games. One of the funniest movies I've ever seen.
Dec 20, 2025
7
Very funny to watch, many pranks that are failed by the cadets and a show of unity and respect.
38
Deeply crude as an overused latrine and defiantly non-P.C., the best you can say about the aptly titled Major Payne is that it's somewhat more tolerable than star Damon Wayans' last fumbled effort, the also well-named Blankman. [24 March 1995, p.8D]
30
This fumbling and formulaic semiremake of The Private War of Major Benson (1955) is basically just an excuse to let comic Damon Wayans—functioning here as cowriter and executive producer as well as star—strut his stuff. But he's strutting in a void, and not even two gold teeth will light his way. The initial premise [is] good for a couple of laughs at most.
25
No fewer than seven writers were recruited to create the story and screenplay for Major Payne, a textbook demonstation of how more can produce less - in this case, a comedy that has all the brio and wit of an army training manual on personal hygiene. [27 March 1995, p.D02]
25
It's so much a Wayans vehicle that at times it seems like one long close-up of his gold-tooth grin. [24 March 1995, p.H24]
0
It’s an unmitigated nightmare of crude, boorish tripe-and woe unto our nation’s future if kids find it hilarious.
May 25, 2025
7
Major Payne. Bald Heads. The film "Major Payne" is a bright comedy film starring Damon Wayans, which combines humor and touching moments. The story of a strict and unyielding former military man who becomes a mentor for troubled teenagers at a military school. His teaching methods cause laughter and surprise, and also make you think about the importance of discipline and support. The acting is bright and energetic, which perfectly conveys the character of the hero. The film is filled with funny scenes and quotes, it lifts the mood and shows the value of honesty and perseverance. "Major Payne" is a funny comedy with a good message that will appeal to lovers of humor and family films.
