Major Benson Winifred Payne, a hardened Marine, returns from a violent but successful drug raid in South America, only to find out that he was once again not promoted to Lieutenant Colonel. Payne receives an honorable discharge on the grounds that "the wars of the world are no longer fought on the battlefield", and that his military skills are no longer needed. Payne tries to adjust to civilian life through an application to the police academy. He hits a man repeatedly during a training scenario, causing him to be arrested for assault after the man was rendered unconscious. His former general visits him and informs Payne that he has secured a job for him that will get him back in the military. Payne arrives at Madison Preparatory School in Virginia, and is informed by the principal that his job is to train the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps "green boys", a disorderly group of delinquents and outcasts who have placed last in the Virginia Military Games eight years running. When Payne sees his company, he immediately tells them that, under his direction, they will win the games at all costs, regardless of their various shortcomings: being overweight, sickly, deaf, cross-eyed, orphaned, or from a dysfunctional home. Afterward, he shaves all their heads bald. Payne also meets and clashes with Emily Walburn, the Academy counsellor who tries to soften Payne's discipline with understanding and feelings, especially towards six year old orphan Tiger. Payne's training and punishments are harsh, which force the cadets to execute a series of failed schemes to get rid of Payne. Things come to a head when Payne offers them the chance to get rid of him, he will quit if they bring the Military Games trophy to Madison soil. The boys set out one night to Wellington Academy, the current trophy holder, to steal it. However, the Wellington cadets ambush them, and the boys return to school badly beaten. Outside of the academy, Payne bonds with Emily and Tiger. Returning to the Academy, Payne is confronted by lead misfit Alex Stone about his deception, but Payne claims it was to show them what the real prize was. With their desire to honestly earn the trophy added to their desire to be rid of Payne, the boys begin to train hard to win. When Stone's alcoholic, obnoxious stepfather appears unannounced and harasses Alex, Major Payne orders him away, granting Payne a lot of respect with the cadets. Stone and his friends want to win the Military games trophy, if just to have Payne gone. The cadets band together under Payne's regimen. Weeks later, Major Payne says they have graduated the program and are fit to compete in the games. Payne is asked to return to the Marines to fight in Bosnia, but his deployment means he will miss the Military Games and disappoint the boys and Emily. As he waits for his train, he sees a family together, realizing that Tiger saw him as a father figure and that Payne is falling in love with Emily. At the games, the boys are holding their own until Dotson, now a Wellington cadet trips Alex during the race spraining his ankle. Madison comes in second, but Alex's injury renders him unfit for the final event, a drill competition. In anger, the Madison cadets fight with the Wellington cadets. The fight is broken up, with the judges deliberating to have Madison disqualified for conduct unbecoming. However, Payne gives up his commission and shows up at the last minute, smooths things over with the referees and tells Tiger to lead Madison in drill. The group executes an unorthodox but entertaining routine which wins them the trophy. On the first day of the new school year, Madison displays the Military Games trophy, along with another one for Alex Stone who won best individual participant. Payne resumes being an instructor, having married Emily and adopted Tiger. Stone resumes his role as a squad leader. Payne has softened quite a bit, telling the new recruits he's not only their commanding officer, but also their friend. When a new, disrespectful blind cadet shows up with his service dog, Payne shaves both him and his dog bald with his "field knife," and laughs.
Cast
Damon Wayans as U.S. Marine Corps Major Benson Winifred Payne
Review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes gave the film an approval rating of 33%, based on twelve reviews. Kevin Thomas of the Los Angeles Times wrote, "While 'Major Payne' is too predictable for most adults, it's an ideal entertainment for youthful audiences that allows Damon Wayans to be at his best in a dream part." Caryn James of The New York Times wrote, "Though the movie is rarely more clever than its title, Mr. Wayans gives the dark cartoonish comedy an irreverent edge." Roger Ebert of the Chicago Sun-Times rated it 3/4 stars, and called it a smart and funny satire of military films.
Box office
The film debuted at No. #2 behind Outbreak with a gross of $7 million on its opening weekend. Major Payne went on to gross $30.1 million worldwide.
