Peek-a-boo: Good Morning Vietnam

"Goooooooooodddd Morrrrrnnnnninnnnggggg Vietnaaaaaaaammmmmmm!!!", he hollers to welcome listeners to his show. His shriek shatters the monotony of the drab tunes that act as "entertainment" to hordes of American GIs stationed in Vietnam. He makes them shake their leg, he makes them smile, he makes them laugh, and he makes them realize that they too have a life. For the average GI Joe, Adrian Cronauer (Robin Williams) is more than just a voice.

'Good Morning Vietnam' was perhaps the first movie to look at Vietnam with a comin touch, through the world of a radio jockey. Williams, as Cronauer, not only enlivens the lives of the soldier, but also endears himself to the locals through his English Classes. In the process he also crosses paths with his superiors who are not really amused with his antics and method. And they, are out to get him busted.

GMV is all about Robin Williams. The role gives him full freedom to let loose his energy and bring in the elements that has made him a top stand-up comedian. His performance is addictive. There's not much scope in the role of Forest Whitaker, but he does a credible job in the limited screen time he has. The movie also has some brilliant moments - Cronauer's rebellious broadcast of the report of a bomb-blast in a pub in Saigon, the brilliantly pieced together music track. Lastly one cannot forget the immensely eloquent shots of mass bombing and destruction as the voice of Louis Armstrong floats through the radio singing "What a wonderful world". Shades of "Apocalypse Now" and "The Doors"?