Steven Helmer Publications

Synopsis: In a dystopian future caused by an economic collapse, people can find entertainment watching convicted felons compete in a violent automobile race in exchange for a shot at their freedom. When a popular racing star, Frankenstein, is killed, the prison warden, Claire Hennesey, frames ex-con Jensen Ames for the murder of his wife and convinces him to pose as Frankenstein in exchange for his freedom if he wins. It doesn't take Ames long, however, to realize Hennesey has no intention of letting him win. Who's in it? The movie stars Jason Statham , Joan Allen , Tyrese Gibson , Ian McShane and Natalie Martinez. Review: After mowing the lawn in hot/humid weather yesterday, I ready to just crash on the couch and watch a movie with my wife. We ended up picking Death Race because it was readily available. Unfortunately, it didn't prove to be a favorite. There were a number of reasons why I just couldn't get into this movie as much as I thought I would. One of the m...

Synopsis: In 1967, Alice, a widowed mother of two daughters, tries to make ends meet by holding fake spiritual "readings" in her living room. Hoping to add a little extra to her act, Alice purchases a Ouija board only to discover her youngest daughter, Doris, is seemingly able to use the board to really talk to the deceased. She decides to take advantage of this without realizing the evil she is unleashing in the process. Who's in it?  The movie stars Elizabeth Reaser , Annalise Basso , Lulu Wilson , Henry Thomas and Parker Mack. You can read my review here:  Movie Review: Ouija: Origin of Evil (2016)

Synopsis: American teenage girls are devastated when singing sensation Conrad Birdie is drafted. However, the national "tragedy" turns into an opportunity for a struggling songwriter when his fiancée makes arrangements for him to write a song that Birdie will perform during a farewell appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show. The concert also turns into an opportunity for teenager Kim McAfee, who is selected to give Birdie a goodbye kiss on stage, assuming her protective father and jealous boyfriend will let her. Who's in it?  The movie stars Dick Van Dyke , Janet Leigh , Ann-Margret , Jesse Pearson and Maureen Stapleton. You can read my review here:  Movie Review: Bye Bye Birdie (1963)

Synopsis: When a terrorist blows up a ferry in New Orleans, ATF Agent Doug Collins is called in to help with the investigation. He discovers a link between the bombing and a murdered woman, Claire Kuchever, and his detective skills earn him an invite to join a team using a new technology that lets them see 4 days and 6 hours into the past. At first, the use of the technology is about finding clues to help them find the killer. However, Collins soon realizes the technology might allow them to change the past and save lives. Who's in it? The movie stars Denzel Washington , Paula Patton , Val Kilmer ,  Jim Caviezel and Adam Goldberg. Review: My wife and I finished watching another movie last night and, when Deja Vu came on right after, decided to just leave it on. At first, the film seemed like it had an intriguing plot but after watching it, I came away feeling like it just wasn't as good as it could have been. As I told my wife, I think this would have worked better as a tel...

Synopsis: A group of six strangers are summoned to a remote mansion for a dinner party and learn their host, Mr. Boddy, has been the person blackmailing them. When the lights are turned off, Mr. Boddy is murdered and soon after, the cook is found dead as well. As the night progresses, more bodies begin to accumulate and the group, with the help of the butler, Wadsworth, must figure out who the killer is. Who's in it? The movie stars Eileen Brennan , Tim Curry , Martin Mull , Madeline Kahn , Christopher Lloyd , Michael McKean , Lesley Ann Warren and Colleen Camp . Review: I think I have seen the movie Clue at least 30 times now yet, when I happened to come across it this morning, I figured "what the heck" and decided to watch it again. My reaction to this comedy was the same as it was every other time, it's a movie that just doesn't get old. There are a lot of movies out there that are based off games. Only a very few of them are good. This movie, which is bas...

Synopsis: Laine Morris has a hard time accepting her best friend, Debbie, died of suicide and convinces both her sister and a group of her friends to attempt to contact Debbie using Debbie's Ouija board. The board works. However, instead of contacting Debbie, they inadvertently awaken an evil presence that killed her. Who's in it?  The movie stars Olivia Cooke , Ana Coto , Darren Kagasoff , Bianca Santos and Shelley Hennig. You can read my review here:  Movie Review: Ouija (2014)