Steven Helmer Publications

Synopsis: Written language is one of mankind's greatest inventions but became much more useful when our ancient ancestors figured out how to make it easily portable. Through a series of essays written by multiple experts, this compilation tells the history of "books" from the use of clay tablets through modern times. Review: I came across this book while looking for something to read at our local library. While it isn't something that would likely be appealing to a lot of people, I did think it was an interesting subject and decided to give the book a try. I wasn't disappointed. It's not something that gets thought about a lot, but the written language would be relatively useless if we hadn't found a way to make it easy to transport from one place to another. Today, that's relatively easy, especially with the World Wide Web but, in ancient times, the methods were much more limited. As a result, I enjoyed reading about how those ancient civilizations

Synopsis: A group of strangers wakes up on a cargo ship with no idea how they got there. The ship appears to be abandoned with the exception of a man that says he is the steward and gives them a list of rules they need to follow. They quickly learn there is more to the mysterious ship than meets the eye. Who's in it? The movie stars Antonio Sabato, Jr., Deanna Russo , Nicholas Irons , Julian Berlin and Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa . Review: I needed to get rid of the bad taste The Great Gabbo left in my mouth and, when I got home from the office, looked for a horror movie to watch with my wife. Even though I had some doubts about this particular movie, I figured it at least might be good for a couple jump scares. Unfortunately, it didn't even live up to those lowered expectations. The main problem with this film is it is extremely predictable. Spoiler Alert - They are all dead and the ship is transporting them to the afterlife unless they prove they deserve a second chance. It to

Synopsis: Gabbo is a talented but eccentric ventriloquist who is abusive to his caring and loyal assistant, Mary. When Mary finally has enough and leaves him, Gabbo continues on to become a big success. However, when they wind up in the same stage show two years later, he makes an effort to get her back, only to find out it is too late. Who's in it? The movie stars Erich von Stroheim , Betty Compson , Donald Douglas , Marjorie Kane and George Grandee . Review: When I came across this film on Shudder last night, I assumed it would be a classic horror film and, since I always thought ventriloquist dummies were a bit creepy, I was interested in watching it. However, after seeing the movie, I can not only say it wasn't a horror film by any definition of the term, I couldn't even begin to tell you how it should be classified. To be fair, the basic plot of the film wasn't too bad in theory. There really wasn't a whole lot to like about Gabbo (Stroheim), both because

Synopsis: Millionaire Tom Newcliffe installs an elaborate security system on the grounds of his English mansion because he intends to prove one of his houseguests is really a werewolf. Who's in it? The movie stars Calvin Lockhart , Peter Cushing , Marlene Clark , Charles Gray and Michael Gambon . Review: About a month ago, I wound up adding Shudder to my YouTube TV account and this movie was the primary reason. I had seen the description and thought it sounded intriguing. I finally had a chance to watch the movie last night and this morning. Overall, it didn't disappoint. This was a somewhat unique film because it essentially combines a horror movie with a classic murder mystery, complete with all the suspects being asked to sit in a circle while Tom (Lockhart) gave his reveal. As a fan of both genres, I loved the combination. I even have to admit, the mystery was much more complicated than I thought it would be. The film does a good job of creating suspicions about multi

Synopsis: Julie, Kayla and Sam have been best friends since their first day of school and, as high school seniors, they decide they want to lose their virginity at the same time during prom. However, when their parents accidentally learn about their plan, they go out of their way to stop them. Who's in it? The movie stars John Cena , Leslie Mann , Ike Barinholtz , Kathryn Newton , Geraldine Viswanathan and Gideon Adlon . Review: I'm not exactly when or how this got added to my Netflix DVD list because, from the trailers, it didn't look like a movie I'd be interested in watching. However, I wound up receiving it a couple weeks ago and, while waiting for our oldest daughter to get done with her Dungeons & Dragons group, my wife and I wound up watching it last night. Overall, the premise is something, as a dad of two daughters, I could relate to and, to be fair, it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. However, I still discovered I wasn't crazy about this

Synopsis: A high school sleep over takes a dark turn when a serial killer wielding a power drill begins stalking and killing the guests. Who's in it? The movie stars Michelle Michaels , Robin Stille , Michael Villella , Andree Honore and Gina Smika Hunter . Review: I was in the mood for a horror movie last night and, after rejecting a few other choices, decided to watch this film. I wasn't really sure what to expect from it and had lowered expectations as a result. Unfortunately, the movie was worse than I feared. Let's see, how do I put this? If you like movies that have a bunch of random scenes featuring half naked women, it's worth watching. However, as a horror movie, this film really does lack something. One of my biggest problems with the film (other than the excessive gratuitous nudity that seemed to take up half the run time) was how it revealed the killer from the start. This, in all honesty, just made the movie a way too predictable for me. Movies like this