Steven Helmer Publications

Synopsis: Raised by his two older brothers after his parents were killed in a car accident, 1965 Tulsa, Oklahoma teenager, Ponyboy Curtis, is a member of the Greasers, a northside gang made up of members of the city's poorer families and in direct rivalry with the more affluent "Socs" living on the southside. After meeting a Soc, Cherry Valance, and hitting it off despite their differences, Ponyboy and his friend, Johnny, are attacked by her boyfriend and a group of other Socs, resulting in Johnny killing one of them. Even though it was self-defense, the boys know their Greaser status will result in criminal charges and flee town, only to return after an unexpected act of heroism leaves Johnny severely burnt and near death. Meanwhile, the Greasers and Socs are preparing themselves for a blowout rumble. Who's in it? The movie stars C. Thomas Howell , Ralph Macchio , Matt Dillon , Patrick Swayze , Diane Lane , Rob Lowe , Emilio Estevez and Tom Cruise . Review: My wi...

As you've probably figured out by now, I am a guy who loves his movies. In fact, I'm not opposed to re-watching my favorite films dozens of times over, even if some of the material is a bit dated and the special effects are weak by today's standards. However, being a dad has changed my opinion of some movies I enjoyed when I was younger (and not a parent). While I don't necessarily hate them today, there are some things about them that I view in a different light now that I have two daughters.  Here are some great examples: Pretty Woman (1990) So, full disclosure, I've always thought Pretty Woman was a little overrated and probably wouldn't be a fan favorite if it weren't for the national treasure known as Julia Roberts . That said, once I became a dad, I have a much harder time watching this film. Part of it is the whole prostitution thing, which was probably wrong to begin with. However, looking at the movie through a dad's eyes, I also now realize Vi...