Steven Helmer Publications

I just learned today is the 32nd anniversary of us losing comedy legend John Candy (I honestly didn't realize it had been that long). He was a comedian I grew up watching and one of those actors who could steal the spotlight even in a minor role. So, to honor his memory, here are my five favorite John Candy movies. Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987) When someone mentions Candy, this is always the first movie that comes to mind. His Del Griffith character is funny, especially when paired up with Steve Martin 's Neal Page, but also manages to have a few surprises up his sleeve throughout the film as well. Spaceballs (1987) There are a ton of memorable characters in this Mel Brooks film, and I can't wait to see them in the long-awaited sequel, but Candy's half human/half dog character Barf is the one that arguably kicks this up a notch, whether it's from his various one-liners or the physical comedy. National Lampoon's Vacation (1983) Candy isn't the star o...

Synopsis: After being raised in poverty by the Black family that adopted him as a baby, the slow-witted Navin Johnson leaves home and tries to make something of himself. After working at a gas station then for a carnival, a chance meeting and clever invention suddenly give Navin everything he wants, plenty of money and the love of his wife, Marie. However, he soon learns his dream life is about to be ripped away from him. Who's in it? The movie stars Steve Martin , Bernadette Peters, Catlin Adams, M. Emmet Walsh and Bill Macy. Review: I hadn't seen The Jerk since I was a kid and, realizing I didn't remember anything about it, I decided to take the time to watch the movie earlier today. Strangely enough, while I normally enjoy Steve Martin movies, this one left me with a mixed opinion. Martin is, as expected, funny throughout, playing Navin in a way that makes him likeable but at the same time, causing you to roll your eyes because of how stupid he is. The performance m...

Synopsis: Silent film actors Lucky Day, Dusty Bottoms and Ned Nederlander are best known for playing gunfighters known as the Three Amigos on the big screen. When they demand more money, they are instead fired by the studio but think they are catching a big break when they receive a telegram asking them to travel to a small Mexican to put on a private performance. When they arrive, however, they discover the village believes the Three Amigos are real and they have been summoned to fight a real-life gang of outlaws led by the vicious El Guapo. Who's in it? The movie stars Steve Martin , Chevy Chase , Martin Short, Alfonso Arau, Kai Wulff and Jon Lovitz. Review: My day job (AKA, how I pay my bills) requires me to use all my vacation time each year and I was home this afternoon as a result of that. I had some things planned for my free time but forgot about most of them when I came across Three Amigos! What can I say, I love this movie and re-watching it for the umpteenth time did...

As much time as I spend watching old movies and nearly as old television series, I probably shouldn't be surprised when I receive ads for hearing aids and retirement homes. However, while most of those movies and shows were before my time, I will be the first to argue many are better than what you can see at theaters and on TV today. In fact, Hollywood seems to agree with me, both because of the numerous movie remakes and films based on classic television series. While the latter is a bit hit or miss, with some of those movies being not-so-great, there are a few that do work. Here are four I personally enjoyed. Just a note: The Simpsons Movie would have made this list too, if the show wasn't still on the air. Sgt. Bilko (1996) I haven't seen more than a few episodes of The Phil Silvers Show but did see enough to get the gist of that series, which ran from 1955-1959, and while there are those who disagree, this movie version of Silvers ' military character, Sgt. Ernest...

Thanksgiving is just around the corner and, as I consider the things I should be thankful for, I am going to include movies on that last (albeit toward the bottom underneath things like family, health, etc.) for the momentary escape they give me from the realities of life. While admittedly not as many as Christmas-themed films or even some other holidays, there are quite a few movies that do take place during the Thanksgiving season. Some make it a focal point while others only mention it in passing. However, there are still some decent ones all the same. Here is my list of three favorites: Trains, Planes and Automobiles (1987):   Yeah, I know, picking this movie is cliche. However, the only reason it is cliche is because it is a great film. Steve Martin and John Candy are at their best and are a memorable dual. Plus, mixed in with the numerous comedy gags throughout, there is still a twist at the end that is both sad but also heartwarming. Paul Blart: Mall Cop (2009):   An...

Synopsis : A 1960s flower shop employee named Seymour discovers a strange, alien plant and places it in the shop window. His discovery leads to instant fame and the potential to earn lots of money for the first time in his life. However, there’s just one catch. The plant wants human blood and, as it grows larger, its appetite continues to grow too. And, when Seymour discovers its sinister ulterior motive, he must choose between the money and doing the right thing. Who's in it?  The movie stars Rick Moranis , Ellen Greene , Steve Martin , Vincent Gardenia and Levi Stubbs (as the voice of Audrey II). You can read my review here:  Movie Review: Little Shop of Horrors (1986) (wizzley.com)

Synopsis: Master Sergeant Ernest Bilko, runs a successful gambling operation out of the motor pool at Fort Baxter Army base and has the commanding officer, Col. Hall, wrapped around his finger. However, this is all threatened when Maj. Thorn from the Inspector General's office arrives and decides to seek revenge against Bilko for an incident that happened years earlier. Who's in it? The movie stars Steve Martin , Dan Aykroyd , Phil Hartman , Glenne Headly and Daryl Mitchell. Review: My outdoor chores were hindered by rainclouds this past weekend and, while waiting for the sun, I came across this film on one of our movie channels. It had been a while since I had seen it and, after re-watching it, I remembered why it is one of my favorite military-themed comedies. One of the things I really like about this movie is it isn't as predictable as most comedy films are. Part of this is because Bilko (Martin) is so arrogant about the stuff he does, the addition of Thorn (Hartman) ...

Synopsis: Daniel Pecan Cambridge is an ordinary American, except for the fact he is afraid of 8-inch-high curbs, can't hold a job because of a counting obsession, secretly drugs is upstairs neighbor, is romantically obsessed with a local realtor he has never spoken to, needs to have a grand sum of 1125 watts of light in his apartment and was once a suspect in a murder. Review: I ended up checking out this book from our local library a couple days ago mostly because I am a big Steve Martin fan and, until recently, had completely forgotten he had written books. I didn't really know what to expect from this particular novel, but, after finishing it, I have to say I enjoyed every page. I think the thing that really drew me in when reading this book was I didn't quite know what it was going to be about. It's a first-person account from Daniel's perspective and, as a result of that, a lot of the pages are nothing more than him rambling a bit and not seeming to have much...

Synopsis: Kate has spent her life putting her career first and climbing the corporate ladder. This has allowed her to be a successful business woman but, at 37, the still-single vice president of a whole foods store desires to have a baby. She discovers she is unable to have a baby on her own and is turned down by adoption agencies, she decides to hire Angela as a surrogate and eventually lets the other woman live with her despite being complete opposites. You can read my review here:  https://wizzley.com/movie-review-baby-mama-2008/

Synopsis: The cowardly Boov are always on the run from their mortal enemy, the Gorg, and move from one planet to another in an attempt to hide from them. This time, they have chosen to hide on Earth and, after re-locating Earth's entire human population to Australia, they claim the planet as their own. However, when a friend-less Boov named Oh attempts to invite people to his house warming party, he inadvertently sends the invite to the Gorg as well. With the help of a young human, Tip, who avoided being relocated but is now searching for her mother, the now-fugitive Oh escapes the angry mob with the promise of helping her find her family. Who's in it? The animated movie stars Jim Parsons , Rihanna , Jennifer Lopez , Steve Martin and Matt Jones. Review: I had planned on mowing the lawn yesterday evening after work. However, when I remembered I had to get gas for the mower, I decided to do wait until today and, instead, made a ravioli dinner and watched a family movie...

Synopsis: When master thief calling himself The Tornado steals priceless artifacts from around the world (including the Pink Panther Diamond), Inspector Clouseau is promoted from his duties as parking officer and assigned to a team of super detectives. However, his constant bumbling puts him jeopardy of being kicked off the team and embarrassing France and, at the same time, he is on the verge of losing the love of his life, Nicole. Who's in it? The movie stars Steve Martin , Jean Reno , Emily Mortimer , Andy Garcia and John Cleese . Review: The cats got me out of bed really early yesterday morning and, while trying to wake up, I ended up watching this film after coming across it on one of our movie channels. It had been a while since I had seen the movie and I didn't remember much about it as a result. However, it turned out to be an entertaining way to wait for the rest of the family to get out of bed. While not as good as the first movie and maybe not as good a...