Steven Helmer Publications

Synopsis: Wyatt, Morgan and Virgil Earp move to Tombstone, Arizona, seeking to retire from law enforcement and make money at a variety of business ventures. The town, however, is under the control of a gang of outlaws known as "the Cowboys," and when the local marshal is shot, Virgil decides to take his place, putting the brothers and their friend, "Doc" Holliday, at war with the gang. Who's in it? The movie stars Kurt Russell , Val Kilmer , Bill Paxton, Sam Elliott , Michael Rooker , Charlton Heston and Powers Boothe. Review: It was my wife's turn to go to my daughter's play tonight (it would be too expensive if we went to all the shows together) so, while she was there, I decided to re-watch Tombstone for the first time in years. This movie ended up being everything I remembered it being, and I mean that in a good way. This is the best kind of western, the kind that has a protagonist, in this case, Wyatt (Russell) who is more of an anti-hero than a...

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...

I woke up this morning to the sad news of actor Val Kilmer's passing at the age of 65. As a relatively unsung character actor, even I was a bit surprised when I was reminded of just how many times, he starred or co-starred in a movie I enjoyed. So, I decided it would be worth the time to list my five favorite Val Kilmer roles in his memory. Madmartigan ( Willow , 1988) -  Technically, Warwick Davis is the star of this movie, but Kilmer's Madmartigan is the reason it is one of my all-time favorite action fantasies. He brings a great blend of heroism and comedy to the film that sometimes outshine the movie's namesake. Nick Rivers ( Top Secret , 1984) - Ironically, I was just thinking to myself "it's been ages since I've seen this movie, I should take the time to watch it again." This film was Kilmer's first and his performance as the rock star turned resistance fighter is a big reason why it's a classic. Tom 'Iceman' Kazansky ( Top Gun , 198...

Synopsis: Three years after her younger brother, Nathan, disappeared while on a joy ride with two of his high school classmates, Holly Teller believes she saw him at a farmer's market and determined to investigate, ends up in the dying town of Riddle, Pennsylvania. Once there, she finds the local sheriff and most townspeople are unwilling to help her because they are protecting their own dark secret. Who's in it? The movie stars Elisabeth Harnois , Val Kilmer , Diora Baird , William Sadler and Bryan Lillis. Review: My wife went to the library yesterday and, while there, picked out this movie. Even though I hadn't heard of it, I decided to watch it with her last night. At first, I thought it would be better than expected but, unfortunately, it did end up being a bit of a letdown overall. The premise itself wasn't terrible, though I think I've seen more than my fair share of abduction movies at this point (my wife seems to be obsessed with them lately for some rea...

Synopsis: Willow Ufgood, a struggling Nelwyn farmer and wannabe sorcerer, discovers a Daikini baby in the river near his farm. The baby is the center of a prophecy foretelling an evil queen's downfall and, when the queen sends her killer dogs to his village in search of the child, Willow is given the task of returning the baby to her own people. However, he ultimately joins forces with an outcast swordsman to help defeat the queen. Who's in it? The movie stars Warwick Davis , Val Kilmer , Joanne Whalley , Jean Marsh and Billy Barty . Review: My wife and youngest daughter were at a high school basketball game yesterday evening so I convinced my oldest daughter to watch a movie with me. This was one of my favorite films growing up and I figured she would enjoy it too so I picked it out. Even though I remembered enjoying this movie when I was a teenager, it had been about 20 years since I last saw it and, because of that, I was a little worried it wouldn't be as good as I r...