Steven Helmer Publications

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...

Synopsis: After years of being a bachelor, Det. Mike Lowrey finally gets married, only to have his wedding nearly ruined by his partner, Det. Marcus Burnett, having a heart attack. Burnett survives but soon after leaving the hospital, the pair learn their former mentor, Captain Howard, is being accused of working for the drug cartels. Not wanting their deceased captain's name to be tarnished, Mike and Marcus conduct their own investigation, with the help of Mike's criminal son, Armando, and soon find themselves being framed both as accomplices and murderers. Who's in it? The movie stars Will Smith , Martin Lawrence , Vanessa Hudgens , Jacob Scipio and Ioan Gruffudd. Review: After binge-watching the first three movies in the series on Monday, my wife and I decided to finish things up with Bad Boys: Ride or Die last night. As is the case with most movies with multiple sequels, this installment showed signs of the series needing to come to an end. However, that didn't...

Synopsis: After risking his life countless times with the Miami Police Department and becoming a new grandfather, Det. Marcus Burnett is ready to retire but his long-time partner and friend, Det. Mike Lowrey tries to convince him otherwise. When Lowery is shot by an unknown assailant and nearly dies, Burnett calls it quits. Lowrey, however, motivated by anger after six months of rehabilitation, insists on being involved with the investigation. Marcus, who made a promise to God to avoid violence in exchange for Lowrey surviving his wounds, wants to remain retired but is soon drawn into the investigation as well. Who's in it? The movie stars Will Smith , Martin Lawrence , Vanessa Hudgens , Alexander Ludwig and Jacob Scipio . Review: I have been a bit reluctant to watch Bad Boys for Life because nostalgia-motivated sequels don't usually pan out. However, thanks to the dangerously cold temperatures outside yesterday, my wife and I had time to re-watch the first two Bad Boys m...

Synopsis: Already unable to sleep because of the 72 people he has killed and feeling his skills are beginning to deteriorate, 51-year-old assassin Henry Brogan decides to retire. However, when he inadvertently learns the truth about who his last target was, his former employers decide he needs to be eliminated. Since his is the best in the game and hard to kill as a result, they eventually send the second-best, his 23-year-old clone, to finish the job. Who's in it? The movie stars Will Smith , Mary Elizabeth Winstead , Clive Owen , Benedict Wong and Linda Emond . Review: When I first saw the trailer for this movie, I didn't think it would be a film I would enjoy, mostly because it sounded extremely predictable. However, my wife and I were looking for a movie to watch last night and, since this one was available, we decided to give it a try. The film more than exceeded my expectations. The thing that surprised me about this movie was it wasn't quite as predictable as I th...

Synopsis : A pair of feuding government agents are given the task of locating kidnapped scientists and stumble upon a villain's plot to overthrow the United States' government using advanced weaponry. Who's in it? The movie stars Will Smith , Kevin Kline , Salma Hayek , Ted Levine , M. Emmet Walsh and Kenneth Branagh. Review : My wife and I came across this movie last night and, since the kids weren't in bed yet (meaning we had to hold off on watching a horror movie), we ended up watching this film. I've seen this movie about a half dozen times and can understand why there are people who don't like this film. However, I've always thought it was a bit underrated. Sure, there are plenty of things not to like about this movie. The special effects are, at times, a little weak. And, the plot isn't exactly historically accurate. That being said, there are also quite a few things to like too. My personal reason for liking this movie is the way Will...