Martin's Bilko is a career grifter who comes out on top every time. He's a Bilko for the nasty '90s, oily and smug.
Sgt. Bilko (1996)
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted:36
Fresh:12
Rotten:24
Average Rating:4.5/10
Synopsis: This film adaptation of the classic 1950's television series follows the wacky adventures of Sgt. Ernest Bilko, a fast-talking, likable con man, who just happens to run secret, makeshift casinos on... This film adaptation of the classic 1950's television series follows the wacky adventures of Sgt. Ernest Bilko, a fast-talking, likable con man, who just happens to run secret, makeshift casinos on the base. Bilko must deal with two problems: one is Wally, the prudish, newest member of his squad -- who does not participate in Bilko's wild schemes, and basically ignores the craziness around him. But how long can Wally turn a blind eye to his surroundings? The sergeant's other headache is his sworn enemy Maj. Thorn. The major is seeking revenge against Bilko for nearly ruining his career some time ago. Thorn not only wishes to expose the officer's gambling enterprises, he wants to steal his long-suffering girlfriend. [More]
Starring: Steve Martin, Dan Aykroyd, Phil Hartman, Glenne Headly
Starring: Steve Martin, Dan Aykroyd, Phil Hartman, Glenne Headly, Daryl Mitchell, Austin Pendleton, Chris Rock, Max Casella, Eric Edwards, Catherine Silvers, Richard Herd, Travis Tritt
Director: Jonathan Lynn
Director: Jonathan Lynn
Reviews for Sgt. Bilko
Though Martin and a solid supporting cast produce a few scattered moments of near-hilarity, for the most part the terrain here is as flat as it gets.
Aside from the sheer insanity of trying to leap into the shoes of the irreplaceable Phil Silvers, surely Martin should have recognized that the film had no script, no gags and no discernible point.
We've seen it before, almost frame for frame, in every other service comedy, especially Stripes.
This is shoddy hackwork, replaying classic scenarios (the honest new recruit, audits by Pentagon bigwigs and manoeuvres in Nevada) with such disregard for narrative structure the reels might be in the wrong order.
The film is full of gratifying gags like these, but it also has to strain for newly enlarged scope.
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