Sergent Bilko

This movie was under-appreciated in its theatrical release. In fact, it's a rarity these days.....a lightweight comedy that doesn't insult your intelligence. Some critics carped because it wasn't like the classic TV show, but it would have been hard (and foolish) to try and duplicate the genius of Phil Silvers. Steve Martin does a fine job of putting his own unique stamp on the character of Ernie Bilko and he's surrounded by a good supporting cast with many familiar faces. The story isn't the most intricately plotted in the world, but it doesn't have to be. The gags and one-liners come fast and furious and there are plenty of laughs.

A pleasant comedy that's good for all ages.

This is actually a very funny movie, one of Steve's funniest movies - up there with Father of the Bride. All the characters, Dan Akroyd, Phil Hartman, even an appearance by Chris Rock make this an extremely enjoyable movie. The Hover Tank was hands down the funniest part. Steve is full of laughs in this movie and acts out the character of Sergeant Bilko superbly. I have watched this movie at least four times and I was still laughing all the way through. This is in fact one of my all time favourite comedies. I have never seen the original and perhaps my judgement of this movie is therefore altered. Yet if you have never seen or even heard of the original and you like Steve's work then you will surely like this. Don't look at the votes rating I'll give this 8/10.

Nat Hiken's Sergeant Ernie Bilko is one of those characters who no matter what age, what time, and what army he'll find a way to game the system. I'm sure there's a Bilko somewhere in North Korea's army, he just has to act with quite a bit more discretion.

From the 50s of Eisenhower to the 90s of Clinton, Bilko and his denizens of the motor pool at Fort Baxter are still operating their schemes. Steve Martin steps right into Phil Silvers's shoes if not his glasses.

The party could be over though because Fort Baxter might just be closed because they haven't come through with the development of a new type of tank. In addition Phil Hartman who is a major with some history with Martin is making it a personal crusade to get Martin bounced from the army.

Most of the characters from the TV show are still here if in a different guise on occasion to reflect the diversity of the army in the 90s. I particularly liked Eric Edwards as Private Doberman. Then as now I can't believe that a Doberman could get in the army in the first place.

And in fact it is mentioned that Bilko and girlfriend Gleanne Headly have the longest running engagement since Nathan Detroit and Adelaide. Headly becomes a front on Hartman's war against Bilko.

Dan Aykroyd is Colonel Hall taking Paul Ford's place. Aykroyd doesn't have Ford's eternal Irascibility. He's more resigned to go with the flow with Bilko. But he also doesn't want to see his command shut down.

Newer fans should see this movie as well as the old TV series. They'll like both.

Seems to me like most of the negative votes come from fans of the original show.

I am glad I never saw it, because I think this is one of the funniest movies I have ever seen. I love Bilko's character. Martin plays a charismatic, scheming yet kind hearted con artist.

I love his comic timing in this movie. It's definitely my favorite Steve Martin role.

I think part of the reason I like Martin, is for the same reason I like characters like Bugs Bunny. He always comes out on top, and is usually in complete control of a situation. I love that type of role - who does not want to be more like a Sgt Bilko?

I thought almost every scene was funny. I liked pretty much every actor in it. It's not for serious people. I sometimes wonder why serious people bother to rate comedies at all - some people were born with no sense of humor, from what I can tell.

For those people who dislike (or are bored of) put down humor, sex humor, or gross out humor, this is none of those (Not that I don't mind some of that, but a change of pace is always welcome.)

It's a politer, lighter, silly humor almost cartoonish, in a good way.

I have seen this movie at least three times, and still laugh at it.

So if you are not a fan of the TV show, I think you will like this in spite of the shockingly low review of this movie.

Sgt Bilko delivers countless laughs, mostly from Steve Martin, Dan Akroyd and Phil Hartman. The rest of the cast are a joke. There are so many gags, slapstick, and one-liners you have to enjoy it. There is no strong story line which is unfortunate, but Bilko gets away with it. The constant parody of the united states army is much more relaxed than the Korean setting of MASH.

Do not watch this film with any predispositions or expectations of what you are going to see, and you will enjoy it so much more. I recommend it to anyone who just wants a quick two hour getaway from reality, and a chance to let yourself go and have some fun.