MovieChat Forums > Sgt. Bilko (1996) Discussion > I never understood why critics hated it ...

I never understood why critics hated it so much.

posted 17 years ago by grandonsqr
25 replies | jump to latest

Usually, if critics are unanimous in saying a movie sucks, there's a reeeeeal good chance they're right. But I never got why this movie was blasted so hard by them. Steve Martin is actually really funny in this movie, Dan Aykroyd is better than average and Phil Hartman, while pretty much wasted comedically, actually makes a pretty good bad guy. Also, there really are some genuinely funny moments in this film, and a big supporting cast that really helps the movie roll along. Okay, the whole hover-tank thing is pretty stupid, I admit. But still... funny ass movie.

[–] dan_hendricks 17 years ago

I agree with it being underrated, however, I generally like the opposite of what the critics do. If they like it, I most often don't. If they hate it, there's a decent chance I'll like it.

[–] abhimanyu-seth 17 years ago

Agreed! I laughed my heart out! Steve Martin was hilarious! A must for Steve Martin fans.

[–] mstrangfeld 17 years ago

this was a bad movie, sorry.

[–] ajhp55 17 years ago

*I believe it was a bad movie is what you meant to say I am sure.

Do not fret I will not hod it against you.

Next time just try not to tell me what I should think.

[–] Zdamort 17 years ago

He didn't say "you should think this is a bad movie."

He said "this was a bad movie."

You can like bad movies. I know I like my share.

[–] ajhp55 17 years ago

I'll accept that i guess

[–] Gilmour4 17 years ago

Bravo. Such detail and evidence. My my my my my my.

My my.

-Zeppelin Rules!-

[–] simpac 16 years ago

screw these old farts thinking theyre still in the 60s

[–] mstoyle 17 years ago

They took a classic TV series, miscast Steve Martin in a role that is forever associated with Phil Silvers. If they had called it something other than Sgt Bilko it would have just been another Steve Martin flick. There is only one Bilko and Martin ain't him. Another example of this kind of disaster is the remake of the Honeymooners. That one may have sucked more than this movie.

[–] mhoffman8540 17 years ago

I agree about leaving classic TV shows alone, but you must remember, the people in Hollywood have no more ideas. On the other hand, Bilko didn't totally suck. There were some funny moments, and Steve Martin made it more enjoyable. Finally, I actually watched the original Bilko show in reruns back in the mid-80s. How many people can actually remember that show? Answer: not too many. Besides, Bilko originally got remade in a New York alleyway (Top Cat), and to a certain extent, in a German POW camp. The only difference was that Doberman was Schultz, and Col. Hall started wearing a monacle.

[–] greek_goddess_d18 17 years ago

Phil Hartman did the BETTER Phil Silvers impression and therefore should've been Sgt. Bilko.

Other than that, I liked the Major Thorn character, because Phil Hartman can make any movie look funny even just by standing there, that's how brilliant he was.

Nothing shocks me anymore, so don't even bother...

[–] todd_flanders 16 years ago

This film isn’t anywhere near as bad as the critics would have you believe, but it isn’t a masterpiece of the cinematic art. It’s a nice way to kill 90 minutes with some easy laughs. I suppose it was ripped to shreds simply because it can’t compare to the original show.

[–] tubularbelle2003 16 years ago

I liked it. I like the Phil Silvers Show and I like this. Steve Martin was not trying to be Phil Silvers. As a rule I don't like him, but I enjoyed him in this. Critics do get it wrong, unfortunately too many people take notice of them.

The Long Walk stops every year, just once.

[–] tmac75-1 16 years ago

This is a good movie but its not up to par with what the cast is Capable of this cast could of been equal to or better than the original show, just one laugh after another

[–] pastorjwallen 16 years ago

I have never seen the original Phil Silvers series, so I don't know how it works in comparison. What I do know is that on it's own, I find it to be a hilarious romp and worth watching. It's one of my favorites.

One of my forever favorite scenes is when Bilko decides it would be a good idea to open up a daycare center, and when asked about the welfare of the kids he says, "Don't worry, they won't die, in fact, that could be our motto, "They Won't Die". Kills me every time. LOL

~Pastor J.W. Allen~

[–] aciolino 16 years ago

Most critics are older than you, I would imagine, and are basing their opinion of this film on their recollection of the original Phil Silvers show. I did the same thing, and, while that is not fair, it's the way it is. Don't make a film called, "Gone With The Wind," if you don't want to draw comparison's to the original.

Martin's Bilko is miles removed from Silver's Bilko, as are the other characters, and for that reason should NEVER have been produced with that title. Martin did himself a disservice by calling the film or agreeing to do the film as it is named, but considering his massive and overwhelming ego he enjoys being ridiculed in parts that were perfected by others, others of more talent and comedic acting ability (Sellers, Silvers, Tracey, yes, Tracey).

And so, I have no sympathy for him.

Also, I just don't find his stuff funny anymore. It's the same crap he did forty years ago, and it's enough. The other humor in the movie is rather juvenile.

[–] argonus-1 16 years ago

I ignore the critics generally.

Yes...while the plot of the movie is pretty poorly planned and done...the movie is still amusing. No one can do Bilko like Silvers...Silvers created the character. But Steve, the genius nutcase that he is (he's a member of Mensa...so he's a genius...so there. hehe) did his own version, and in itself it was good.

The supporting cast was admittedly crap....except Phil and Dan...Who played their roles well.

[–] Gwasgray 15 years ago

It's not a horrible film but it is a bit lukewarm with plenty of "mild humour" but no really big laughs. And the thing about a lot of critics and those of a critical mindset is that if something isn't that great they'll really dump on it. And then there's those who compared it to the original Phil Silvers sitcom, although I've never really watched Bilko (it was way before my time and I've never really bothered with daytime repeats of old shows) I imagine this film doesn't feel like the same thing.

[–] Martin_Sloan 15 years ago

It took me years to see it, because I heard so much negative about it... then one day I just saw it... and it wasn't too bad. It was amusing, entertaining and lasted about 90 minutes - fair and good entertainment on a Sunday morning. Martin has been better, Aykroyd was fine... and Hartman stole every scene he was in!

Oh, and both Siskel and Ebert gave positive response to this movie.

Martin Scorsese IS the best