Product Details

• Actors: Steve Martin, Dan Aykroyd, Phil Hartman, Glenne Headly, Daryl Mitchell
• Directors: Jonathan Lynn
• Writers: Andy Breckman, Nat Hiken
• Producers: Brian Grazer, Mary McLaglen
• Format: Closed-captioned, Color, Dolby, NTSC
• Rated: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: Universal Studios
• VHS Release Date: May 27, 1997
• Run Time: 93 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (34 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 6304140665
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #278,286 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

From The New Yorker

Hollywood's reheating of TV classics is feeling more and more like desperation; an update of the old "Phil Silvers Show" has to rank among America's Least Wanted. This new Jonathan Lynn "comedy" looks as if it were written during a lunch break. The only point of interest is Steve Martin, who has wisely decided not to rerun the Silvers interpretation; on the other hand, he is far too manic for a soldier and not venal enough for a Bilko. The disgraceful plot involves a secret hovering tank and a plan to close the base where Bilko works. Sounds like a good idea. Co-starring Glenne Headly and a decidedly portly Dan Aykroyd. -Anthony Lane
Copyright © 2006 The New Yorker

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Steve is the Best, October 30, 2005

By 

Cowboy on the Ocean (West Texas Native) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sgt. Bilko (DVD)

Steve Martin is simply the funniest guy in show business. A great remake of a classic. No one can play characters the way Steve can and this movie is sure to entertain one and all.

5 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of my Favorite movies!, May 4, 2003

By 

"bluemoon21" (Anytown, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sgt. Bilko (DVD)

No, its not classy. No one uses sharp, flashy camera moves to wow the viewer. The plot line is neither deep nor inriching for the soul. Still, Sgt. Bilko is an incredibly funny movie that shows Steve Martin at his height of comedy. The story, which involves Steve Martin as a sargeant who uses his motor pool as a small casino for the soldiers on the base behind his superior's back, is outrageously funny and sends that viewer from beginning to end without becoming belabored. Bottom line: This is a great movie that cane be enjoyed by anyone!

4 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Close -- But No Cigar, September 20, 2000

By 

J. GENIO (Earth) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sgt Bilko [VHS] (VHS Tape)

I give credit to Steve Martin for trying to portray a Phil Silvers-like Ernie Bilko. Steve Martin came close -- but, no cigar. Also, Ernie Bilko (Phil Silvers) needed his support cast to be really funny. Unfortunately, the support cast in this movie remake of a great T.V. show just wasn't there.

There were some laughs in this movie: Using mirrors to make a stock room look fill, moving boxes to make it look as if everything was on hand, and the daily "Bilko" lottery. However, there just weren't enough of these "con-man gags." At times the dialog became overly boring and trite.

This isn't the greatest movie on earth. Frankly speaking, I have seen Steve Martin a lot funner. By the same token, this movie isn't all that bad, and it could be viewed to pass the time on a rainy/snowy afternoon. For this reason, I rate this movie three stars.