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.
Sgt. Bilko (1996)
Tomatometer
How does the Tomatometer work ![]()
Reviews Counted:36
Fresh:12
Rotten:24
Average Rating:4.5/10
Runtime: 1 hr 35 mins
Genre: Comedies
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
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 movie is saturated with stagnant, one-note performances from stagnant, one-note actors.
One of the pleasures of the movie is all the little jokes hidden in the corners.
We've seen it before, almost frame for frame, in every other service comedy, especially Stripes.
Most of the way, there's plenty here for anyone who's looking for a laugh-provoking time-waster.
Martin's aggrieved expressions and sublime physical bits are constantly entertaining.
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.
The film is full of gratifying gags like these, but it also has to strain for newly enlarged scope.
Sgt. Bilko isn't a bad movie, it just isn't worth the six or seven bucks to get in.
Both Martin and Hartman are masters of subtle physical comedics; a raised eyebrow here, a shrug there, and you're in the aisle. Unfortunately, even the genuine genius of those two can't save Lynn's film from its final fate.
Director Jonathan Lynn has had his hits (My Cousin Vinny) and stinkeroos (Greedy). This falls in between.
More DVDs
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
|---|---|
| 14% 14% | The Ugly Truth |
| 98% 98% | Up |
| 36% 36% | G.I. Joe: The Rise of … |
| 52% 52% | The Taking of Pelham 1… |
| 45% 45% | Ice Age: Dawn of the D… |
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
|---|---|
| 32% 32% | Terminator Salvation |
| 44% 44% | Night at the Museum: B… |
| 86% 86% | A Christmas Tale |
| 60% 60% | Paper Heart |
What’s Hot On RT
Other News
Sponsored Links
Around The Network
- Sgt. Bilko at Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh Links
Featured

Subscribe to RT's YouTube channel and don't miss a second of our cracking video content.

Follow Rotten Tomatoes and join us as we tweet about the week's releases.



Top Critic

