Review of Sgt. Bilko (1996) by Spencer S — 24 May 2011

Remember those secret little comedy gems Steve Martin made in the 80's and 90's that no one ever saw but were amazing? Yeah, this isn't one of them. Sgt. Bilko is not a character anyone can empathize with.

He's dishonest, depraved, and virtually unkind. The movie explains that though he has all these faults, he boosts his platoon's morale. Since when did morale building have to include being mean spirited and rude to all hardworking soldiers and make fun of everything America was built on? Martin himself is unlikable, as he stands up his bride at the altar more than once, fixes boxing matches, runs lotteries, and charges everyone for basic necessities, including towels.

Even Hartman is stuck in a role where he's supposed to be a villain who is only trying to do his job, unlike Bilko. Out for revenge for the last time Bilko basically got away with murder, Hartman's character sabotages the sergeant by being crooked.

So the moral of the story is that you can do what you please, and if it makes everyone somewhat happy you can get away with it? Just plain blah.