Customer Reviews
Did Martin really think he could outdo Phil Silvers ? - By: Jay, 23 Dec 2007 
Bilko was built out of the bricks of Phil Silvers, so perhaps no one could have succeeded in redoing this concept. But Steve gives it the good old college try. He does acceptably well in behaving as the character requires, but the reason Bilko's gambling gags, for example, evidently worked so well in the past is that Silvers himself was a DEVOTED, passionate gambler. That patented expression of glee of his was REAL. At least this film reminds us to look up the original.
CLASS - By: , 11 Jun 2001 
Steve Martin takes over from Phil Silvers brilliantly with his performance as Master Sergeant Ernest Bilko. He is the perfect actor to fulfill the roll. He is hilarious & takes off Bilko to a tee. This is a must see film.
Steve Martin As Ernie Bilko. What can top that? Phil Silvers - By: , 01 Feb 2001 
A laugh a minute film. Steve Martin is entirely believable as Ernie Bilko, a scheming lying, cheating, conniving, sly Sargeant in the US Army.
Martin takes Phil Silvers role as bilko & updates it to take in todays social & economic spectrum & proves that this was the best sitcom of its & any other generation & that its transition into a feature length film was well done.
Well scripted, casted & acted but the reason this only gets four stars is that the role is Phil Silvers's & always will be. A Phil Silvers version would have got 5*s but Martin just doesn't quite make that role his own. He realises he is trying to step into a legends shoes & makes the differences between himself & silvers obvious so he can get away from the comparisons but it was never going to be that easy.
Excellent film alll that was needed was 'Wor Phil'
Very funny, love the "whoaa grand finale" and the salute!!!! - By: , 12 Jan 2001 It's a reallly funny & easy movie to watch, just sit back & laugh!! It's not high-intelligence humor, but plain & simple, designed to make you laugh, even days after you've seen it. A must-see for everybody that enjoys a good laugh.
Poor reproduction of an already poor tv sitcom - By: , 29 Jun 2000 
Well, it does have its funny moments & i agree it has to be a purchased by alll Steve martin die hards like me; but this film is not great, not even good. It lacks a decent story & the actors, who i feel are excellent actors, are wasted & the casting director failed miserably.
