Steven Helmer Publications

My wife and I both love the film Wrong Turn but it had been quite a while since we last saw it. So, when I came across the film on Amazon Prime last night, it was an easy decision to watch it again. Here are some of the thoughts I had while re-watching the film: I think one of the reasons why I like this film is it is one of the few that doesn't bore the audience with pointless exposition and character backstories. There are bits and pieces revealed. Jessie (Eliza Dushku) recently broke up with her boyfriend, Chris (Desmond Harrington) is a medical student while Carly (Emmanuelle Chriqui) and Scott (Jeremy Sisto) are recently engaged, but unlike with many other movies, we aren't subjected to seeing them pack their bags, stop at a store for supplies, etc. The movie also makes good use of jump scares. Some movies overuse that tactic to the point you pretty much expect it. This film manages to have some of those scares coming out of nowhere, keeping you on the edge of your seat ...

My wife decided to do some work in her sewing studio yesterday evening and since a trip to Noodles & Company meant I didn't need to make dinner, I found myself watching some reruns of Psych while waiting for her to get home. The show, as always, was entertaining, even though I've seen every episode multiple times and know who the killer is ahead of time. However, as I watched, I realized there were some things that were left unanswered by the series and the three (so far) movies that followed. Here are six of those unanswered questions: Why did Shawn ( James Roday Rodriguez ) pretend to be a psychic in the first place? OK, in addition to it being the whole premise of the show, the series did sort of answer this question in the pilot. What I mean by this though is, of all the explanations he could have given to avoid being arrested by Carlton Lassiter ( Timothy Omundson ), why choose that one? It seems like explaining he had a heightened sense of observation that had been h...

Synopsis: Rick Todd is a struggling artist who lives with his friend, Eugene Fullstack, an aspiring children's book writer who can't keep a job because of his obsession with comic books. Eugene is especially a fan of Bat Lady, which he later learns are written by his neighbor, Abigail Parker and inspired by her friend, Bessie. When a recently fired Abigail grows tired of the demand for violence, she recruits a willing Eugene in her efforts to speak out against the industry. What they don't know is Rick has been publishing comics based on a character from Eugene's nightmares, something that catches the attention of spies interested in a secret formula described in those stories. Who's in it? The movie stars Dean Martin, Jerry Lewis, Shirley MacLaine, Dorothy Malone and Eddie Mayehoff. Review: I have had Artists and Models in my movie library for several months but have been reluctant to watch it because I've honestly never been a bit Jerry Lewis fan. However...

Synopsis: After solving a series of murders while on a European vacation, Nick and Audrey Spitz attempt to start their own private detective agency only to have it struggle and put a strain on their marriage. When their wealthy friend, the Maharajah Vikram, invites them to his wedding on a private island, they see it as an opportunity to take a much-needed break. However, when Vik is kidnapped and his bodyguard, Lou, is murdered during the ceremony they find themselves in the middle of another investigation while also avoiding authorities because they are being framed. Who's in it? The movie stars Adam Sandler , Jennifer Aniston , Mark Strong, Mélanie Laurent and Adeel Akhtar. Review: Even though I enjoyed Murder Mystery much more than expected, I just never seemed to get around to watching Murder Mystery 2. I finally decided to correct that today and it turned out to be a good decision. The plot, first and foremost, was a solid mystery. The person who kidnapped Vik (...

Synopsis: Batman and Batgirl are at odds when the ambitious nephew of a powerful mob boss takes interest in her and Batman fears it will put his partner in an unnecessary amount of danger. Later, Batman's nemesis, the Joker, escapes Arkham Asylum and kidnaps Commissioner Gordon forcing the masked vigilante to track down his friend and possibly fight in a duel to the death with the insane clown. Who's in it? The animated movie uses voices from Mark Hamill , Kevin Conroy, Ray Wise , Tara Strong and John DiMaggio. Review: I took the afternoon off today and while having lunch, looked for something to watch. I have not seen any of the Batman animated movies, other than some of the crossovers with Scooby Doo and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles so, since Batman: The Killing Joke was available, I figured I'd give it a try. It turned out not to be at all what I was expecting, and I mean that in a good way. I had heard this and other Batman animated films described as "a...

Synopsis: Known as one of history's most influential philosophers, Plato's writings have been a cornerstone of Western governments and culture, including his  Republic, which had an influence on the United States' government. This non-fiction book explores Plato's relationship with two Syracuse monarchs, both named Dionysius, and how that relationship (and imprisonment) shaped his best-known work while also help bring down the monarchy. Review: When I came across Plato and the Tyrant at my library, I was intrigued. I knew of the philosopher and his influence on modern literature and governments but didn't know a whole lot about the relationship that helped influence his influential masterpiece. After reading the book, I was not disappointed. I think the thing that caught my attention most was the father/son duo of Dionysius the Elder and Dionysius the Younger and how that dynasty came into power as a monarchy when the rest of Ancient Greece was practicing some for...