FLUXEUROPA: STARSHIP TROOPERS

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STARSHIP TROOPERS (1997)

Director: Paul Verhoeven

Writing credits: Rogert A Heinlein (novel) and Edward Neumeier

Casper Van Dien, Dina Meyer, Denise Richards, Michael Ironside, Jake Busey, Neil Patrick Harris, Clancy Brown

I was first tempted to see this film by the clips of the phenomenal effects, although I was a bit sceptical after having witnessed the dreadful jingoistic crap, Independence Day. To my relief this is the total opposite. It takes on a satirical view of American patriotism today but set in the future. With its American Forces recruitment video style it invites you to join now and blast the shit out of the evil arachnids. The cast are typical model American teenagers whose only dream is to join up and do their bit for their country/planet.

Three high school buddies go into different sections of the forces but vow to stay friends. It then shows the brutal training the kids are put through so they can face Earth’s enemy. All becomes possible when war breaks out and the aliens destroy half of America. Yes it may all seem quite cheesy but it's constantly made clear that this is the intention and it only enhances the sarcasm.

As far as effects are concerned they're the best I've ever seen. If Starship Troopers had nothing else going for it (which it has), it would’ve been worth it for the effects alone. From the all-out military battle scenes to the sucking of human brains, it’s quite horrific and lip curling.

Starship Troopers deserves to be ranked with the best sci-fi movies. The inclusion of Mazzy Star’s ‘Fade Into You’ certainly helps. Oh and the main character gets wasted half way through!!!

JOHN MARSHALL - 12 March 1998

Starship Troopers ~ DVD ~ Usually ships in 24 hours
Casper Van Dien, Dina Meyer / Keep Case

Starship Troopers ~ VHS ~ Usually ships in 24 hours
Casper Van Dien, Dina Meyer / Widescreen

Starship Troopers ~ VHS ~ Usually ships in 24 hours
Casper Van Dien, Dina Meyer