Starship Troopers 1997. Would You like to Know More?

There is nothing better than watching a film you know very little about, and it turns out to be really enjoyable. That happened to me when I watched Starship Troopers for the first time. It’s even better when you watch the film twenty years later, and it has stood the test of time. The film was nominated for an Oscar for best effects and visual effects by legendary artist, Phil Tippett. I hadn’t planned on doing a review for this film, but It was on television yesterday, and I decided to watch it again. Starship Soldier, as it was first called, was first released as a story for Fantasy and Science Fiction Magazine, 1959, and was written by Robert A. Heinlein.

I love the simplicity of this story and how it flows so effortlessly. Starship Troopers is set in the 23rd Century, and follows the heroics of Johnny Rico Casper Van Dein and his comrades, as they fight an interstellar war to save Earth from an alien race known as the Arachnids. I love how ridiculous this movie is, and more surprised it actually works. Johnny Rico is the protagonist of the film, who has the good features, rich parents and a beautiful girlfriend, Carmen Ibanez Denise Richards . Later he is dumped, but he also becomes the Lieutenant of the entire Federation. However, his ex-girlfriend also becomes an important starship pilot, and gives value to the cause. Along for the fight, is Carl Jenkins, Neil Patrick Harris, who is Johnny’s best friend. He is also the brains of the bunch, and uses mind control to manipulate both Rico and Carmen, to lead them to victory. The three main characters cast in this film really worked for me, and I enjoyed each performance immensely.  

the movie is directed by Paul Verhoeven, and written by Edward Neumeier. Starship Troopers brings the same style, philosophies and attitudes they used to create Robocop, 1987. I would easily say, they have both created another science fiction masterpiece. I love the Federal propaganda broadcasts used within the film, and scarily enough, they seem to be closer to reality everyday. The aliens themselves were perfect in their execution, so to speak. The battle scenes are epic, as you watch the soldiers getting brutally killed, and flung about like rag-dolls. The spaceships battle scenes are really well crafted, and feel intense.

I can appreciate how this movie is a stark reminder of the stupidity of war. Yes, I can see how you would want the people of Earth to win the final battle. But, who started it and where will it end? Yes, the bugs are ugly on the outside, but ugliness can come from inside as well. I’m not here to preach, but I know what it is saying, and I am glad I can see the flaws that humanity brings to this movie. Alternatively, it’s also funny, grotesque and unique in a way that will let you forget about everyday life for a while. It is just a classic, and I will end it there. 

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