”Whatsamatter? Do you want to live forever?” Sergeant

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As a BIG fan of Rio Bravo and its remake Assault on Precinct 13 - two movies that share the theme of heroism under dire conditions - as well as the original Starship Troopers I had to see the sequel Starship Troopers 2 which held up very well when compared to the three classic films it derives from. Gone are all the characters from the original film; remaining is The Federation and the BUGS!

This 2004 direct-to-video release deserves a wider audience as it has the same wry viewpoint as the original film, which examines the way that the government through the media controls the individual. The film concerns an antihero as big as any Clint Eastwood has ever essayed: Captain Dax (Richard Burgi), a murderer and yet the finest soldier in the federation; a man who lays down his life for his fellow soldiers and becomes A Hero of the Federation he despises.

I'm not going to lie to you; this film is as full of clichés as it can get, but it doesn't apologize, it just entertains the heck out of you if you give it a chance.

We join the Mobile Infantry in a life and death battle with the bugs on an alien planet. Before being completely annihilated by the numerically superior and mean-as-hell bugs, a small group manages to retreat to a deserted outpost on the unfriendly planet. While trying to get the building secured, they come upon Captain Dax who is locked inside the incinerator, which is, fortunately for him, off.

Dax was going to be court martialed for murdering the outpost commander but the bugs came through and killed the entire contingent except for him. Some stragglers come in, including a general played by the always-welcome Ed Lauter. The general is a down to earth type and realizes that Dax is better off helping them stand off the bugs rather than cooling his heels in the makeshift jail cell. True to the general's belief, Dax proves to be the catalyst that brings the troopers together and allows them to refortify the ruined outpost, and just in the nick of time, as the bugs arrive right on cue. I found it humorous that they had what amounted to an overgrown bug-zapper surrounding the fort, powered by a nuclear reactor. Any time a bug comes between two of the towers - ZZZ-ZZAP!!

The troopers get the defenses repaired and just when you breathe a sigh of relief, we are introduced to the enemy within. It seems the bugs have discovered a way to take over humans and use them to destroy each other. The rest of the film plays out the theme of who is going to get it next, similar to John Carpenter's The Thing, Alien, and about a half a million slasher flicks.

While the first film showed a macro view of how the Federation worked, this film shows the micro view of the workings of an isolated team of individuals while the ending shows how the Federation uses their predicament as propaganda to entice new recruits into the Mobile Infantry.

Directed by special effects wizard Phil Tippett in his directorial debut, Starship Troopers 2 is a fun thrill ride that deserves a wider audience. While it is an ensemble cast, meant to represent a typical Mobile Infantry unit, there are a few standout performances. James Lauter adds his welcome, genial yet sturdy General Shepherd. Richard Burgi brings charisma to Captain Dax, who receives the lion’s share of screen time while Colleen Porch evokes a gutsy and psychic Private Sahara. As in the original film, special effects are beyond reproach with terrifying bugs trying to eat the troopers alive.

The Columbia Tristar DVD is presented in 1.85:1 widescreen format, has several language and subtitle choices and fairly comprehensive extras, including a full-length commentary, a making-of documentary and other worthwhile stuff to peruse.

If you ignore the critics and watch it for yourself, I think you’ll agree.


Recommended:
Yes

Viewing Format: DVD
Video Occasion: Fit for Friday Evening