DVD REVIEW
Starship Troopers 2: Hero of the Federation
Director: Phil Tippettt
Cast: Bill Brown, Richard Burgi, Kelly Carlson, Cy
Carter, Tim Conlon, Sandrine Holt, Robby C. King
Classification: R
Running Time: 91 min
Discs: 1
Reviewed by: Jeremy Abbott
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So what's it all about?
In the sequel to the 1997 hit “Starship Troopers”, a group of soldiers
are cut off from their main company and retreat to an abandoned fort.
Stranded and surrounded by thousands of bugs, they await their rescue pick
up.
The bugs, however, have found a new way of beating humans – by
implanting them with “Invasion of the Body Snatchers” type bugs.
One-by-one the troopers are infected and soon they are fighting each
other.
Is it any good?
Troopers 2 attempts to be a less glamorous, darker, sequel. Most of
the film takes place in the confines of the fort, creating a sense of
claustrophobia, and lighting is much more subdued than in the first. The
“Body Snatcher” routine is nothing new, but still builds a feeling of
tension as, one by one, the troopers are turned.
The decorated war hero (Dax), sickened by war and disillusioned with
his government, is also old hat. (Incidentally, this Dax is based on the
character Colonel Dax, in Stanley Kubrick’s Paths of Glory). What makes it
so entertaining, however, is how Dax is misrepresented in over-the-top
government propaganda campaigns.
The bug special effects don’t appear as good as the first, but there
are some great effects, notably the wall of sand cascading over the
fortress. Gore there is aplenty, with countless bugs being blown away, but
the most graphic are the decapitation and suicide scenes.
If you liked the first Starship Troopers and enjoy shoot ‘em up
sci-fi, you’ll probably enjoy this one too.
Score: 2/5
How about those special features?
Troopers 2 has various language and subtitle options, including an
English subtitle commentary. There’s also the option of a voice over
commentary with the director, producer and writer.
There’s one featurette “Green Screen to Silverscreen” narrated by the
Special Effects Supervisor, which isn’t particularly interesting, and
describes the effects using the bugs, scale models and the wall of sand.
Finally there’s a selection of trailers of forthcoming attractions.
Score: 2/5
Best part:
The bit where the bug gets blown up in the microwave.
Best quote:
“I’ll see you hang”. “Make sure it's regulation rope”
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