Starship Troopers II - Hero of the Federation.

Directed by
Phil Tippett

Runtime: Too bloody long!

What do you get when you drop a dozen, gun toting, slap heads into an over sized juice can, in the middle of an alien desert, surrounded by a few thousand minivan sized arachnids?!

Thrown in some lousy acting and a budget supplemented with Canadian Tire money, and yes, you guessed it!!! - Starship Troopers II - Hero of the Federation.

This is the type of film that makes you hate sequels. While I admit, the original, 1997 film directed by Paul Verhoven, had its many flaws ( i.e. Piss poor acting, cardboard characters, and a neo fascist ideology that still inspires me to vote Liberal.) it was good popcorn fun.

It’s misguided little brother can’t even say that.

With respect to the aforementioned fascist ideology (Which was expressed as caution in Heinlein’s 1959 novel and glorified in Verhoeven’s film.) S.T.2 has its only redeeming quality in the character of Capt Dax. Albeit a small one.

Though not a great character, we still mange to feel a little sorry for a man who has seen past the hype of the global propaganda, and revealed the, “Federation Meat Grinder” for what it is.

Cliché yes, but at least a half hearted stab at disillusionment.

Many will check out this film out of perverse curiosity. Or a simple desire to see Kelly Carlson in the buff. Be forewarned light bulbs weren’t included in the Canadian Tire money budget.

Flaccid (Out of five)

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