STARSHIP TROOPERS

SYNOPSIS:
In the distant future, high school graduates are figuring out what to do with their lives. Johnny Rico (Casper Van Dien), has decided to join the military, much to his parents dismay. He claims he's doing this to become a "citizen" (a protector of the regular "civilians"), but his parents know he's really doing it to follow Carmen Ibanez (Denise Richards), his girlfriend who's joined the Fleet Academy to become a starship pilot. Unlike Carmen or another classmate, Carl Jenkins (Neil Patrick Harris), Johnny doesn't have the grades to be an officer. Thus he joins the Mobile Infantry, along with another classmate, Dizzy Flores (Dina Meyer), who's always been romantically attracted to him. They go through rigorous basic training where they meet other cadets such as Ace Levy (Jake Busey), but during this time Johnny and Carmen's relationship begins to weaken, particularly after she's partnered with a fellow officer, Zander Barcalow (Patrick Muldoon). Discovering this, Johnny's about to drop out when war is declared. Aliens on Klendathu, giant insects, have launched an attack on earth, starting with Buenos Aries, intent on destroying all human life. The young soldiers head off for Klendathu, to battle the huge insects, led by their former teacher and seasoned soldier, Jean Rasczak (Michael Ironside). Soon, however, the soldiers discover that they're in over their heads and the insects massacre their landing team. As casualties continue to mount, the young men and women must do what they can to conquer the dangerous insects. And the hearts of their choice.

"Definitely not for the squeemish or faint hearted, Starship Troopers is a bold futuristic war movie with jaw-dropping effects. Paul Verhoeven’s ambitious sci-fi is a mixture of parody, satire and comic book, featuring graphically violent and shocking images of dismembered body parts, decapitation and more. Digital technology is now able to show the pulsating, salivating bug monsters in full: these bugs are based on a combination of real insects, using jaws from one species, legs from another, accurately portraying minute details gleaned from micro photography. In the major battle scenes, hundreds of computer generated creatures are interacting with live action, resulting in scenes that are truly awesome. But at the heart of this roller coaster ride of big explosions and space battles, lies a human story which engages and entertains. The ensemble casting is headed by lesser known actors who appropriately fit into the ‘beautiful people’ scenario - Casper van Dien, with his obscenely handsome features and clear green eyes, Dina Meyer as the oomphy Dizzy and Denise Richards of the cosmetic smile. Michael Ironside is a stand out as the sardonic former teacher and leader Jean Rasczak. Basil Poledouris’ strident music with full orchestral score and plenty of brass sharpens the senses with its military precision and dramatic pathos. Confident, stylised and brash, Starship Troopers will amaze, astound, appall, startle, shock, repulse, but above, all entertain."
Louise Keller