In 1959, novelist, Robert A. Heinlein published a sci-novel titled, “Starship Troopers.” Set in the future, Johnny Rico enlists in the military as a space marine enduring intense training to partaking in a war between humans and bug aliens. The novel earned huge praise for its themes on militarism and reflection of the Cold War. The book remains as a huge influence in different media including the “Halo” series, “Gundam” & “Aliens.”
32 Years Later, Sony acquired film rights to produce a film adaption of Starship Troopers. Due to budgetary constraints, pre-production was slow because of the novel’s creatures and complex political themes. Paul Verhoeven (RoboCop, Total Recall, Basic Instinct) was recruited as the only director. He read the book and disliked it. Claims it’s boring and oppressive. Paul went with a jingoistic satirical take persuading the producers as an inverted take on the source material. Sony approved his artistic vision. Casper Van Dien, Denise Richards, Dina Meyer, Jake Busey & Michael Ironside were casted in as the main leads.
Released in 1997, (same year Men in Black came out) the film received negative reactions from critics and fans of the novel alike. Adding insult to injury, it was a commercial failure. Overtime, Starship Troopers gained a cult following for its satirical themes, production value and over-the-top action. The film spawned a franchise such as comics, video games, merchandise and I’m totally not making this up, a Saturday morning cartoon aimed for kids. Four sequels didn’t live up to the first film. They belong in the sewage. A remake is currently in development with Neill Blomkamp (District 9, Elysium) set to write and direct.
One more thing, most of the cast from the original film will attend Fan Expo Dallas 2026 on September 11-13. Which is Friday-Sunday. I’m not actually taking a pic with a specific cast member. My picks are Nicolas Cage, Charlie Sheen, Elijah Wood & Sean Astin.
Today’s review contains no SPOILERS. I’m giving you a chance to see this ‘90s classic.
Victory & Defeat Aspects
Victory: Casper Van Dien, Denise Richards, Dina Meyer, Jake Busey, Michael Ironside, (Sam Fisher from Splinter Cell) Clancy Brown (Mr. Krabs) & Neil Patrick Harris all did a fantastic job for their respective performances.
Paul Verhoeven did a terrific job directing. He also stated Starship Troopers is his best work.
Edward Neumeier wrote the script.
Action Sequences are visceral and gory at the same time. Not for the faint of heart.
Funny Moments has elements of dark humor.
Basil Poledouris (Conan the Barbarian, RoboCop, The Hunt for Red October) orchestrated the soundtrack.
Practical Effects still hold up.
Costume Designs look authentic.
Solid Production Value.
Cinematography‘s shot in stable condition.
Pacing didn’t feel like a drab. First Half builds up getting to know the characters, lore and intense training. Second Half gets good.
Rico’s chemistry with his soldiers serve as the main highlight.
If you’re a fan of “Breaking Bad,” Dean Norris plays a commanding officer. He was also in “Total Recall” as a mutated one-eyed man.
Primary Themes are a satirical take on Propaganda, Media, Fascism, Militarism, Nationalism & Patriotism.
If you own a DVD/Blu-Ray copy, Mr. Verhoeven provides audio commentary talking about making the film.
Random Thoughts
- My first exposure to Starship Troopers was that one episode from “Futurama,” “War is the H-Word.” When Fry & Bender enlist in Zap Brannigan’s army to fight ball spiders. Gotta give Futurama credit.
- I never read the novel. I only saw the film.
Fun Fact: Famous people mentioned Starship Troopers as one of their favorite films.
- Edgar Wright
- Takashi Miike
- Ari Aster
- James Wan
- Quentin Tarantino
- Robert Rodriguez
- Coen Brothers
- Martin Scorsese
- Oliver Stone
- Angry Joe/ Joe Vargas
Defeat: Visual Effects of the bug aliens didn’t aged well. It was the late ‘90s. CGI was in its infancy.
The Final Verdict: A-
This may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but I thought Starship Troopers still holds up. Coming from a movie goer who hasn’t read the novel. A darn shame this never got a proper sequel with Paul Verhoeven as director. I doubt a remake will be as good as the original. If you wanna experience the film’s similar themes, check out “Helldivers 2.” If you haven’t seen Starship Troopers, it’s definitely worth your spare time.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 