Starship Troopers 2: Hero of the Federation
A film review by Joel B. Kirk
SYNOPSIS:
In the sequel to Paul Verhoeven's loved/reviled sci-fi film, a group
of troopers taking refuge in an abandoned outpost after fighting alien
bugs, failing to realize that more danger lays in wait.
MY TAKE:
Loosely based on the 1959 Robert Heinlein book, the first Starship
Troopers film (1997), directed by Paul Verhoven was an interesting
satire on fascism, which from some unfortunate reason substituted
Heinlein's Filipino lead for a Caucasian, and had implausible military
tactics mixed with lavish effects and engaging action sequences.
However, that film made about half of its cost in the U.S.
Three years later, a sequel that is somewhat superior with the
exception of minor flaws premiers on the Showtime cable channel. It
was directed by special effects guru, Phil Tippett, responsible for
effects in such films as: 'Star Wars,' 'Empire Strikes Back,'
'Willow,' 'Dragonslayer,' 'Jurassic Park,' and the original 'Starship
Troopers.'
For his first effort, it's not too bad.
In 'Starship Troopers: Hero of the Federation,' the grunts look like
grunts, more so than the last picture….which was sort of 90210 in
space, with characters looking and acting like they were going to prom
night rather than a deadly war.
Here, the action is contained, with epic scenes from the first film
inserted in the beginning to bring the audience up to date.
'Hero of the Federation' takes the series to another level, mixing in
'The Hidden,' 'Invasion of the Body Snatchers,' 'Aliens,' and 'The
Thing' with the idea of the first film. Unfortunately, too much blood,
and gross-out images may turn off viewers; however, it does have an
interesting story and nice production values not known with
direct-to-DVD/made-for-cable releases.
Richard Burgi (television's 'The Sentinel') is a stand out as
Commander Dax (the 'Hero of the Federation'), questioning the fascist
way of the Federation sending out its troops to die. (His character's
fate is left open for a seemingly possible sequel, which I hope will
happen.)
POSITIVE/NEGATIVE NITPICKS:
Kelly Carlson is a standout as the seductive Pvt. Charlie Soda; a
soldier taken over by bug parasites as is Collen Porch as Pvt. Lei
Sahara, a psychic officer who is somewhat modeled—in looks—after
Denise Richards' Carmen Ibanez from the first film.
Brenda Strong, who starred in the first film as Captain Deladier,
commander of the battleship, Roger Young, returns as an entirely
different character Sgt. Dede Rake.
'Hero of the Federation' was written by Ed Neumeier who wrote the
previous Starship Troopers, as well as Robocop for Paul Verhoven. He
continues the propaganda shown in the first film: news reels
glorifying the war, asking folks 'do you want to know more?'
The effects were great, the story was interesting. Of course, it has
been done; but, what in sci-fi hasn't? Unfortunately, the gore was too
much, and the images stay with you, and detract from the story. Unlike
the first film, where the action was intense, the violence that was
occurring became
The cool music score by Tom W. Morgan and William T. Stromberg stands
in for Basil Poledouris' theme from the first film.
FINAL COMMENTS:
This is somewhat recommended. As was aforementioned several times
above, the images won't bring you back for multiple viewings. However,
I would hope that a superior sequel surfaces and closes up loose-ends
about the war. Maybe we'll see Captain Dax and/or possibly Pvt. Lei
Sahara in the next installment?
It will be good to have Phil Tippet as well as Ed Neumeier return as
well.
MY RATING:
**1/2 out of *****
CAST:
Bill Brown-Pvt. Ottis Brick (as Billy Brown)
Richard Burgi-Captain Dax
Kelly Carlson-Pvt. Charlie Soda
Cy Carter-Pvt. Billie Otter
Tim Conlon-Fleet pilot (as Tim Conlin)
Sandrine Holt-Pvt. Jill Sandee
Robby C. King-Smiling Lieutenant
Ed Lauter-Gen. J. G. Shepherd
J.P. Manoux-T/Sgt. Ari Peck
Lawrence Monoson-Lt. Pavlov Dill
Colleen Porch-Pvt. Lei Sahara
Drew Powell-Pvt. Kipper Tor
Ed Quinn-Pvt. Joe Griff
Jason-Shane Scott-Pvt. Duff Horton
Sebastian Siegel-Smiling lieutenant
Stephen Stanton-Voice of FedNet (voice)
Brenda Strong-Sgt. Dede Rake
Brian Tee-Cpl. Thom Kobe
David Wells-Recruiting sergeant
Jesse Grce-Handsome young trooper (uncredited)
GENRE:
Sci-fi/Action
RUNNING TIME:
91 minutes
YEAR OF RELEASE:
2004 by Columbia Tri-Star
EMAIL:
joelkirk@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
2004 Joel B. Kirk
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X-RAMR-ID: 38204
X-Language: en
X-RT-ReviewID: 1295094
X-RT-TitleID: 1131562
X-RT-AuthorID: 9404
X-RT-RatingText: 2.5/5
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