Starship Troopers
Starship Troopers

Starship Troopers

1997Movie129 minEnglish

Set in the future, the story follows a young soldier named Johnny Rico and his exploits in the Mobile Infantry. Rico's military career progresses from recruit to non-commissioned officer and finally to officer against the backdrop of an interstellar war between mankind and an arachnoid species known as "the Bugs."

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Insights

IMDb7.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes66%
Metacritic59/100
Google Users79%
Director: Paul VerhoevenGenres: Action, Sci-Fi, War

Plot Summary

In the 24th century, humanity is at war with giant alien insects known as Arachnids. A young soldier named Johnny Rico, along with his friends, joins the Mobile Infantry to fight the alien threat. The film follows their journey through brutal boot camps and harrowing battles, exploring themes of patriotism, fascism, and the dehumanizing nature of war.

Critical Reception

Starship Troopers was met with mixed reviews upon its release, with many critics divided on its blend of graphic violence, satirical commentary, and over-the-top action. While some praised its tongue-in-cheek approach and underlying critique of militarism and fascism, others found it to be a shallow and excessively violent sci-fi flick. Over time, its reputation has grown, and it is now often regarded as a cult classic and a clever satire.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its clever satirical commentary on fascism and militarism.
  • Noted for its over-the-top action sequences and graphic violence.
  • Criticized by some for its perceived shallowness and juvenile tone, despite the underlying satire.

Google audience: Audiences generally appreciate the film's over-the-top action and special effects, often finding it to be entertaining and a fun, albeit violent, sci-fi ride. Some viewers recognize and enjoy the satirical elements, while others focus primarily on the entertainment value of the bug-killing spectacle.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for one Academy Award for Best Visual Effects.

Fun Fact

The distinctive 'snap' sound of the bugs' legs was created by recording the sound of a person stepping on a pile of potato chips.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

7 reviews
daniel_carr

daniel_carr

I didn't think this was too bad, had a good story and decent effects. The acting was B grade for sure but because the plot had a surprise and held together quite nicely I enjoyed it. The character depth was done nicely as well so overall no...
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

You know, were this film maybe twenty minutes shorter then it would be quite a decent sci-fi action film. Sure, the cast is made up of pretty/handsome lightweight acting talent led by Casper Van Dien ("Rico”) but they do all gel quite well,...
drystyx

drystyx

Almost a classic. Maybe it is a classic. Another semi classic or classic by Verhoeven. The "in your face" action is set to science fiction, this time with soldiers battling giant bugs from space. These are big bugs. I mean BIG BUGS! ...
misubisu

misubisu

I remember when I watched this movie at the theatre in 1997. It was unlike any movie I had ever seen... dismemberment, blood & guts all over the place. But it was all in context. Verhoeven really had a way with deceptively smart satire an...
Kamurai

Kamurai

Good watch, will watch again, and can recommend, possible for a Bad Movie Night. I'll start by saying the movie definitely isn't good, it's infamous for being a bad movie that people still love. Granted it was 1997, but the cg effects w...
Zamomin

Zamomin

##No time for regrets in the fury of battle Again and again there are undertones in this movie that show us that the situation is not as simple as the leaders of the world portrayed in the film might want their underlings to believe. A rep...
Gimly

Gimly

A rare example of when a bad adaptation of a book winds up making a good standalone movie. Near Kubrick-ian in its wartime satire, _Starship Troopers_ is, before it is anything else, fun. _Final rating:★★★★ - Very strong appeal. A person...