Casper Van Dien returns to the Starship Troopers franchise in ‘Starship Troopers 3: Marauder’, not that he’s been up to much in the 11 years since mind. Casper joins fellow trooper ranks Jolene Blalock, Stephen Hogan, Boris Kodjoe and Amanda Donohoe.
Paul Verhoeven’s original ‘Starship Troopers’ was an over-the-top crazy sci-fi action movie with it’s tongue firmly lodged in it’s cheek, but it was an enjoyable riot! Part 2 sadly feel well below par and so I’m sure many felt this follow-up would be as unecessary as the ninth season of Friends. But the bugs are back and so is the irreverent entertainment.
Planet P hero, Johnny Rico (Van Dien) returns to lead a team of Troopers on a rescue mission to save everyone’s favourite psychic Sky Marshall Omar Anoke. Anoke has gained celebrity status with the military and the citizens alike and along with Captain Lola Beck (played by the ‘hotter in every movie’ Jolene Blalock) is trapped on a planet overun with more of those pesky bugs.
Much like the original, ‘Marauder’ returns to the field of ‘don’t take it so seriously’. It’s filled with parody and political and social satire. And continues it’s hilarious run of satirical newsreel and sign-up commercials.
OVERALL SUMMARY
‘Starship Troopers 3’ is a welcome return to what made the original so cult-like. And in spite of a restrictive budget this time around most of the effects and action scenes are pretty enjoyable and don’t look too tacky. All it needed for maybe a little more punch was a cameo or return for Neil Patrick Harris. But there is some decent nudity so all’s good. ‘It’s a good day to die!’
