Julien Neaves, Sci Fi Head Writer
In the first two parts of my Starship Troopers “Would You Like to Know More” series I reviewed the original 1988 anime and the cult classic 1997 live action film. For the third and final entry I will be reviewing the four sequels to the 1997 version. And that “four” is not a typo; I am as surprised as you are that there were so many.
I suspect most of you reading this have not seen these films so I will be keeping it light on the spoilers. With that caveat, let’s suit up and go rank some Starship Trooper sequels, you apes!
#4 Starship Troopers 2: Hero of the Federation (2004)
Plot: In an unnamed world a squad of soldiers take cover from Arachnids in an abandoned structure only to find out they’ve been infiltrated by bugs that can take over humans.
Review: If this didn’t have the Starship Troopers name it would have been a serviceable Sci Fi B-movie. As it is, the first sequel is easily the worst of the franchise. The visual effects look cheap, there is very little action and there is no direct connection to the previous film (actress Brenda Strong returns, but she plays a different character). On the positive side, Richard Burgi (The Sentinel) makes for a decent lead as Captain V.J. Dax and the gory practical effects are fun. But if you are looking for a lot of sweet bug-killing action and a story with some depth you are better off looking elsewhere.
#3 Starship Troopers 3: Marauder (2008)
Plot: Colonel Johnny Rico, his old friend General Dix Hauser and Captain Lola Beck uncover a conspiracy involving a powerful new bug.
Review: The second sequel is an improvement over Hero of the Federation but is by no means a good film. Casper Van Dien resumes his role as Johnny Rico but sadly he is barely in the film. Instead, we are stuck with Boris Kodjoe as boring and unlikeable General Dix Hauser and Star Trek’s Jolene Blalock sleepwalking through her role as Captain Lola Beck. There is a nude scene that tries to call back to the shower scene from the original, but it is hokey and stupid. The pacing here is terrible and there is very little action to be had. There is also an odd religious plot that doesn’t really work and grating side characters. But it is cool seeing Rico again, there are interesting new bug designs, and the news reels help to flesh out the world of the Federation a bit more.
#2 Starship Troopers: Traitor of Mars (2017)
Plot: Colonel Johnny Rico and a squad of new troopers fight off an invasion of Arachnids on Mars.
Review: The best Starship Troopers sequels are easily the two animated versions, and the fourth film is a decent enough watch. Both Casper Van Dien and Dina Meyer return to voice their roles as Rico (sporting an eye patch since the previous film) and Dizzy Flores respectively (yes, Dizzy died in the first film; I won’t spoil how she returns) which I appreciated and enjoyed. And the characters of Carmen Ibanez and psychic Carl Jenkins from the first film are also here, though voiced by different actions. The visuals are cool, there is some good action on offer and the story is okay. It’s not the best of the sequels, but it is worth checking out.
Honourable Mention – Roughnecks: Starship Troopers Chronicles (1999)
Plot: The squad of Razak’s Roughnecks battle the Bugs across the galaxy.
Review: It would be remiss of me not to mention the one-season Starship Troopers animated series which was executive produced by Paul Verhoeven and combined elements of his 1997 film and Robert Heinlein’s 1959 novel like the powered armour suits and drop pods. This is an entertaining show with lots and lots of bug killing action, though significantly tempered for its teen audience. The series also presents a variety of new Bugs and locations that expand upon the lore. The only negatives are the character animations, which look very plastic and uncanny valley, and their characterisations of Rico and Dizzy (he is blander, and she is immature and a bit annoying). But otherwise, a cool show that is worth checking out for fans of the franchise.
#1 Starship Troopers: Invasion (2012)
Plot: Captain Carmen Ibanez and a squad of troopers battle bugs aboard the starship John A. Warden.
Review: This is it folks. This is easily the best Starship Troopers sequel and just an awesome animated Sci Fi action film. Original film characters Rico, Carmen and Carl are here and are all utilised well. The new characters, including an expert female sniper and a religious trooper covered in tattoos, are interesting and worth rooting for. The animation is gorgeous, the tone is tense and thrilling, and the action sequences and so well done they are mind-blowing! The only downside is that the nudity is so gratuitous as to be ridiculous, but it’s minor nitpick. If you like Starship Troopers, then Invasion is a must-see film.
Have you seen any of the Starship Troopers sequels? What did you think of them? And you can enlist for more sci fi action reviews below:
Julien “Editor Jules” Neaves is a TARDIS-flying, Force-using Trekkie whose bedroom stories were by the Cryptkeeper, learned to be a superhero from Marvel, but dreams of being Batman. I love promoting Caribbean film (Cariwood), creating board games and I am an aspiring author. I say things like “13 flavours of awesome sauce”.