CRACKER? Starship Troopers 2: Hero of the Federation (2004)

                “Starship Troopers:  Hero of the Federation” is the sequel to the classic Paul Verhoeven film.  Although Verhoeven had nothing to do with this movie, it was written by the same screenwriter, Edward Neumeier.  He went on to write and direct “Starship Troopers 3”.  The director of this film was Phil Tippett.  Tippett is a visual effects wizard who was responsible for the remarkable effects in the first film.  He was nominated for an Oscar for that movie.  He basically directed the battle scenes.  ST2 was his first attempt at directing and he might want to stick to effects.  He spent about $7 million on it and that was about one twentieth what Verhoeven spent on the original.  ST2 was shot in just 26 days.  It premiered on the Encore Action network and then went to DVD.

                The movie opens with a recruiting commercial to hearken back to the original.  I’m not sure that was a wise reminder.  However, this will be the last taste of the satirical bent of the earlier film.  ST3 is set after the war portrayed in the first.  The Federation is taking the war to the Arachnids, but this particular mission is SNAFU.  The invasion of a bug planet is not going well and a unit is surrounded on a hill.  General Shepherd (Ed Lauter) stays behind to hold off the hordes while the remnants of his command withdraws to an outpost.  The outpost looks like a haunted lighthouse straight out of Scooby Doo.  The members of this “lost command” are heterogeneous and include some female soldiers.  They are led by a psychic Lt. Pavlov Dill (Lawrence Monoson) whose personality matches his name.  He is shaky as a commander and something of a dick.  Fortunately for the survivability, the outpost houses a jailed war hero named Dax (Richard Burgi).  (The original idea for the movie was to have Sgt. Zim in this role, but Clancy Brown was not available.  Shame.)  Dax is the kind of malcontent that you want around if you are surrounded by marauding Indians at a stage coach station.  He assumes command and saves the day, at least for now.  Soon after the first onslaught, the General arrives having survived his suicidal rearguard action.  What?  This seems a bit fishy, or buggy in this case.  The outpost has a force field around it which allows for exposition and character development.  This is exactly what we do not want with our cheesy combat porn.  Speaking of which, if you are expecting the same level of mayhem as in the first film, you are naïve and disappointable.  ST2 plays more like a horror movie set in a haunted house.  It has shades of much better sci-fi movie from the aliens-take-over-our-bodies subgenre.  This means the exterior scenes concentrate on squashing the bugs with firepower and the interior scenes are aimed at claustrophobic dysfunctionality of “The Thing” ilk.  Both themes add up to your basic “who will survive?” scenario.

                ST2 had only one option to be memorable which was to embrace the campy nature of the first and just balls it up.  Ladle the molten cheese so thick that the audience would forget the inherent suckitude of the effort.  There is terrible and there is terrible with a flair.  This movie has no flair.  The acting is horrible, but just like everything else in the movie, not entertainingly horrible.  The dialogue is as cheesy as the acting.  “Come on, you apes.  Ya wanna live forever?” Surprisingly, the movie does not even try to top the combat of the original.  In the seven years between the Federation’s victory and this expansionist move the Arachnids have not evolved like virtually every other sequel monster.  These bugs are decidedly less bad-ass.  We must have crushed their morale.  To make up for the reduction of kickassery, Tippett has upped the ick factor.  If you like having your tummy turned, this is the movie for you.  Like most cheap horror movies.

GRADE  =  F

AVATAR (6) vs. STARSHIP TROOPERS (11)

VS.

PLOT - On the planet Pandora, humans (whites) are exploiting the planets resources at the expense of the natives (Indians). The scientists (liberals) have invented avatars which allow humans to make contact with the natives as natives. This causes the main character, a soldier, to develop empathy for the "enemy" and he goes native. Unfortunately for him, he has apparently picked the wrong side as the evil corporation's security force (the U.S. Army during the Indian Wars) is sent to wipe out the primitives. As you can see, the plot blends futuristic elements with a 1960s take on the conquest of the West. In spite of the heavy-handed preaching, the plot is entertaining and fulfilling. GRADE = B
"Starship Troopers" is based on the acclaimed Robert Heinlein novel. it is set on a future Earth which is a fascist state. A trio of teenage friends join the military and are engulfed in a conflict against primitive aliens called "Arachnids" or "Bugs". The Bugs retaliate against Earth colonizing efforts on their turf and war breaks out. The Mobile Infantry is tasked with taking the fight to the Bug planet. The movie follows two main character arcs: Rico is in the infantry and his girlfriend Carmen is a spaceship pilot in the fleet. There is a love quadrangle. The movie is interspersed with newsreel-like footage to emphasize the satirical theme of the movie. However, this theme is overwhelmed by the kick-ass battle scenes. The plot includes several war movie tropes, but it does not take itself seriously and is entertaining for the audience it was aimed at – males who don’t want to be intellectually challenged. GRADE = B

STRATEGY AND TACTICS - Considering the Na'vi are representing Native Americans (or any native people being exploited by a colonial power), there is a surprising lack of guerrilla tactics. They simply react to the RDA attacks. The strategy of the company is to feign interest in negotiating with the natives, but provoke an excuse to conquer. Pretty standard strategy for 19^th Century powers. The tactics the RDA use exemplify the overconfidence and scorn of the civilized army. Their assault omits surprise and is purely frontal relying on superior firepower. There is no attempt at flanking. Psychological warfare comes into play with the pre-emptive attack on the Tree of Souls. GRADE = C

ST follows your standard sci-fi war movie strategy protocol. The superior aliens can only be defeated by decapitating their "brain". In this case, the Arachnids actually have a "brain bug" that the Mobile Infantry are sent to capture. The Bugs use wave tactics. The Mobile Infantry respond similar to the way the American army responded to Chinese human wave attacks in Korea. The infantry offensive tactics are realistic, especially if you consider the Mobile Infantry to be the futuristic equivalent of the Marines. Both invasions are frontal affairs with little finesse or respect for the enemy. The enemy adjusts its tactics, but the Earthlings don't. For example, during the first invasion of the Bug Planet, the fleet is surprised by the enemy's sudden ability to bombard the fleet with plasma bursts. Incredibly, the exact same destruction occurs in the third invasion! The Mobile Infantry appear to have no reserves. There is only use of air support once, although it is very successful. The use of "nukes" is sporadic, even though they are a game-changer. Apparently, what we wanted to see was troopers blasting away at bugs with machine guns. GRADE = C

WEAPONS - The Na'vi use primitive weapons like bows and arrows. They would be totally outmatched without the help of the animal kingdom, especially a dragonesque predator. The RDA are armed with cool exoskeletons called AMP (amplified mobility platforms) equipped with 30 mm cannons. They also come with a three foot long ceramic knife. The standard firearm of their infantry is a machine gun similar to a M60. Some of the soldiers have GS-221 Bases Carbine units. There are a variety of assault aircraft. The RDA have helicopters similar to Black Hawks. They have gunships equipped with chain guns and rockets. The Dragon Assault Ship has every weapon but the kitchen sink. The infantry is assisted by land assault vehicles armed with four rotary autocannons. This is not a fair fight with the RDA having a much greater advantage than the frontier army had over the Indians in the West. Only in Hollywood could the result be reversed. The weaponry designers did a good job of futurizing current technology. GRADE = B

The Arachnids come in several varieties. Their infantry are called Warrior Bugs and are nasty suckers. Hard to kill, they use biting and stabbing as their primary weapons. The Plasma Bugs are the Bug artillery. They fire a plasma beam that can destroy even a large space warship. The Tanker Bugs are the equivalent of tanks. Their weapon is similar to a super flamethrower. The Mobile Infantry are mostly armed with the Morita Assault Rifle. Although this is supposed to be the 23^rd Century, it is not much of an improvement over current assault rifles. It fires a .303 caliber bullet and has a magazine capacity of 75. It needs it because it takes a lot of bullets to bring down one Warrior. Part of the reason is the inaccuracy of the weapon. Lacking sights, it is fired mainly from the hip. Some come with an effective shotgun add-on. No significant improvements are made to the weapon in the course of the war, even though it is not efficient in combat. The best weapon against the Bugs is the Tactical Oxygen Nuke. These nukes are low yield and give off no radiation. They can be fired from a bazooka-like launcher or tossed like a grenade. Although proven to be the best solution to the swarms of Warriors, they are used only occasionally for cinematic reasons. GRADE = C

SPECIAL EFFECTS - "Avatar" won Oscars for both Cinematography and Visual Effects. Visual Effects must have been a unanimous vote as the film is astonishing. Cameron used cutting-edge technology to create the avatars and the Na'vi. The CGI is seamless. A number of the techniques were used for the first time and the movie was responsible for the revival of 3D movies. GRADE = A+

ST was nominated for the Oscar for Special Effects (losing to "Titanic"). The film uses a combination of miniatures, animatronics, and CGI for the bugs. They are freaking amazing. The movie is more than 20 years old, but still has not been topped for depicting these type of creatures. Other than the Brain Bug, which was kind of lame. The space vehicles are standard Star Wars types. Nothing you haven't seen before. GRADE = A

ANALYSIS: Interestingly, the two movies have similar war plots. In both, Earthlings are attacking a primitive alien species on their own territory. In both cases, the losing side is actually much superior militarily. But then, this is often the case in sci-fi war movies. Neither is interested in the nuances of strategy and tactics, but since "Avatar" is intended to be a commentary on the Indian Wars, it is more realistic for its plot. "Starship Troopers" is not as deep as it tries to be snarky about fascism and militarism. This theme tends to make the military aspects of the film a bit cartoonish. It is a fun movie, if you like combat porn. However, as a war movie, "Avatar" is superior.

AVATAR = 33
STARSHIP = 31

BOOK / MOVIE: Starship Troopers

     “Starship Troopers" is set in the future when planet Earth (called “Terra”) is at war with a planet of badass arachnids from the planet Klendathu. The “Bug War” is the big picture, but the story concentrates on the soldier level. The novel is by Robert Heinlein and was published in 1959. The movie came out in 1997 and was directed by Paul Verhoeven. The book and movie differ greatly. Let’s find out which is better.


       The novel concentrates on one character – Juan Rico. In fact, the story is told in first person by him. It opens with a raid by the Mobile Infantry on a planet allied to the “bugs”. Heinlein’s imagination has conjured up remarkable “power armor” suits which makes these modern grunts really armies of one. They can leap tall buildings, etc. After a brief taste of combat (a foreshadowing of the teasing to come), the book flashes back to enlistment and basic training. A recruiter tries to discourage Rico from enlisting. It seems that being soldier is a privilege, but necessary if you want full political rights.

        Rico’s high school “History and Moral Philosophy” teacher Mr. Dubois (a veteran) channels Heinlein by preaching that only people who have served in the military deserve to be full citizens. He also argues that violence solves problems. In a later chapter, we are updated on how “Terra” got to this state. To simplify, juvenile delinquents were roaming the parks terrorizing society because their parents refused to spank them. The militarization of society was a necessary solution to the chaos. You would swear the book was written in the sixties and Heinlein was ranting at the hippies.  He was a prophet!

      The book traces Rico’s career. He is a survivor and thus rises through the ranks. He participates in a disastrous invasion of Klendathu. Heinlein (thinking of Korea?) opines that “the trouble with lessons from history is that we usually read them best after falling flat on our chins”. He goes to officer training school which gives Heinlein a second opportunity to give his political views in another History and Moral Philosophy class. Only soldiers should vote. The views may be fascist, but they make sense.

      The book concludes with the implementation of a new strategy of getting to the brains of the bug world. Rico is wounded in his last battle and ends the book in the hospital. There is no reason to believe the war is close to ending.

      The book is highly regarded, if controversial. It won the Hugo Award as best science fiction novel. More amazingly, it is on the reading list for Marine officers. It is very pro-military and all the officers are positive role models. As a predictor of future war, it could very well be prescient. The power armor is certainly in the early stages today. It does a good job in the evolution of the warrior Rico. The boot camp and OCS chapters are well done, but there is not much on soldier recreation. Heinlein is stronger on the science part of future war than on the human dimension.

     I enjoyed the numerous references to past history, especially military history. Heinlein throws in references to Carthage, Napoleon, Horatius, the Bonhomme Richard, and Sargon the Great. Even two poems by Kipling – “Danny Deever” and “Gentlemen-Rankers”.

     The book has weaknesses that made it a disappointing read for me. There is shockingly little actual combat and what there is is usually inconclusive. Two of the potential main characters, Rico’s high school friends Carl and Deladier are dropped from the narrative early. The first person narrative leaves us with only Rico as a fleshed out character. The book is also very male. Heinlein’s future does not include women in the infantry (although they make the best pilots). Another flaw is it is hard to know what is happening in the war. He is purposely (?) vague on the big picture.

      The movie opens with a commercial for the army and news about the bug war. (In a bit of unorthodoxy, the movie has no opening credits.) These satirical commercials and news reels will reappear throughout the movie. They harken back to propaganda films of WWII like the “Why We Fight Series”. The commercials strengthen the theme of a fascist society and the news reels give a clearer view of the war than you get in the book. Like the book, the movie thrusts us into battle early, but in this case it is the disastrous invasion of Klendathu (which will be returned to later in the movie). We are quickly immersed in graphic violence well beyond what the book posited. The bugs (malevolent spiders) are awesomely rendered by the CGI. They are not easily killed. This movie expends a lot of bullets.

     We flash back to Rico (hunky Casper Van Dien) and his high school friends and follow their paths into the military. One armed vet Mr. Rasczak (a well-cast Michael Ironsides) effectively emotes the books preachings on violence and the primacy of the military caste in his History and Moral Philosophy class. Several characters briefly mentioned in the book get full billing in the movie and it strengthens the story. This is especially true for the two main females. Carmen (Deladier in the book, portrayed by the acting-challenged Denise Richards) is made Rico’s girlfriend who becomes a pilot and jilts him for another pilot. The love triangle is trite but gives the movie a dimension the book lacks. The other female, Dizzy (Dina Meyer), was a male in the book and died early. In the movie she has a crush on Rico and follows him into the infantry which is coed so Ver Hoeven can have a shower scene (the actors insisted he direct in the nude, which he did). Carl (Neil Patrick Harris) goes into military intelligence.

      The movie jumps back and forth between Carmen and Rico’s training. She is a hot shot pilot trainee and he is part of a heterogeneous group of recruits. The contrast of the pristine pilot atmosphere and the rollicking soldier barracks is cool. The movie does not avoid clichés. For example, Rico and Zander (Patrick Muldoon) meet in a bar and being from different branches and romantic rivals at that, guess what breaks out? Rico wants to wash out after a training accident, but stays on when his home town of Buenos Aires is destroyed. (In the book, his pacifist, disapproving dad survives, enlists, and encounters him later.)

       The rest of the movie is basically battles interspersed with breathing spells. The invasion of Klendathu is spectacularly rendered including the destruction of the fleet from bug flak. Another planet witnesses a Fort Apache type defense of an outpost against a horde of bugs. The action is so intense the grunts have no time to reload. Now the bugs have a flying variety and giant tank-like beetles! Major characters are killed. Later, the fleet gets hit again. It’s scary to realize that in the future our military leaders still don’t learn from their mistakes (close formations do lead to cool collisions, however). Guess what couple survives and crash lands on the bug planet where Rico’s unit is hunting a “brain bug”? It’s a small universe, apparently. Moreso because Carl makes an appearance, too. Insert traditional happy ending.

       The film is popcorn entertainment of an incredibly gory variety. The action is spectacular. The special effects are extraordinary. The bugs do not look fake. The CGI is flawless. The weaknesses include the predictable plot (albeit with some surprise deaths). There are a lot of coincidences. The acting is spotty. Casper Van Dien is surprisingly good and Dina Meyer belts it out. Michael Ironsides dominates his scenes. However, Denise Richards is cardboard.

       Verhoeven claimed he did not finish the book because he was “bored and depressed”. It shows in that the movie differs radically from the book. This includes the overall political theme. Where Heinlein takes a sympathetic view toward a fascist solution to society’s problems, Verhoeven fills the movies with anti-fascist satire. He is pretty heavy-handed with his Nazi style uniforms. We get it, Paul.

        The movie should not be on the Marine Corps watch list. The tactics are unrealistic. There is no recon. There are no flankers even when marching through a canyon. There are frontal assaults against a more numerous enemy. Pre-assault bombardment is too brief. A more acceptable flaw is the movie cannot duplicate the futuristic weaponry and equipment of the book. The budget did not allow for “power armor” so the soldiers are still very much “foot soldiers”. I would think that in the distant future we would be beyond souped-up machine guns firing bullets.

      Which is better? Definitely the movie. It improves on the book which is what you want from a movie based on a book. The book did not have enough action – mission accomplished! The book concentrated too much on one character – mission accomplished. The book is too preachy – mission accomplished. With that said, I will say that the book and movie are a good pairing because if you read the book first you get more background about how Earth got to the way it is and you follow Rico’s career. The movie then fleshes it out and adds action.