Ever since I saw the first trailer pitching "Starship Troopers," I've anxiously awaited its arrival. Now that I've seen it, I'm still enthralled in the idea.
While "Starship Troopers" is purportedly about a group of young people that head off to war, it is considerably more than that. First, it is an excellent essay on propaganda, and its effects. The movie is frequently interrupted by "FedNet" broadcasts, in which an authoritative-sounding voice dictates the news, and encourages us to "find out more."
Secondly, it is an interesting commentary on ethnocentrism, and its inherant harms. America has made many tactical mistakes in our military history because we underestimate our opponent, whether that opponent be Hirohito, Castro, or the North Vietnamese. By objectifying the enemy as spider that "might be smart," this film waxes almost poetic on this idea.
Lastly, it approaches science-fiction in a believable, accessible, and (really!) likable way. There are no Gattaca-like Armani suits, and (thank heavens) no black spandex. People are normal, despite the fact that they live in a slightly different society, many years into the future.
In this world, teens still date, fight with their parents, and go to dances. They still fret over their test scores, and where they'll go after high school. "Starship Troopers" doesn't present a perfect world, but it doesn't present a bleak one, either.
Besides all that esoteric stuff, "Starship Troopers" is pretty darn entertaining, too. The war scenes between men and bugs are classic, and ought to thrill audiences for years to come.
Grade: A+