The Popkorn Junkie :: Super Troopers

The first encounter: "Super Troopers" was one of the trailers at the beginning of "Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back". At first glance, it looked like a cute little comedy, by a new comedy group. Watch out Monty Python. See ya National Lampoons. Broken Lizard is here and ready to fight it out. Then, as I began to see more and more previews, the less excited I became about the film--it just looked too stupid for me to enjoy. But, I decided to go with my first impression and see the film, a film which I hoped would be absolutely hilarious and unforgettably bone-tickling. What did I get? What did I get for my hard earned six dollars and fifty cents? I'll tell you what I got--some much needed sleep.

"Super Troopers" is a film about the rivalry between state troopers and the city police in the town of Spurbury, Vermont. The troopers, led by Captain O'Hagan (Brian Cox) and the city cops, led by Chief Grady (Daniel vin Bargen) slug it out in a series of practical jokes and sight gags, some of which are amusing, but most fall flat unless you are really into the whole law enforcement thing, which I am not. When a body is found in a Winnebego, the city cops and troopers compete for clues and evidence, bringing forth endless moments of what could have been well crafted comedy, but ended up being those BAD National Lampoon's films that air on Showtime.

Broken Lizard, the comedy group that made this film, probably have a lot of potential in Hollywood. They could be another Monty Python or Kids in the Hall. But, for now, they need to work on better humor. I was shocked to actually watch a film that didn't rely so heavily on gross knock out jokes and disgusting bodily fluid scenes--something I applaud the Broken Lizard people for. But, the film would have been much better had it made me laugh more. I didn't really fall asleep watching it, but I was bored for a long period of time. It kind of reminded me of the old "Police Academy" films in the way the police were so colorful. Alas, it was no "Police Academy".

Director Jay Chandrasekhar, who also plays Thorny in the film, is evidently going to be like the Terry Jones of the Monty Python films, starring in and directing the films. His talent as a filmmaker is questionable, but his talent as an actor is there, if only it could be perfected a little more. All in all, this is not the worst film of the year and in no way compares to "Kung Pow!", but it is a film you can wait until video to catch. And, if you miss it, just keep your eye out for the next Broken Lizard piece--it would have to be better.

-- Billy Ray ( 1 1/2 out of 4 pops )

Talk about this film with other Popkorn Junkies

Other Junkie's opinions.....

James ( 3 1/2 out of 4 pops )

This was a riot. This is the "Animal House" of my generation. I loved the overuse of split screens and also the way they told the story by not showing the process just the after effect. I want the DVD.

Matt ( 2 out of 4 pops )

I only wish this movie would've been more consistent, because it could've been a comedy classic. There are a few moments (the chicken f**ker scene, the stoner devouring handfuls of marijuana, the bulletproof jockstrap, etc.) that are so hilarious that I'm still laughing my ass off, just thinking about them. But the rest of the gags are totally dull. It doesn't suffer from the same problem as most contemporary comedies: it's not silly, annoying or unbelievably gross. The cast is full of unknowns, minus Brian Cox and Marisa Coughlan, and they are all very talented performers. Marisa Coughlan looks hotter than ever and Brian Cox shows off his hidden comic talent. I feel bad for giving this movie only 2 pops, because during those few gags I was laughing harder than I ever have in years! But it is still basically a hit-or-miss comedy, and with more consistent writing I would've gladly given it 4 pops. So I'm DEFINITELY recommending this movie on video.