Any thoughts on "Starship Troopers"?
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 1999
Posts: 121
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'm looking to use some Bigstar coupons...I've read in several publications that Starship Troopers is the best SFX film around. I've heard mixed things on the film itself..."Melrose Space", etc. I'm looking for some opinions on the value of this DVD. Thanks.
#2
Member
Join Date: May 1999
Posts: 247
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Are you interested in the film or the dvd quality?
As far as the quality of the dvd is concerned, there are no problems at all. Good picture quality, good sound etc.
As far as the quality of the film is concerned, well what can I say, it sucks. Truly one of the worst movies I have ever seen. And believe me, I have seen some dogs (I was stupid enough to buy Smokey & the Bandit, so I know bad movies). Acting that was absolutely wooden, a plot that was moronic even by sc-fi standards (note: I am not attacking sci-fi, in fact I enjoy it, so please no complaints), and an underlying theme that promotes fascism. Yes fascism.
I originally read a review of this movie in the Washington Post before I ever saw the film. In the review, the writer stated that the movie was fascist in nature. At the time I read that, I thought the guy was completely nuts. Then I saw the film. It made me want to gag.
Bottom line: if you are only concerned with dvd quality, then order away, but if you actually want to like the film then you would be better off buying a copy of the most influential film of the decade............ Armageddon.
[This message has been edited by nayone (edited 07-06-1999).]
As far as the quality of the dvd is concerned, there are no problems at all. Good picture quality, good sound etc.
As far as the quality of the film is concerned, well what can I say, it sucks. Truly one of the worst movies I have ever seen. And believe me, I have seen some dogs (I was stupid enough to buy Smokey & the Bandit, so I know bad movies). Acting that was absolutely wooden, a plot that was moronic even by sc-fi standards (note: I am not attacking sci-fi, in fact I enjoy it, so please no complaints), and an underlying theme that promotes fascism. Yes fascism.
I originally read a review of this movie in the Washington Post before I ever saw the film. In the review, the writer stated that the movie was fascist in nature. At the time I read that, I thought the guy was completely nuts. Then I saw the film. It made me want to gag.
Bottom line: if you are only concerned with dvd quality, then order away, but if you actually want to like the film then you would be better off buying a copy of the most influential film of the decade............ Armageddon.
[This message has been edited by nayone (edited 07-06-1999).]
#3
Challenge Guru & Comic Nerd
Nayone,
I think you missed the point. I'm sleepy and at a loss for words here, but I think you took the movie too seriously.
It's a take on facist films....
It's one of my favorite discs, but I didn't except anything from it other than a sarcastic funny action film. And it has some great action and special effects. Great commentary on the DVD.
I'm sure that someone else can defend this movie better than I.
I think you missed the point. I'm sleepy and at a loss for words here, but I think you took the movie too seriously.
It's a take on facist films....
It's one of my favorite discs, but I didn't except anything from it other than a sarcastic funny action film. And it has some great action and special effects. Great commentary on the DVD.
I'm sure that someone else can defend this movie better than I.
#6
Member
Join Date: Mar 1999
Location: Chicago,IL,USA
Posts: 211
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I agree with Trevor. If the movie took itself seriously it would be a total waste of time, but it never presents itself more than a mock fascist film. Good action, good sound, Denise Richards (need I say more), nice extra content and excellent effects. Did I mention the nude shower scene? Rent it and decide for yourself.
#7
DVD Talk Godfather
Join Date: Apr 1999
Location: Gateway Cities/Harbor Region
Posts: 63,288
Received 1,809 Likes
on
1,129 Posts
Yeah the commentary clearly states the intent of the film. To mock the facist films of the '30's and '40's. In fact, didn't Veerhoven(sp) say he was in Germany at the time of the war? To be honest I found the commentators views to be typical Hollwood liberalism. But that's another story
Anyway, in terms of sheer ass-kicking action it has to be at the top of the list with films like Aliens. Lots of bugs, explosions, and of course the "shower scene" . And the two female leads are just awesome
My only real criticsm would be the love triangle storyline. It's always sad to see guys P-whipped .
Anyway, in terms of sheer ass-kicking action it has to be at the top of the list with films like Aliens. Lots of bugs, explosions, and of course the "shower scene" . And the two female leads are just awesome
My only real criticsm would be the love triangle storyline. It's always sad to see guys P-whipped .
#8
Guest
Posts: n/a
If you like Robocop, it is in the same style (including a sarcastic and extremist look at aspects of society). Actually, they have the same director, Paul Verhoeven. It is not to be taken very seriously, good action, plenty of gore, great special effects. The story and acting is MUCH better in Robocop, though.
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 1999
Location: N.C.
Posts: 519
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I am not going to over analyze this like some of the others. If you like violent films, with mild nudity, and plenty of gore, then you will love this. I have lots of DVD's in my collection and this has to be one of my favorites. I watch movies to be entertained. Yes, I am the typical male also. I like watching things blow up, I like watching guys with big guns run around and shoot things, and I like to be grossed out every once in a while. This disc does all of those things very, very well.
------------------
"ha, you the one i saw on the news last night ha, you the one been robbin' them dudes out they shoes last night ha"...Juvenille
------------------
"ha, you the one i saw on the news last night ha, you the one been robbin' them dudes out they shoes last night ha"...Juvenille
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: May 1999
Location: Abu Dhabi
Posts: 558
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Denise Richards! woo-hoo!
Doogie Howser! d'oh!
Killer Bugs! woo-hoo!
Doogie Howser! d'oh!
Naked People! woo-hoo!
Doogie Howser! d'oh!
Spaceships! woo-hoo!
THE WOO-HOO'S HAVE IT!!
-burgeon
Doogie Howser! d'oh!
Killer Bugs! woo-hoo!
Doogie Howser! d'oh!
Naked People! woo-hoo!
Doogie Howser! d'oh!
Spaceships! woo-hoo!
THE WOO-HOO'S HAVE IT!!
-burgeon
#11
Banned
Join Date: Apr 1999
Posts: 188
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'm sorry. I have to agree with nayone.
Armageddon is the finest piece of American Film created in the last fifty years. It should be shown on public television once a year like the Wizard of Oz and Its a Wonderful Life.
Starship troopers, while appealing, is a watch once a decade film. I like nudity, I like guns, I like to blow things up (firecrackers for you jack booted thugs who are monitoring me), er I mean watch things blow up.
[This message has been edited by DemocratsForever (edited 07-07-1999).]
Armageddon is the finest piece of American Film created in the last fifty years. It should be shown on public television once a year like the Wizard of Oz and Its a Wonderful Life.
Starship troopers, while appealing, is a watch once a decade film. I like nudity, I like guns, I like to blow things up (firecrackers for you jack booted thugs who are monitoring me), er I mean watch things blow up.
[This message has been edited by DemocratsForever (edited 07-07-1999).]
#12
Guest
Posts: n/a
Armageddon? (cough, choke, gag) The best what? You might change your mind once you actually see it.
Starship is hardly in the same class. It's actually a fun and entertaining work if not taken too seriously. It has great sound (5.1) and visuals, a little skin and a lot of spider thingies getting blown up.
Also, why is it Bruce Willis DVD's are $5 more than the norm? Is it because acting for him is so much harder? If you like BW then I would suggest "G.I. Jane". while Bruce isn't in the film, his drop dead good looking wife, Demi Moore is.
Well, enough of my ranting - I'm in a bad mood and thought a good whipping would make me feel better - so go for it ! ! !
(ps - the above is purely my opinion. Which, by the way, is ALWAYS right. My wife said I could say that).
Starship is hardly in the same class. It's actually a fun and entertaining work if not taken too seriously. It has great sound (5.1) and visuals, a little skin and a lot of spider thingies getting blown up.
Also, why is it Bruce Willis DVD's are $5 more than the norm? Is it because acting for him is so much harder? If you like BW then I would suggest "G.I. Jane". while Bruce isn't in the film, his drop dead good looking wife, Demi Moore is.
Well, enough of my ranting - I'm in a bad mood and thought a good whipping would make me feel better - so go for it ! ! !
(ps - the above is purely my opinion. Which, by the way, is ALWAYS right. My wife said I could say that).
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: May 1999
Location: Boston, MA
Posts: 671
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
ha! Nayone, you say Starship troopers is bad but armageddon is the best movie ever made? Did you spill some coffee on your circuits or something? Seriously, how can you praise one of these two so highly yet bash the other one. I think neither one is all that great but I'd much rather watch starship troopers anytime than armageddon.
------------------
-anywayz, My DVDs
------------------
-anywayz, My DVDs
#15
Member
Join Date: Jun 1999
Location: NYC
Posts: 232
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Haven't seen the DVD, but the movie, while perhaps a bit longer than it needs to be, is clearly a satire. I assume that some of this is discussed in the commentary, but it's a satire on WWII propaganda films, thus the wooden acting(who knows if the actors knew this, but Verhoeven got what he wanted). As to the fascist comments, it's a commentary on the inherent irony of using fascist tactics when fighting a war against fascism.
Oh yeah, and the big bugs look really cool.
Oh yeah, and the big bugs look really cool.
#16
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 1999
Posts: 121
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks for all your input guys, I just ordered it from Bigstar. I'll post my personal review of it when I watch it. At least I'm going in with the knowledge that it's a mock fascist film so my first viewing will be from the proper perspective. Appreciate the input.
#17
Member
Join Date: May 1999
Posts: 247
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I really must have missed the boat on this one. It didn't help me any that I read that Washington Post review prior to seeing the movie. I guess it biased me without my even being aware of it.
#18
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 1999
Location: N.C.
Posts: 519
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Both Starship Troopers and Armageddon are great films in my opinion. Lots of stuff blows up, pretty girls, plenty of death and destruction, and NO GWENETH PALTROW. Enough said.
------------------
"ha, you the one i saw on the news last night ha, you the one been robbin' them dudes out they shoes last night ha"...Juvenille
------------------
"ha, you the one i saw on the news last night ha, you the one been robbin' them dudes out they shoes last night ha"...Juvenille
#19
DVD Talk Special Edition
Join Date: Apr 1999
Location: Gilbert, WV USA
Posts: 1,851
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I strongly believe "Starship Troopers" is destined for cult classic status years from now. Sometimes it takes a movie decades before it`s truly appreciated.
#20
Member
Join Date: May 1999
Location: Member <br>Addicted: 08-22-97<br>
Posts: 194
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The book is already a cult classic, written in the late 50's by Robert A. Heinlein at the height of post-WWII Communist paranoia. His target audience were mainly young males at the time, and his political views were never meant to be taken seriously. They were merely imaginative proposals on what an ideal government, according to Heinlein, could possibly be like.
#25
Member
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Timberlea, Nova Scotia
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Starship Troopers is wonderful eye candy with deeper meanings if you want to bother digging for them. It has probably the best cinematography of any Sci Fi movie ever made. I truly enjoyed this movie when I saw it in the theatre and I may eventually buy the DVD.
At least I wasn't the one who revived the thread.
At least I wasn't the one who revived the thread.