Starship Troopers MPAA Rating: R Entertainment: +3 1/2 Content: -2 1/2

In the distant future, Earth is at war with a race of giant alien insects. Little is known about the Bugs except that they are intent on eradicating human life. Before the war, Johnny Rico (Casper Van Dien) graduates from high school and enlists in the mobile infantry to do his Federal Service. Johnny has joined the army to win the heart of his girlfriend, Carmen (Denise Richards) who has signed up for the Fleet Academy to become a starship pilot. Johnny enters the rigorous boot camp with the other young recruits including Dizzy (Dina Meyer), who has harbored a crush on Johnny since their school days. Even though a tragic accident in his squad and a "Dear John" letter from Carmen cause Johnny to question his abilities as a soldier, he plucks up the courage to enter the war against the Bugs. Several military excursions ensue including a few severe battle scenes. The most entertaining movie since "Men in Black," STARSHIP TROOPERS may be the biggest box-office smash of the Fall season. Fast action and incredible special effects will draw large crowds at the theaters.

STARSHIP TROOPERS brings out the trooper in all of us, strumming every patriotic chord in the human spirit. The characters are likable and audiences will grieve with them when they suffer loss, and will rejoice with them when they achieve victory. Unfortunately, the movie contains a swathe of offensive material. The violence is graphic and constant. The vicious Bugs rip humans to pieces, and the audience has a close-up view as bodies are torn limb-from-limb. Language is not as offensive, but still may cause problems as six crude words, five obscenities, and seven profanities show up in the dialogue. Surprisingly, nudity also makes an extended appearance in a shower scene in which men and women shower in the same facility. This scene produces extended views of female breast nudity and partially veiled male frontal nudity. This film's tragedy is that the nudity is blatantly gratuitous, having absolutely no meaning in the film whatsoever. Despite the movie's entertainment value, viewers will be better off making a different choice.

Preview Reviewer: Jason Shepherd
Distributor: Sony Pictures Entertainment, 10202 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City CA 90232