Super Troopers

On the recommendation of a friend, I swallowed my fears and my dislike of so-called "wacky" comedies and shelled out the cash to see Super Troopers. I was almost embarassed to even walk into the theater, but I'll tell you what...it was the best $7 I've spent in a long time.

All the other reviews of this film seem to emphasize that the movie is "slapstick," and "brainless." I'd actually disagree with that diagnosis. On the contrary, I think this is really a very smart film. Why? Beacuse it doesn't rely on formulaic plot devices, or try to squeeze in a contrived family-friendly moral(like the wretched "Orange County"). Rather, it just presents some of the most original, unexpected, laugh-out loud comedy I've ever seen. It's just plain funny--Funny beacuse you don't see the jokes, punchlines, or plot twists coming from a mile away.(Hey, "Orange County." Once again, I'm looking at you!).

If you're a fan of Kids in the Hall or the Upright Citizens Brigade, see this film. See it now. You won't be disappointed.


The most underrated cast and movie   February 25, 2003
M. Heidenreich (Wisconsin)
14 out of 18 found this review helpful

I think it's safe to say that anyone who saw this movie saw it because of its trailer. No one had probably heard of the comic group "Broken Lizard", I'm sure of that. But then that's the point of the trailer. The five-man police team of Broken Lizard stars Jay Chandrasekhar, Kevin Heffernan, Steve Lemme, Paul Soter, and Erik Stolhanske; along with their ill-fated chief Brian Cox. The group, who's on the verge of having their station shut down, does pretty much whatever they please out on the road. I mean, they are cops. Maybe not good cops, but still cops. They do things ranging from highway games such as "repeater" to seeing who can say "meow" the most. And I can honestly say the first 10 minutes or so of 'Super Troopers' is the best first 10 minutes of any movie I've ever seen.

And even after the beginning, the comedy and laughs continue on throughout the movie. And in fact, the point that their station is going to be shut down doesn't even phase them. They just keep on making jokes until we (the viewer) can't handle it. The movie was said to have no plot, and that's very true. But a good plot isn't even needed. The acting is so awesome, you'll seemingly have a new respect for your local boys in blue. Okay, maybe not. I do have to say that Kevin Heffernan's role of the dense and almost stupid Farva is the best. He is basically the odd man out, as the other four officers are good friends. The lines that Farva has are so dumb that you can't help but laugh out loud.

Besides Heffernan's infamous Farva, there's Thorny (Jay Chandrasekhar), Mac (Steve Lemme), Rabbit (Erik Stolhanske), and Foster (Paul Soter). All five characters bring their own blend of comedy to the force, which is why they work so well together. The comedy they use almost seems to be like small skits; and they even manage to give Jim Gaffigan, who has done stand-up comedy on Comedy Central, a small but hilarious role as one of their many quote-unquote: victims.

I don't like to give away movie endings, even if the ending is not what makes the movie. So that's where I'll stop. If you like comedy films you'll certainly enjoy 'Super Troopers'. It is one of my favorite movies, no doubt. I gave it 5 stars, even though it didn't have a truly good plot. And it derserves 5 stars; which if you see this movie, you'll understand. Like I said, the five-man crew may or may not give you a new respect for the force; and if not you'll still laugh for the entire movie. If you saw the trailer and even thought about seeing the movie, do see it. The trailer provides for only about five percent of the movie's true, comical greatness.


A solid comedy and a substantial DVD   August 8, 2002
6 out of 7 found this review helpful

Super Troopers presents itself as an odd goofball comedy that has only one real purpose- to make you laugh. Thankfully, the movie fulfills this promise, and how.

Generally, movies scripted by comedy troupes can be trusted to entertain. A look at Monty Python and the Holy Grail or the Kids in the Hall's Brain Candy should validate this point. Broken Lizard (the fledgling troupe behind Super Troopers) continue this tradition of hilarious skits centered around a simple plot.

The basic premise of the film involves Vermont Highway Patrol troopers who, due to the lack of crime, find creative ways of alleviating their boredom- mainly, messing with pulled-over drivers (such as the should-be-famous "meow" scene) and brawling with the local police force.

The jokes constantly remain fresh, and the film even manages to defy the greatest of comedy film curses by never getting boring. Super Troopers is also loaded with some great gags and one-liners not appropriate enough for advertising. (Such as any scene involving the Germans, each one of them greatly funny.)

The DVD is, while not great, definately good. A substantial amount of extras are included containing several extended scenes, and alternate ending, outtakes, trailers, and shameless promotions. (The outtakes aren't what you think they are, and, I'll admit, are a little boring, but stick through it because the Farva Puking segment is priceless.)

Also included are two commentary tracks featuring members of Broken Lizard, the standard scene selections, and some rather impressive menus. (On the main menu, just watch for 30-40 seconds for the butterfly- you'll thank me.)

To sum up, Super Troopers is exactly what it tries to show itself as- nothing groundbreaking or innovational, but still an incredibly smart, and most importantly, fun comedy.


Hilarious   July 17, 2002
3 out of 3 found this review helpful

Okay, it does LOOK dumb. I can understand anyone's hesitation to watch this movie. I didn't think I was going to like it at all, but it was the only thing playing by the time my friends and I made it to the movie theater...so, I watched it. Thank God I did! Super Troopers is absolutely hilarious. It's the funniest movie I've seen in a long, long time. The writing is extremely funny - I especially loved Thorny - and the acting was top-notch, especially for a bunch of no-name actors. This film is definitely on it's way to being a cult classic. I, for one, just ordered the DVD and will be anticipating the moment when I can invite my friends over, pop it in the DVD player and light one up. ...