"Starship Troopers 2: Hero of the Federation" review

Starship Troopers 2: Hero of the Federation (2004)

Directed by Phil Tippett
Writing credits Edward Neumeier

Bill Brown.... Pvt. Ottis Brick (as Billy Brown)
Richard Burgi.... Captain V.J. Dax
Kelly Carlson.... Pvt. Charlie Soda
Cy Carter.... Pvt. Billie Otter

What did you like about the original "Starship Troopers"? Did you enjoy its sick sense of humor? How about those quick news flashes that asked you if you want to know more? Perhaps you enjoyed the satire of a futuristic fascist society? The best case scenario is that you liked "Starship Troopers" because a lot of outer space bugs got blown into little gooey pieces. If that last description fits you, rent "Starship Troopers 2" and rejoice.

This sequel proudly wears its B-movie stripes on its sleeve. I salute you soldier! "Starship Troopers 2" starts with bug action and ends with bug action. It follows the B-movie playbook to the letter. The space troopers find an abandoned outpost on bug world and hang out. This lets the producers save some dough by keeping the action in one location. Then they introduce a new bug which manifests itself from a topless blonde. Genius! Soon the new bug creatures must do battle with the troopers as horde upon horde of bug waits outside.

"Starship Troopers 2" has nothing on the first movie but it is a very enjoyable B-action flick. It gets particularly gory near the end. Two words: Microwaved head. That's what I like to see. I had a good time.

SCORE: 2.5 out of 4 for B-movie bug warfare

"Fangs" review

Fangs (2001)

Directed by Kelly Sandefur
Writing credits Jim Geoghan

Corbin Bernsen.... Carl Hart
Tracy Nelson.... Ally Parks
Whip Hubley.... Dr. John Winslow
Katie Stuart.... Genny Winslow

Bats attack a housing community. Corbin Bernsen is the no nonsense developer who doesn't want to hear about any bat problems. So he pretends they don't exist. Too bad for him they do exist. Many fake looking bats attack.

"Fangs" is a typical example of what happens when you try to make the dreaded horror/comedy. Rarely does this mix of genres succeed. The horror gets diluted and the comedy is usually not funny. It's a lose/lose situation. "Fangs" had a lot of fake bats but bat attacks do not equal laughter. There was no joy watching "Fangs". Nor was I scared. It was lame.

If you want a good laugh, click on the writer's name on the link above, (Jim Geoghan). Something tells me the picture posted there is not the writer of this movie. Now that was funny. If it is him, he might want to use the cash from "Fangs" to get a haircut and a shower.

SCORE: 1 out of 4 fake bats