Super Troopers (2001)

Also known as "Broken Lizard's Super Troopers"
Overall Score: 7 out of 10

Bringing the world of law enforcement to its knees

Starring: Jay Chandrasekhar, Kevin Heffernan, Steve Lemme, Paul Soter, Erik Stolhanske, Brian Cox, Daniel Von Bargen, Marisa Coughlan

Director: Jay Chandrasekhar

Running Time: 96 minutes

US MPAA rating: N/A
UK BBFC rating: 15
Comedy, Crime

On DVD

On DVD

Thorny (Jay Chandrasekhar), Mac (Steve Lemme), Rabbit (Erik Stolhanske), Foster (Paul Soter) and Farva (Kevin Heffernan) are Vermont State Troopers stationed in a remote region not far from the Canadian border. Under the command of their senior officer Captain O'Hagan (Brian Cox) they patrol the highways looking for lawbreakers, pulling as many pranks as they can on the way. They are also involved in a constant battle over jurisdiction with the local police, occasionally resulting in fisticuffs between the two sides.

Things become more difficult when funding cutbacks must be made - the State Troopers find themselves at risk of having their station shut down. There is a possibility - the finding of a dead body and large quantities of drugs in their area is the beginning of an investigation that could prove their worth. Still battling for jurisdiction, they try to get the upper hand in the case before the local police can beat them to it.

Nowhere near as bad as one might presume, this is a comedy that some people will hate but those whose taste is suits will generally like a lot. The plot is hardly new, but there is a freshness to some of the gags that makes them a surprise even when you know they're coming. Most of the characters have more depth than is usual in this type of film - much more like real people than the usual clichéd dumb guys. Not all the gags come off, and the film has some slow moments in the middle, but people who like this kind of comedy will certainly find that its good points outweigh the bad.

Features a cameo appearance by Lynda Carter.

DVD Extras: A creditable collection of extras for a basic single-disc DVD release.

Extras: Commentary by Kevin Heffernan, Steve Lemme and Paul Soter, Commentary by Jay Chandrasekhar and Erik Stolhanske, News wrap, Alternate ending, Outtakes and extended scenes, Featurette, Trailer. Extras: 6 out of 10

It's Got: Lots of below-the-belt gags and toilet humour.

It Needs: A bit more energy in the middle when it does tend to lull somewhat.

Alternatives: Police Academy, The Naked Gun, Dragnet

Summary: A very raunchy but surprisingly worthy comedy. This one is better not watched in the presence of people who might be easily offended. Overall Score: 7 out of 10