Redbox Review: “Super Troopers 2” Is A Fun And Goofy Romp In The Same Vein Of The 2001 Original
Sixteen years after the cult classic “Broken Lizard’s Super Troopers” hit theaters, a sequel was released: “Super Troopers 2.” Much like the original 2002 film, this offbeat take on a squad of highway patrol officers in Vermont is a delightfully goofy comedy even if it does tread familiar roads.
The film sees the cast reunite in a story centered around trying to compete against a unit of Canadian mounties in order to stop the smuggling of drugs, illegal weapons and counterfeit cell phones. Hilarity ensues in many comedic setups over the course of the film’s 100-minute runtime; kicked off with the mounties and highway patrol discovering their territory shares both US and Canadian soil.
Much like the 2002 film, the cast has a great amount of comedic timing and surprising chemistry, and the setting makes for plenty of gags that recall the original film as new ones tied to the setting. One scene has a character be amused by a local diner serving liters of cola, another has the same character narrowly avoid getting mauled by a bear. The offbeat tone of the film can also be “enhanced” under the right circumstances, and the supporting role played by Rob Lowe is a riot.
That said, the film definitely isn’t perfect. Much like the original film, not every joke lands the same; and some gags may be hard to stomach depending on your tolerance for gross out humor. Without giving too much away, one running gag involves something naughty with cherries and shaving cream.
Still, the film is an overall enjoyable romp. The comedic setups that work draw some of the biggest laughs of the film, and there are supporting roles from the likes of Jim Gaffigan, Damon Wayans and Seann William Scott. A credits scene with a self-parodying Fred Savage is a notable standout, and the band Eagles of Death Metal helps provide catchy music, such as a cover of the classic rock tune “Blinded by the Light.”
While the film may not have a been a critical darling, the film made back its modest $13.5 million budget in its opening weekend alone; prompting a third film to be planned for the near future. Overall, “Super Troopers 2” is goofy fun in the vein of the original; well worth its weight in liters of cola.
Verdict 4 Stars Out Of 5
Review by Steven Pryor
At a Glance:
Directed by Jay Chandrasekhar (Based on characters created by Broken Lizard)
Starring Jay Chandrasekhar, Paul Sofer, Steve Lemme, Eric Stolhanske, Kevin Heffernan and Brian Cox with Rob Lowe, Emmanuelle Chriqui, Tyler Labine, Will Sasso and Hayes MacArthur
Rated R
