The only good bug is a dead bug.|Nov. 07, 1997|United States|129 Min.|R
Genre: Action;Adventure;Science;Fiction;Thriller
Description: In the 23rd century, as humans colonize new planets, they face a hostile insectoid species called Arachnids, or “Bugs.” These creatures appear to be relentless killing machines, though some believe humans provoked them by invading their habitats. In the United Citizen Federation, citizenship is earned through activities like military service, granting privileges unavailable to civilians. After graduating high school in Buenos Aires, Johnny Rico, his girlfriend Carmen Ibáñez, and their psychic friend Carl Jenkins join the Federal Service despite Rico’s parents’ objections. Carmen becomes a spaceship pilot, Carl joins Military Intelligence, and Rico enlists in the Mobile Infantry. His former classmate, Dizzy Flores, who has feelings for him, also joins his squad.
During basic training, Sergeant Zim rigorously prepares the recruits. Rico befriends Ace Levy and is promoted to squad leader. However, he receives a Dear John letter from Carmen, who prioritizes her fleet career under Rico’s rival, Zander Barcalow. After a tragic live-fire training incident, Rico is demoted and flogged. He considers quitting but changes his mind when an Arachnid-launched asteroid destroys Buenos Aires, killing his parents and millions of others.
The Federation launches an invasion of the Arachnids’ home planet, Klendathu, but the mission fails disastrously. Rico is severely wounded and presumed dead. After recovering, he, Ace, and Dizzy are reassigned to the elite “Roughnecks” unit, led by Lieutenant Rasczak, to continue the fight against the relentless Bugs.
Cast director: Paul Verhoeven
Cast actor: Casper Van Dien, Dina Meyer, Denise Richards, Jake Busey, Neil Patrick Harris, Clancy Brown, Michael Ironside, Patrick Muldoon, Seth Gilliam, Rue McClanahan
Original name: Starship Troopers