Many might not know Starship Troopers, despite being a cult classic, has a couple of less than stellar sequels. Opting for all CG approach for the fourth one, Invasion is crafted with heavy anime Japanese touch. It has so many resemblances to video game graphic, down to facial and body structures, which gives it a chance for spectacular effect. Be that as it may, the material still doesn't go beyond generic sci-fi banters.
Story follows the crew of Alesia as they perform dangerous missions and uncover secret of the bugs. The graphic is good, an above average quality of CG at that time, and this different direction caters both to franchise fans and general sci-fi enthusiasts. For most part, the rendition is glossy and proportional. It presents its highest production value on gratuitous naked digital girls and gory action. It does stutter occasionally, in a few scenes the action seem rigid and facial expression is rather bland.
Japanese video game screenplay is notoriously hampered with campy dialogues or over-the-top situations. Those who have played popular video game franchise such as Resident Evil will notice similar kinks on Invasion. Characters are made with stereotypical personalities and looks, a somewhat westernized army appearance for animation genre. Sexy blonde, rugged soldier and everything in between. The film attempt to give some depth to the characters, but its script just isn't up to task.
It can be cringe-worthy to hear what these people say. Macho quips, overly melodramatic lines and even catchphrases are thrown with reckless abandon. Dubbing isn't that bad, they do their best with the jarring lines. Some level of knowledge of the series might be required as it lacks narrative, and even then the story barely wraps up. To its credit, the action part is presentable. A couple of high octane scenes are better than most in sci-fi genre.
Starship Troopers: Invasion might not reach the same pinnacle of its original, but as a popcorn flick it provides enough chuckles and gazes for brief delight.
Story follows the crew of Alesia as they perform dangerous missions and uncover secret of the bugs. The graphic is good, an above average quality of CG at that time, and this different direction caters both to franchise fans and general sci-fi enthusiasts. For most part, the rendition is glossy and proportional. It presents its highest production value on gratuitous naked digital girls and gory action. It does stutter occasionally, in a few scenes the action seem rigid and facial expression is rather bland.
Japanese video game screenplay is notoriously hampered with campy dialogues or over-the-top situations. Those who have played popular video game franchise such as Resident Evil will notice similar kinks on Invasion. Characters are made with stereotypical personalities and looks, a somewhat westernized army appearance for animation genre. Sexy blonde, rugged soldier and everything in between. The film attempt to give some depth to the characters, but its script just isn't up to task.
It can be cringe-worthy to hear what these people say. Macho quips, overly melodramatic lines and even catchphrases are thrown with reckless abandon. Dubbing isn't that bad, they do their best with the jarring lines. Some level of knowledge of the series might be required as it lacks narrative, and even then the story barely wraps up. To its credit, the action part is presentable. A couple of high octane scenes are better than most in sci-fi genre.
Starship Troopers: Invasion might not reach the same pinnacle of its original, but as a popcorn flick it provides enough chuckles and gazes for brief delight.