Super Troopers film review

certificate_15

SUPER TROOPERS

People are going to be divided over Super Troopers. Lots of those who see it will regard it as a consistent parade of puerile and inane gags and will barely crack a smile. But there will be plenty who will also see it as a consistent parade of puerile and inane gags and who will find it difficult to stop laughing in order to actually hear the soundtrack. This low-budget comedy, created by the relatively unknown American comedy troupe Broken Lizard, begs borrows and steals from comedic inspirations such as Monty Python, Porky's and Cheech and Chong and ends up, quite simply, as one of the year's funniest films. It might even attain cult status in years to come.

The Troopers of the title are the five members of the Vermont Highway Patrol. They take their job very seriously. Seriously in the sense that each time they pull someone over their only intention is to mess with their heads. From the wonderful extended opening sequence in which they freak out a bunch of stoners, the movie has one running gag - but a hilariously delivered one - of the Troopers playing tricks on unsuspecting drivers.

But they also have enemies, most notably in the guise of the local police force who want them shut down because of their sheer ineptitude. Any time the Troopers meet up with the police a brawl ensues and it is only when large quantities of marijuana are discovered in the state (this being the 'plot'), that the Troopers can prove their worth.

With its boundless energy and inventiveness, Super Troopers is way ahead of most of the recent big-budget Hollywood gross-out comedies. It is played with such relentless appeal by the five leads (not to forget the distinguished British thesp Brian Cox who plays against type as their harassed boss) that it is hard not to laugh - many times.

Apparently the group's next outing will see the five playing resort hosts at a single's hotel in the Caribbean. This reviewer for one will be there to see how it all turns out.

Paul Hurley