Starship Troopers (1997)

This week on Born to Watch, we dive headfirst into the bug-infested chaos of Paul Verhoeven’s 1997 cult classic, with our Starship Troopers (1997) Review. It’s brutal, brilliant, and batshit insane and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

With the Born to Watch crew all lined up in the co-ed showers, Whitey, Damo, Dan, and special guest Matty Beer Geek go deep (but not too deep) on the movie that was mocked at release but has grown into a beloved sci-fi satire. Is this just a brainless space action flick? Or is it a razor-sharp takedown of fascism and militarism? Or both? Spoiler: it’s both.

We break down the iconic moments: the ridiculously perfect jawlines of Casper Van Dien and Denise Richards, Michael Ironside chewing scenery like the legend he is, and Jake Busey's teeth doing most of the acting for him. From Zegema Beach to brain bug psychic probes, we cover it all.

Expect plenty of laughs as the boys recall their first times watching it, at sweaty cinemas, VHS marathons, and maybe even the odd midnight screening. Plus, some heartfelt debate: Dizzy or Carmen? Would you sign up to be a citizen or sit back and let the bugs win? And yes, we do get very specific about the co-ed shower logistics (spoiler: prep is key).

There’s also time for a raucous trip down 1997 memory lane. Damo sweats it out in the back row, Dan’s off riding dirt bikes through Romania and eating 19 types of salami, and Matty brings his A-game from the West. We revisit the hottest music of the year, the infamous Playboys of McDonald's video rental section, and mourn the box office fate of Starship Troopers. This misunderstood gem lost money but gained a cult following.

With a budget that would make even the Federation blush, and CGI bugs that still look better than some 2025 blockbusters, Starship Troopers is pure Verhoeven: provocative, pervy, and politically charged.

We also take aim at the critical drubbing this movie received on release, some reviewers clearly didn’t get the joke. We shine a light on the film’s relevance today: Would the satire hit harder in a post-Hunger Games, post-Fury Road world? Is this what our future looks like if TikTok replaces civics education?

In true Born to Watch fashion, we ask the tough questions:

• Is this Verhoeven's secret masterpiece?
• Who's worse: Carmen or the bugs?
• And most importantly, how do you prep for a co-ed shower in boot camp?

Whether you’re a superfan who’s seen it 30 times or a rookie just enlisting in the Mobile Infantry, this episode is for you. So load your Morita rifle, shout “Kill ‘em all!”, and join us as we break down Starship Troopers the only way we know how, boobs, bugs, banter, and all.

Because remember: everyone fights. No one quits. And we were Born to Watch.

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts!

📣 Join the conversation:
 💬 Is Starship Troopers a misunderstood masterpiece or fascist propaganda in disguise?
🔥 Would you follow Rico into battle or hide in the co-ed showers?
🐛 Is this Paul Verhoeven's smartest dumb movie or his dumbest smart one?

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