Movie Review: ‘Super Troopers 3’

In theaters on August 7th is ‘Super Troopers 3,’ the latest film from the Broken Lizard comedy troupe, which revisits the Vermont state trooper characters that helped them break into the mainstream movie world in 2002.

​In theaters on August 7th is ‘Super Troopers 3,’ the latest film from the Broken Lizard comedy troupe, which revisits the Vermont state trooper characters that helped them break into the mainstream movie world in 2002.   

In theaters on August 7th is ‘Super Troopers 3,’ the latest film from the Broken Lizard comedy troupe, which revisits the Vermont state trooper characters that helped them break into the mainstream movie world in 2002.

With troupe member Jay Chandrasekhar (‘The Dukes of Hazzard’) co-writing and directing, the film is co-written by and also stars Kevin Heffernan (‘Sky High’), Steve Lemme (‘Open Water’), Erik Stolhanske (‘Undeclared’) and Paul Soter (‘Watching the Detectives’).

Related Article: Nat Faxon and Chace Crawford Join ‘Super Troopers 3’ as Shooting Starts

Initial Thoughts

Even a loyal fan of the Broken Lizard team’s output across the last 20 years or so would be hard pressed to argue against the idea that they’ve had as many stinkers as moderate successes. Returning to one of their most reliable comedy-generating projects would seem to be a wise move, but affection for established characters can only get you so far, and the history of comedy sequels is littered with failures.

Script and Direction

The Lizard team reformed to once again write this one, and it sticks to the basics –– madcap antics between the low-rent coppers who are still finding ways to entertain themselves on the rural Vermont byways.

This time around we have the dual driving plot of boisterous trooper Farva (Heffernan) meeting and getting engaged to Thorny’s (Chandrasekhar) sister, Surita (Hannah Simone of ‘New Girl’) and a mysterious new drug finding its way into their jurisdiction.

Mostly, though, it’s all an excuse to roll out versions of familiar gags as the gang squabble and lark about.

Chandrasekhar also sticks to the basics in terms of the directing, the low budget aesthetic rarely a problem for this lot.

Cast and Performances

The leads remain likable enough, but the strain is certainly starting to show as they wheel out some very predictable callbacks and one or two new ideas. Still, it’s rarely laugh-out-loud stuff.

Outside of the Lizards, the few chuckles come from Nat Faxon (‘The Way Way Back’) as their new captain (who the team haven’t really accepted) and their old boss, John O’Hagan (‘Succession’s Brian Cox notching his third tour of duty with the boys), as grumpy as ever.

Final Thoughts

Definitely one for the committed fans, and even they might find themselves sighing more often than giggling. The time has come for these cops to hang up their badges and guns, and we mean right meow.

‘Super Troopers 3’ receives 60 out of 100.

What is the plot of ‘Super Troopers 3’?

When Farva’s over-the-top Indian engagement to Thorny’s sister spirals into chaos, the Super Troopers must navigate Thorny’s schemes to break up the relationship, all while trying to bring down a pernicious new drug ring.

Who is in the cast of ‘Super Troopers 3’?

Jay Chandrasekhar as Senior Trooper Arcot “Thorny” RamathornPaul Soter as Trooper Carl FosterSteve Lemme as Trooper MacIntyre “Mac” WomackErik Stolhanske as Trooper Robbie “Rabbit” RotoKevin Heffernan as Trooper Rodney “Rod” FarvaBrian Cox as John O’HagenHannah Simone as Surita RamathornNat Faxon as Captain Todd MarkowskiAndrew Dismukes as Trooper Coy Burns

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