It’s been 15 years since Broken Lizard’s first instalment of Super Troopers (2001), a film that, while sitting comfortably within the cult-comedy category, was never considered more than a B-movie. Which is why it was a surprise when fans took to the internet to crowdfund a sequel that, quite honestly, nobody really needed.

The main problem here is that it’s now 15 years later, and Broken Lizard are still carrying on as if it’s 2001. While there are some genuinely funny moments littered throughout, unfortunately they’re drowned in a sea of racist and sexist comments. A particularly ill-judged gaff involving a female hormone drug not only feels particularly been-there-done-that, but actually pretty insulting as well – these are areas best not joked about in post-Weinstein Hollywood, but it appears that director Jay Chandrasekhar didn’t get the memo.

Throw in a completely unfeasible story arc that may well have been written in crayon, and some terribly xenophobic French-Canadian accents (including a particularly jarring performance from Rob Lowe), and what you have is a film that certainly wasn’t worth the hassle of crowdfunding. If these jokes weren’t already getting tired back in 2001, then by now they feel positively exhausted. And while the odd joke that goes too far could be forgiven in the name of nostalgia, unfortunately there aren’t enough genuine laughs to be able to consider film this a success.

If you were eagerly anticipating a sequel, then there may be one or two genuinely funny moments to satiate you. But for the most part, Super Troopers 2 is lazy, awkward, and littered with the kind of jokes that just aren’t acceptable in 2018. Watch it only if you have a deep love of the original – but women and French-Canadians should beware.   

RATING: 1/5


INFORMATION

CAST: Jay Chandrasekhar, Kevin Hefferman, Steve Lemme, Paul Soter, Erik Stolkanske, Row Lowe, Brian Cox

DIRECTOR: Jay Chandrasekhar

WRITER: Broken Lizard

SYNOPSIS: When a border dispute arises between the U.S. and Canada, the Super Troopers are tasked with establishing a Highway Patrol station in the disputed area.