‘Super Troopers 3’ Review: The Broken Lizard Boys Strike Again, With More Mostly Unfunny Hijinks

The latest installment of the Super Troopers franchise, Super Troopers 3, has finally hit theaters, marking the 25th anniversary of the series' inception. While this may seem like a milestone worthy of celebration, the reality is that the film's humor and charm have not aged well, making it a disappointing addition to the franchise.

Background & Context

The Super Troopers series was born out of the comedic troupe Broken Lizard, which consists of Jay Chandrasekhar, Kevin Heffernan, Steve Lemme, Paul Soter, and Erik Stolhanske. The group has been entertaining audiences with their brand of raunchy humor and wacky antics since the late 1990s. The first Super Troopers film, released in 2001, was a surprise hit, grossing over $30 million at the box office and establishing the franchise as a staple of comedy cinema.

However, the series has struggled to regain its momentum since then, with the sequel, Super Troopers 2, receiving mixed reviews from critics and audiences alike. Despite this, the Broken Lizard boys have continued to churn out films, including Beerfest and The Slammin' Salmon, showcasing their signature blend of absurd humor and over-the-top antics.

Key Details

The latest installment, Super Troopers 3, follows the familiar formula of its predecessors, with the entire cast returning for another round of hijinks. The film centers around Farva's (Kevin Heffernan) whirlwind romance with Thorny's (Jay Chandrasekhar) sister Sarita (Hannah Simone), which sets off a chain reaction of events that threatens to upend the entire police department.

The film also sees the return of beloved characters, including Captain O'Hagan (Brian Cox), who once again brings his trademark cantankerousness to the role. Despite his Succession fame, Cox is perfectly cast in the role, delivering a performance that is equal parts gruff and lovable.

Additional details include the introduction of a new cast of characters, including a rookie trooper (Andrew Dismukes) who becomes the object of Ursula's (Marisa Coughlan) affections, and a plotline involving an illicit drug scheme involving maple syrup.

What Experts Say

While opinions on the film may be divided, it's clear that Super Troopers 3 is a product of its time, reflecting the same brand of humor that has come to define the Broken Lizard boys. However, in an era where comedy has evolved to become more sophisticated and nuanced, the film's reliance on dick jokes and ethnic humor feels like a relic of a bygone era.

According to Jay Chandrasekhar, the film's director and co-star, "We're just trying to make people laugh, and if that means we're not pushing the boundaries of what's considered 'edgy' comedy, then so be it." While this may be a admirable goal, it's hard to shake the feeling that the film's humor is more suited to a stoner comedy club than a mainstream theatrical release.

Key Takeaways

• Super Troopers 3 is a disappointing addition to the franchise, relying on the same tired brand of humor that has come to define the Broken Lizard boys.
• The film's reliance on dick jokes and ethnic humor feels like a relic of a bygone era, making it a product of its time.
• Brian Cox is perfectly cast as the cantankerous Captain O'Hagan, delivering a performance that is equal parts gruff and lovable.
• Super Troopers 3 is a film that is likely to appeal to fans of the franchise, but may not win over new converts.

What This Means For You

For fans of the Super Troopers franchise, Super Troopers 3 is a welcome addition to the series, offering more of the same brand of humor and hijinks that has come to define the Broken Lizard boys. However, for those who are new to the franchise, the film may not be the best introduction to the series, given its reliance on tired and overused comedy tropes.

Ultimately, Super Troopers 3 is a film that is best enjoyed in moderation, with a healthy dose of skepticism and a willingness to laugh at its absurdities. If you're a fan of the franchise, then you'll likely find something to enjoy in Super Troopers 3. However, if you're new to the series, it may be worth waiting for a more polished and refined entry point.