“The only good bug, is a dead bug.”

Inexplicably, Paul Verhoeven‘s 1997 work of futuretastic sci-fi fantasy, STARSHIP TROOPERS – a movie about humans in a fascistic, militaristic future doing battle with giant alien bugs in a fight for survival – has become a cult-favourite, and a perfect addition to the Rio Theatre’s ongoing Friday Late Night Movie series.

Casper Van Dien, Denise Richards, Neil Patrick Harris, Dina Meyer, Jake Busey, Michael Ironside and Rue McLanahan (!) star in and  the distant future, the Earth is at war with a race of giant alien insects. Little is known about the Bugs except that they are intent on the eradication of all human life. But there was a time before the war… A Mobile Infantry travels to distant alien planets to take the war to the Bugs. They are a ruthless enemy with only one mission: Survival of their species no matter what the cost…

“In its early scenes, ‘Troopers ‘is basically a goofy high school movie, complete with love triangles, a big game, and a school dance (and sex) after. Once they’ve begun infantry training, the flexing of machismo so over the top, it can only be satire.” (VICE)

“A jaw-dropping experience, so rigorously one-dimensional and free from even the pretense of intelligence it’s hard not to be astonished and even mesmerized by what is on the screen.” (LA Times)

“Often grotesque and sometimes pretty cheesy too, it’s now embraced by many film fans as sly satire skewering America’s weakness for right-wing militarism.” (NME)

Friday, March 14
Doors 11:00 pm | Movie 11:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.
Tickets HERE

STARSHIP TROOPERS (Paul Verhoeven, 1997 / 129 mins / 18A) Set in the future, the story follows a young soldier named Johnny Rico and his exploits in the Mobile Infantry. Rico’s military career progresses from recruit to non-commissioned officer and finally to officer against the backdrop of an interstellar war between mankind and an arachnoid species known as “the Bugs”.

*Minors OK. Must be 19+ w/ID for bar service.
*Rio Theatre Groupons and passes OK for any single film only. Please redeem at the door.
*We recommend purchasing your tickets in advance at www.riotheatretickets.ca. If a screening or live event is not sold out, the remaining tickets will be available for in-person purchase at the Rio Theatre’s Box Office prior to showtime (subject to availability).
*Our box office is typically open 30 minutes before showtime. All seating is General Admission; please arrive 20-30 minutes prior to showtime to ensure great seats, and time for treats at concession.
*If you are looking to redeem either a Rio Theatre gift certificate or Groupon to any regular Rio Theatre screening: You can either email us in advance <[email protected]> and give us a “heads up,” or do it at the box office prior to showtime.

*All Rio Theatre tickets are final sale. No refunds or exchanges.