Summary"Super Troopers," a 2001 comedy film directed by Jay Chandrasekhar, introduces audiences to a quirky group of Vermont state troopers who patrol the highways near the Canadian border. These troopers, known for their pranks and laid-back approach to law enforcement, frequently find themselves at odds with the local police department, the Spurbury Police. The film opens with a memorable scene where the troopers, led by Thorny (played by Jay Chandrasekhar), Mac (Steve Lemme), and rookie...
Summary
"Super Troopers," a 2001 comedy film directed by Jay Chandrasekhar, introduces audiences to a quirky group of Vermont state troopers who patrol the highways near the Canadian border. These troopers, known for their pranks and laid-back approach to law enforcement, frequently find themselves at odds with the local police department, the Spurbury Police. The film opens with a memorable scene where the troopers, led by Thorny (played by Jay Chandrasekhar), Mac (Steve Lemme), and rookie Rabbit (Erik Stolhanske), play an elaborate prank on a group of unsuspecting stoners. This initial setup not only establishes the troopers' irreverent style of policing but also sets the tone for the film's blend of slapstick humor and absurdity.
As the film progresses, the troopers learn that their station is on the brink of being shut down due to budget cuts, unless they can prove their worth. This news puts pressure on the group, prompting them to take their jobs more seriously—at least for a while. The plot thickens when they stumble upon a major drug smuggling operation, inadvertently becoming embroiled in a case that could save their jobs. The discovery of a dead body in a Winnebago loaded with marijuana sets off a series of comedic events, as the troopers attempt to outsmart the Spurbury Police, who are also vying for credit in solving the case. The rivalry between the two law enforcement groups fuels much of the film's humor, with both sides engaging in one-upmanship and juvenile pranks.
Throughout the movie, each trooper's individual quirks and personalities come to the forefront, contributing to the ensemble comedy. Thorny, the unofficial leader, tries to keep the group in check while dealing with his own issues, such as his love for maple syrup and a budding romance with a Spurbury police officer, Ursula (Marisa Coughlan). Meanwhile, Mac is the resident prankster, always inventing new ways to entertain himself at the expense of others. Foster (Paul Soter), the most level-headed of the group, often finds himself caught between his duty and his feelings for Ursula. Lastly, Farva (Kevin Heffernan), the most obnoxious of the bunch, frequently causes chaos with his brash behavior, much to the dismay of his colleagues.
The investigation leads the troopers to a series of comedic encounters and mishaps, including a memorable scene in which they disguise themselves to infiltrate a party held by the suspected drug dealers. The film's humor is marked by its mix of clever wordplay, physical comedy, and running gags, such as the infamous "meow" game, where the troopers insert the word "meow" into their conversations with unwitting civilians. As the troopers dig deeper into the case, they uncover corruption within the Spurbury Police, adding another layer to their rivalry and intensifying the stakes of their investigation.
In the climax of "Super Troopers," the troopers orchestrate a daring plan to catch the drug smugglers red-handed, ultimately bringing down the corrupt elements within the Spurbury Police. Their success not only saves their station but also solidifies their bond as a team. The film concludes with the troopers having earned the respect of the community and their superiors, albeit in their own unconventional way. "Super Troopers" ends on a high note, leaving audiences with a sense of camaraderie and a reminder of the power of teamwork, all wrapped in the guise of an offbeat and hilarious comedy. The movie's cult status is a testament to its enduring appeal, with fans often quoting its iconic lines and relishing its comedic brilliance.
Dialogues"You boys like Mexico?"
This line emphasizes the importance of spontaneity and adventure in life. It suggests embracing new experiences with enthusiasm and an open mind.
"I’m sorry, Bruce. These boys get that syrup in ’em, they get all antsy in their pantsy."
A humorous take on how indulgence can lead to unexpected behavior, reminding us to be mindful of our actions when influenced by external factors.
"You gonna finish that liter of cola?"
This quote humorously underlines the importance of enjoying simple pleasures and not letting them go to waste.
"Car Ramrod!"
An example of teamwork and camaraderie, showing that having a shared sense of humor can strengthen bonds among friends and colleagues.
"Who wants a mustache ride?"
This comedic line highlights the importance of not taking life too seriously and finding joy in playful banter.
"Littering and... littering and... smoking the reefer."
It humorously points out how distractions can lead to a lack of focus, reminding us to stay attentive and present in our tasks.
"The snozzberries taste like snozzberries."
This whimsical quote encourages embracing imagination and wonder, suggesting that life is more enjoyable when seen through a lens of curiosity.
"Shenanigans! Shenanigans!"
This highlights the importance of calling out absurdity and maintaining a sense of justice, even in a humorous context.
"Enhance. Enhance. Enhance."
A humorous take on over-reliance on technology, reminding us to trust our instincts and not get too caught up in details.
"Desperation is a stinky cologne."
A witty reminder that desperation can be off-putting, suggesting the importance of maintaining composure and confidence in challenging situations.
"We’re not going to get thrown off the force. We’re a family."
This quote emphasizes the significance of unity and support, reinforcing the idea that a strong community can overcome adversity.
"I swear to God, I’m going to pistol whip the next guy who says 'Shenanigans'."
It humorously critiques overused clichés, encouraging originality and creativity in communication.
"Do you know how fast you were going?"
This line underscores the importance of being aware of one's actions and their potential consequences, both literally and metaphorically.
"I’m sorry, I thought you said 'Laplander'."
Highlights the importance of listening carefully and clarifying misunderstandings to avoid confusion and miscommunication.
"You know how they say 'don't play with your food'? Well, I guess you can play with your food."
A playful reminder that sometimes breaking the rules can lead to creativity and fun, suggesting a balance between discipline and spontaneity.
"You can't make fun of the local police. They have a pretty thin sense of humor."
It points out the importance of understanding and respecting different perspectives, especially in positions of authority.
"Cheesy poofs are the best, man."
This lighthearted quote emphasizes the joy found in simple, everyday pleasures, suggesting we should appreciate life's small delights.
"You know what they say: 'People who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones.'"
A classic reminder of the importance of self-awareness and avoiding hypocrisy in our judgments of others.
"I don't want a large Farva. I want a goddamn liter of cola!"
A humorous take on specificity and getting exactly what you want, emphasizing the importance of clear communication.
"It's all about the team. We work as a unit."
This quote reinforces the value of teamwork and collaboration, highlighting that success is often a collective effort rather than an individual one.
FactsThe Origin of the Film's Title
The title "Super Troopers" was inspired by the 1976 song "Super Trouper" by ABBA, though it has no thematic connection to the film.
Improvised Humor
Many of the film's funniest moments were improvised by the cast, showcasing the natural comedic chemistry of the Broken Lizard comedy troupe.
Low-Budget Production
"Super Troopers" was produced on a modest budget of around $1.2 million, yet it grossed over $23 million worldwide, making it a sleeper hit.
Real Police Influence
To portray their roles accurately, the actors spent time with real Vermont State Troopers, who shared stories and experiences that influenced the film's comedic elements.
Filming Location
Though set in Vermont, the movie was primarily shot in New York, with the Adirondack Mountains serving as a backdrop for many scenes.
Broken Lizard's Cameos
Members of the Broken Lizard comedy group, who wrote and starred in the film, made cameo appearances in various roles, adding to the film's humor.
Iconic Opening Scene
The opening scene with the stoned teenagers and the cops was shot in a single day, setting the tone for the movie's absurd humor.
Meow Game Legacy
The famous "meow game" scene became a cultural phenomenon, with fans often challenging each other to use "meow" in everyday conversations.
Car Ramrod's Origin
The term "Car Ramrod" was a playful jab at the police car nicknames, invented by the Broken Lizard team purely for comedic effect.
Sequel Success
Due to its cult following, a fan-funded sequel, "Super Troopers 2," was released in 2018, raising over $4.6 million through crowdfunding.
Trivia
"Super Troopers," a cult classic comedy released in 2001, is renowned for its slapstick humor and memorable one-liners, but there are several behind-the-scenes secrets that even the most dedicated fans might not know. The film was produced by the comedy group Broken Lizard, which consists of Jay Chandrasekhar, Kevin Heffernan, Steve Lemme, Paul Soter, and Erik Stolhanske. Interestingly, the filmmakers faced substantial challenges in bringing their vision to the screen. Initially, they received several rejections from Hollywood studios, forcing them to raise funds independently. With a modest budget of just $1.2 million, the film was shot in only 28 days in and around New York, not Vermont, where the film is set. This tight schedule and limited budget added a layer of pressure that the cast and crew skillfully turned into creative energy, resulting in a film that exudes spontaneity and authenticity.
One fascinating aspect of "Super Troopers" is the extent to which the cast participated in the filmmaking process beyond acting. The screenplay was collaboratively written by all five members of Broken Lizard, which allowed each actor to craft their characters in a way that played to their comedic strengths. Jay Chandrasekhar, who played the character Thorny, also took on the role of director, a dual responsibility that he balanced by leveraging his deep understanding of the group's comedic dynamic. This approach ensured that the film maintained a consistent comedic tone and tight pacing. The camaraderie among the group is evident in the seamless way the jokes and gags unfold, highlighting their years of experience performing together.
The movie is peppered with easter eggs and subtle nods that enhance the viewing experience for those paying close attention. Fans may not realize that the character names are often inspired by real-life people and experiences from the group’s past. For instance, the character Farva, portrayed by Kevin Heffernan, is reportedly based on an annoying friend from college. Additionally, the film's iconic "liter of cola" scene is a reference to a real-life encounter that Heffernan had, demonstrating how the group's personal experiences were creatively woven into the script. These hidden gems add layers of personal authenticity to the humor, inviting viewers to dive deeper into the film's backstory.
From a psychological perspective, "Super Troopers" cleverly exploits the concept of authority and subversion. By setting the film within a state trooper precinct, Broken Lizard plays with the traditional expectations of law enforcement characters, transforming them into lovable misfits whose antics question the seriousness typically associated with police work. This subversion provides a comedic escape for audiences, allowing them to laugh at figures of authority in a harmless, fictional context. Furthermore, the troopers' constant pranks and games serve as an exaggerated portrayal of workplace dynamics, tapping into the universal appeal of rebellion against mundane routines. This psychological layer contributes to the film's enduring appeal, resonating with anyone who has ever felt stifled by rules and bureaucracy.
The impact and legacy of "Super Troopers" can be seen both in its immediate success and its long-term influence on comedy films. Despite its initial lukewarm reception from critics, the film quickly gained a strong following, grossing over $23 million worldwide. Its popularity on home video and DVD further cemented its status as a cult classic, beloved for its quotable dialogue and irreverent spirit. The film's success paved the way for Broken Lizard to create other comedies and inspired a new wave of independent filmmakers by proving that low-budget films with unique voices could achieve significant success. The film's influence is evident in the comedic styles of subsequent films and TV shows that embrace absurdity and playfulness.
The film's legacy was further solidified with the release of "Super Troopers 2" in 2018, a sequel that was largely funded through a record-breaking crowdfunding campaign. This demonstrated the enduring affection fans had for the original, as they eagerly contributed to make the sequel a reality. The success of the campaign highlighted the powerful connection between creators and audiences in the digital age, offering a blueprint for future projects. Ultimately, "Super Troopers" remains a testament to the power of collaboration, creativity, and the enduring appeal of humor that challenges conventions, ensuring its place in the pantheon of classic comedies.
