The latest installment in the Super Troopers franchise, titled Super Troopers 3, has arrived in theaters, but early reviews suggest it struggles to recapture the comedic magic of its predecessors. The film, released in 2026, follows the antics of Vermont state troopers, a concept that first gained popularity in the 2001 original and saw a follow-up in 2018.
Super Troopers 3: A Familiar Premise Falls Flat
Critics have noted that Super Troopers 3, written by the comedy group Broken Lizard, leans heavily on familiar tropes without offering fresh comedic material. The central plot involves Senior Trooper Ramathorn, portrayed by Jay Chandrasekhar who also directs, attempting to thwart his sister’s marriage to a dense colleague, Rodney Farva (Kevin Heffernan). Concurrently, the troopers are tasked with investigating attacks on maple-syrup trucks. This dual narrative, however, has been described as failing to generate substantial laughs.
The humor in Super Troopers 3 is characterized as broad and often relies on predictable targets such as race, sex, drugs, and jokes about Canada. Reviewers indicate that only a small fraction of the gags land effectively, leading to a general sense of desperation rather than genuine amusement. The film’s reliance on the long-standing premise of incompetent but well-meaning police officers echoes the early days of slapstick comedy, such as the Keystone Kops, whose act was considered outdated by the 1920s.
The return of Brian Cox to reprise his role as a retired police captain has been met with surprise, given the perceived lack of innovation in the sequel. The film’s runtime is approximately 104 minutes and is rated 15.
The Summer Book: A Quiet, Character-Driven Drama
In contrast to the broad comedy of Super Troopers 3, ‘The Summer Book’ offers a more contemplative cinematic experience. Adapted from Tove Jansson’s 1972 novel, the film centers on an elderly Finnish grandmother, played by Glenn Close, and her granddaughter Sophia, portrayed by newcomer Emily Matthews. The story unfolds on an island in the Gulf of Finland during the summer, exploring themes of grief, family dynamics, and the quiet moments that define relationships.
Close delivers a performance described as formidable and wondrous, embodying the spirit of a resilient matriarch. The narrative is deliberately unhurried, focusing on the interactions between the grandmother and Sophia, as they navigate the complexities of loss following the death of Sophia’s mother. The film subtly addresses the father’s struggle with grief and its impact on his relationship with his daughter. While lacking a conventional narrative arc, ‘The Summer Book’ is praised for its touching portrayal of family connections and its ability to resonate with patient viewers. The film is rated PG and runs for 90 minutes.
Love Me Tender: A Sensitive French Drama Tackles Family Conflict
‘Love Me Tender’ is a French-language film that delves into the sensitive subject of parental rights and family law. Starring Vicky Krieps as Clemence, a separated mother, the drama follows her struggle to maintain a relationship with her eight-year-old son after her ex-partner, Laurent (Antoine Reinartz), becomes hostile to her new relationship with a woman. What begins as an amicable co-parenting arrangement deteriorates into a protracted legal battle, exacerbated by what is described as institutionalized homophobia.
The film highlights the devastating impact of the custody dispute on Clemence, who is separated from her son for 18 months, a period she poignantly measures by missed holidays and milestones. Based on a true story and adapted from an autobiographical novel by Constance Debre, the film draws a stark contrast with the legacy of Debre’s grandfather, Michel Debre, a former Prime Minister of France and a key figure in shaping the French constitution. The film, rated 15, has a runtime of 134 minutes and is commended for its superb acting and sensitive direction by Anna Cazenave Cambet.
Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie Delivers Unexpected Enjoyment
For younger audiences and their accompanying adults, ‘Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie’ offers a surprisingly engaging experience. This third spin-off from the popular children’s television series manages to entertain both its target demographic and their parents. The film features voice work from notable celebrities, including Snoop Dogg as a father and Paris Hilton as a mother, whose cat character provides notable comedic relief.
The plot sees the Paw Patrol pups embarking on an adventure to an uncharted island inhabited by dinosaurs, drawing parallels to ‘Jurassic Park’. The narrative introduces elements of scientific research alongside the threat of less scrupulous individuals seeking to exploit the island’s resources for diamonds. Despite a villain, Mayor Humdinger, whose appearance is deemed less than menacing, the film builds to a climactic volcanic event. The movie, rated U, runs for 88 minutes and is noted for its ability to hold the attention of young viewers, offering a welcome distraction during holiday periods.
Conclusion
The current cinematic landscape offers a diverse range of films, from the critically panned ‘Super Troopers 3’ to the more nuanced dramas ‘The Summer Book’ and ‘Love Me Tender,’ and the family-friendly ‘Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie.’ While ‘Super Troopers 3’ struggles to deliver laughs, the other reviewed films provide distinct viewing experiences catering to different tastes and age groups.
