The highly anticipated comedy sequel, Super Troopers 3, has landed in cinemas, but early reviews suggest it fails to recapture the magic of its predecessors. Critics are largely panning the film, with one prominent review awarding it a single star and labeling it “woeful.” The movie, released in 2026, follows the misadventures of the Vermont state troopers, a decade after the original 2001 film and six years after its 2018 follow-up. The film’s humor, described as “crass” and “broad,” reportedly relies on a barrage of jokes targeting race, sex, drugs, and Canada, with very few eliciting genuine laughter.

Super Troopers 3: A Comedy Sequel Underwhelms

The latest installment in the Super Troopers franchise sees the return of the beloved, albeit incompetent, Vermont state troopers. Directed by and starring Jay Chandrasekhar as Senior Trooper Ramathorn, the film attempts to weave a narrative around Ramathorn’s efforts to thwart his sister’s marriage to his dim-witted colleague, Rodney Farva, played by Kevin Heffernan. Simultaneously, the troopers are tasked with investigating a series of attacks on maple-syrup trucks. The comedy team, Broken Lizard, is behind the script, but the execution appears to have fallen short of expectations.

The film’s comedic style has been a point of contention. Critics note that the humor is often unsubtle, drawing comparisons to the long-discontinued Keystone Kops, whose reliance on simple slapstick was abandoned a century ago. The review highlights that the core joke – the hilariously inept nature of the police force – struggles to sustain an entire feature film. While the original Super Troopers garnered a cult following for its unique brand of humor, Super Troopers 3 seems to have missed the mark, offering gags that are more likely to elicit groans than guffaws.

Despite the critical reception, the film does feature some familiar faces, including Brian Cox reprising his role as a retired police captain. However, even the presence of seasoned actors couldn’t elevate the material, according to reviewers. The film’s reliance on dated comedic tropes and a perceived lack of fresh material has led to its poor performance in critical circles. The sentiment echoes a sentiment from a century ago, where millions were seen to be easily made in Hollywood, with the primary competition being “idiots.” A modern interpretation suggests that perhaps the “idiots” have indeed prevailed in this instance.

Other Notable Film Releases

Alongside the release of Super Troopers 3, other films are also making their debut, offering a variety of genres for audiences. These include:

• The Summer Book (PG, 90 mins): Adapted from Tove Jansson’s 1972 novel, this film offers a stark contrast to the frenetic energy of Super Troopers 3. It is described as an unhurried, patient drama focusing on family dynamics and the impact of grief. Glenn Close delivers a “charming performance” as a formidable Finnish grandmother spending the summer with her granddaughter. While lacking a strong narrative arc, the film is praised as a “touching study of family dynamics.”
• Love Me Tender (15, 134 mins): This French-language drama, based on a true story, stars Vicky Krieps as Clemence, a separated mother navigating a complex custody battle. The film explores themes of family, love, and institutionalized homophobia. Despite its sensitive subject matter and strong performances, the narrative is described as “complicated” and deals with the heartbreaking reality of a mother being separated from her child for 18 months.
• Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie (U, 88 mins): A spin-off from the popular children’s television series, this animated film has surprisingly garnered positive attention, even from adult viewers. Featuring voice work from Snoop Dogg and Paris Hilton, the movie follows the Paw Patrol pups on an adventure involving dinosaurs. Despite a somewhat uninspired villain, the film is deemed “quite good, actually,” offering entertainment for both children and their accompanying adults.

Conclusion

Super Troopers 3 appears to be a disappointing entry in the comedy franchise, failing to impress critics with its humor and execution. While it aims for broad laughs, it largely lands with a thud. In contrast, other recent releases like The Summer Book and Love Me Tender offer more nuanced and emotionally resonant storytelling, while Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie provides unexpected family-friendly fun. For fans of the original Super Troopers, this sequel may prove to be a significant letdown, highlighting the challenges of maintaining comedic freshness over multiple installments.