Entertaining if a tad overlong sci-fi-horror flick tells the tale of some people signing up and becoming "citizens" that is soldiers that have to defend their planet from some nasty insect alien creatures.

Director Paul Verhoeven is back in form after his flop Showgirls and he directs the battle sequences with a lot of energy and blood. The script has many humourous moments (such as the news reports) and is well-fleshed out.

A cast of mostly unknowns (including the great Clancy Brown) does a good job and the effects are top-notch. The only real problem is that it could've been a tad shorter and would've been better for it.

Not too heavy on brains but it makes up for it with plenty of bravado brawn. Recommended.

Directed By: Paul Verhoeven.
Written By: Edward Neumeier.

Starring: Casper Van Dien, Dina Meyer, Denise Richards, Jake Busey.