Starship Troopers, I must say, has quickly become one of my favorite movies of late. There are several reasons for this. Despite my rigid belief in non-violence, I'm also a war movie buff, and TROOPERS is as good a war movie as any ever made bu John Wayne or Audie Murphy. A small but loyal force must combat a seemingly overwhelming enemy. People's lives are disrupted, destroyed and changed forever. Some rise above their limitations and display true courage, others learn their limitations as, around them, others die. Only in this case, the enemy are Arachnoids, a hive of alien bugs, basically, who are spreading their nest and attacking humanity, and the planet itself.
As well, it's not only a story about three friends taking different, but intersecting paths, it's a heck of a love story as well. Rico is in love with Carmen, an obviously shallow, bitchy and fickle woman whose only ambition in life is to be a pilot, and who will walk over anyone and anything which gets in her way. 
And the true lover is Diz, who patiently waits, who joins the mobile infantry to be with Rico, and who finally dies in his arms. 
When Diz is killed by the Arachnoid, and Rico is holding her, telling her not to leave, her statement, "It's okay, because I got to have you," is one of the most profound and poignant statements of love I've ever heard in a movie, SF or otherwise. Do not think it is a cliche, or simply a sappy sentiment. There are many people in this world who would happily sacrifice their lives if they could have a chance to be with the person they love, just once.
Another reason I have for liking the movie is that I had the pleasure of several times meeting, and slightly knowing Bob Heinlien, a man whom I greatly admire as one of the foremost philosophers of the twentieth century. While the movie, as is true of most, doesn't adhere closely to his book, it does, however, express many ideals of his philosophies and visions. It is true to the spirit of his life's work, and is, I think, both a tribute to him that surpasses any other movie made of his work, and an example of some of his more thoughtful ideas. This is a consummation I wish more movies could accomplish. Yes, Bob was somewhat militaristic, but he was also liberal, egalitarian, and very pro feminist.
The only quibble I might have with the movie, and it is, admittedly, a small one, is that the Marines could have used a specialized vehicle to make fighting this war a bit easier. My first choice would, of course, have to be the perennial all purpose kick ass vehicle, the Landmaster.
However, if one cannot obtain the Landmaster, a fine second choice would be a vehicle that strikes abject fear into all who see it. Perhaps the deadliest weapon of warfare ever invented. Yes, that's right, the horrible armegeddon machine, the Weinermobile.
These small quibbles aside, for sheer excitement, and viewing pleasure, I personally, can watch Starship Troopers over and over again. And have. I hope, perhaps, you will give it a try, and find it, as I did, well worth your time.