Super Troopers 2
When an international border dispute arises between the U.S. and Canada, the Super Troopers- Mac, Thorny, Foster, Rabbit and Farva, are called in to set up a new Highway Patrol station in the disputed area.
Despite its modest budget of $13.5M, Super Troopers 2 became a commercial success, earning $31.6M worldwide—a 134% return.
Plot Structure
Story beats plotted across runtime
Narrative Arc
Emotional journey through the story's key moments
Story Circle
Blueprint 15-beat structure
Arcplot Score Breakdown
Weighted: Precision (70%) + Arc (15%) + Theme (15%)
Super Troopers 2 (2018) showcases precise story structure, characteristic of Jay Chandrasekhar's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 15-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 40 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 7.4, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes The former Vermont State Troopers are now working menial jobs as a construction crew after losing their jobs. Mac is a lumberjack, Foster works ride-along, and the group is fractured and humiliated.. Notably, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 12 minutes when Vermont Governor offers the troopers their jobs back with a mission: a border dispute means a Canadian town is actually part of Vermont, and they must establish a police presence there during the transition.. At 12% through the film, this Disruption aligns precisely with traditional story structure. This beat shifts the emotional landscape, launching the protagonist into the central conflict.
The First Threshold at 25 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 25% of the runtime. This demonstrates the protagonist's commitment to The troopers cross into Canada and officially take their positions as the new law enforcement in the disputed territory, committing to the mission despite knowing they'll face resistance., moving from reaction to action.
At 50 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 50% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Of particular interest, this crucial beat The troopers discover a major smuggling operation and realize they have a chance to prove themselves with real police work. False victory - they think they can be heroes and redeem themselves easily., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 75 minutes (75% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, The troopers are set up and framed for a crime involving the smuggling ring. They're arrested, humiliated publicly, and face losing their jobs again. Their dream of redemption dies., illustrates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Second Threshold at 80 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 80% of the runtime. The troopers piece together evidence proving who really runs the smuggling operation and realize Le Franc is involved. They break out/are released and commit to doing real police work to expose the truth., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Super Troopers 2's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 15 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs proven narrative structure principles that track dramatic progression. By mapping Super Troopers 2 against these established plot points, we can identify how Jay Chandrasekhar utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Super Troopers 2 within the comedy genre.
Jay Chandrasekhar's Structural Approach
Among the 5 Jay Chandrasekhar films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 7.5, reflecting strong command of classical structure. Super Troopers 2 takes a more unconventional approach compared to the director's typical style. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Jay Chandrasekhar filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional comedy films include The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, The Bad Guys and Lake Placid. For more Jay Chandrasekhar analyses, see The Dukes of Hazzard, Super Troopers and Easter Sunday.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
The former Vermont State Troopers are now working menial jobs as a construction crew after losing their jobs. Mac is a lumberjack, Foster works ride-along, and the group is fractured and humiliated.
Theme
Governor mentions "second chances" and the importance of representing Vermont with dignity. The film explores redemption and proving one's worth when given another opportunity.
Worldbuilding
Establishment of the disgraced troopers' current lives, their dysfunction, ongoing pranks between them, and the strained relationship with their former station. Shows they haven't learned from their mistakes.
Disruption
Vermont Governor offers the troopers their jobs back with a mission: a border dispute means a Canadian town is actually part of Vermont, and they must establish a police presence there during the transition.
Resistance
The troopers debate taking the job, prepare for the assignment, and receive warnings about not embarrassing Vermont again. Captain O'Hagan gives them guidance about this being their last chance.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
The troopers cross into Canada and officially take their positions as the new law enforcement in the disputed territory, committing to the mission despite knowing they'll face resistance.
Mirror World
Rabbit meets Genevieve, a Canadian Mountie's cultural liaison. This relationship represents the theme of cross-cultural understanding and maturity that the troopers need to develop.
Premise
Classic Super Troopers hijinks as they clash with hostile Canadians, the former Mounties led by Guy Le Franc, and attempt to assert authority through pranks and shenanigans. The "fun and games" of culture clash comedy.
Midpoint
The troopers discover a major smuggling operation and realize they have a chance to prove themselves with real police work. False victory - they think they can be heroes and redeem themselves easily.
Opposition
Le Franc and the Canadians escalate their efforts to discredit the troopers. The smuggling case gets complicated. The troopers' old habits of goofing off threaten to derail their investigation and second chance.
Collapse
The troopers are set up and framed for a crime involving the smuggling ring. They're arrested, humiliated publicly, and face losing their jobs again. Their dream of redemption dies.
Crisis
The troopers sit in jail, confronting their failure. They realize they need to actually work together professionally rather than just pull pranks. Dark reflection on whether they deserve another chance.
Act III
ResolutionSecond Threshold
The troopers piece together evidence proving who really runs the smuggling operation and realize Le Franc is involved. They break out/are released and commit to doing real police work to expose the truth.
Synthesis
The troopers execute a plan combining their comedy/pranks with actual competent police work. They expose the smuggling ring, clear their names, and earn respect from the Canadians. The finale brings together both sides of their personality.
Transformation
The troopers are celebrated as heroes, having proven they can be both fun-loving and competent. They've earned their second chance and matured enough to balance responsibility with their personality. The closing image shows them confident and legitimate.