Helldivers 2 Success Sparks Renewed Interest in Misunderstood Starship Troopers Satire
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Helldivers 2's success is causing a renewed interest in the 1997 film Starship Troopers, which inspired aspects of the game. The film's popularity has jumped in rankings.
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Starship Troopers was misunderstood when it came out - it's an anti-fascist satire, but critics called it pro-fascist, not getting the irony.
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It was loosely based on a Heinlein book with ambiguous politics. Director Verhoeven wanted to satirize the fascist elements he saw in it.
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The film combines hilarious, biting satire with over-the-top action as it criticizes militarism and US foreign policy. But reviewers still misunderstood it.
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It remains very relevant today in its critique of the military complex and media. It's a classic worth watching, with great effects and acting.