Early sci-fi was often inspired by topical political themes, but many of these stories have remained timeless despite their social commentary thanks to their general entertainment value, such as Invasion of the Body Snatchers. The Day the Earth Stood Still has not aged so gracefully. The themes are clever for their time (Gort is annihilation for mankind yet a nuclear deterrent for the Martians), but the story coating them is an absolute bore. Klaatu is little more than a criticizing mouthpiece.