When you are told that outsiders come in peace you are usually trusting, or at least hoping to to trust them. With the martians in this movie they completely make mockery of the government and its power. In the scene in which the first martians land, it is completely mocking the way americans deal with threats to our safety. When the martians start attacking with guns that look like water guns, the US Army is powerless with all their toys and tanks. The martians water gun-looking weapons and silly appearance makes the U.S. government's control and decisions look weak. The military is a joke, especially with the character of Billy Glenn, the fumbling moron, as the "military hero" due to his mindless charge against the martians.
Another example of how the government is satirized is in the scene when the three martians have invaded the safe room with the President in it, but they come barging in and kill everyone. The president finally stops them when he goes on a passionate rant about being friendly with one another, being partners the martians and the humans. The president seems proud of his little speech when the martians seem to understand and agree. But in a flash the martians kill the president and you see that they were simply manipulating the President.
the martians themselves are very simple creatures when really looked at. they kill to kill, in the movie there seems to be no legitimate reason to why the martians are attacking earth, they're doing it just to do it.
The film takes jabs at how most of our most highly held institutions, such as the executive branch is full of men who simply want to further their own agenda. The onlyperson who seems to be looking out for the best for the US is the general who keeps pushing to nuke the invaders but is constantly shut down by his peers. The president immediately asks his press secretary which move is the best "for the public" but wants to be seen as a mix of Lincoln and Leave it to Beaver. When he says that we can see how his announcement of the martians is simply publicity for himself.
This movie spoofs serious sci-fi movies simply due to the subject. the movie is based on bubblegum tops from the 60s. Having such an all-star class in such a cheesy and low budget looking movie spoofs the sci-fi genre as well.
I found it interesting how you described the US military's weapons as 'toys' when in fact the martians water gun looking weapons were in fact more powerful than the military's weapons. I also liked how you mentioned that the film was based on the 1960's mars attacks topps cards. I think that you should further investigate this idea about how the film being inspired by trading cards could lead to why the film is so comical and satirical in nature.
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