Writers and directors are to blame, yes...but how about producers?  Has anyone seen the producer behind avatar..Jon Landau? He's pimping it like he did Alien 3 and that is a bit unsettling.  For me, these guys are like politicians...they keep popping up every chance they get spouting nonsense and bringing the same tired direction to every production.  I had so much hope for this movie since Cameron was directing, but looks it looks like more great source material and talent being run through the Hollywood grinder.  Regarding the Starship troopers fiction, I always though Armor by John Steakley was far far better source material anyway for a movie. There are so many good novels out there its sick.