Independence Day

Independence Day (1996)

Independence Day is a science fiction film directed by Roland Emmerich. The film stars Will Smith, Jeff Goldblum, and Bill Pullman.

Independence Day is an action film that follows a group of individuals dealing with an alien invasion.

This blockbuster disaster film was an enormous success that gained over $800 million dollars.

It won an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects at the 69th Academy Awards in 1996.

The Story (SPOILERS)

The story for Independence Day is under construction.

It will be finished when I have free time.

Analysis/Review

This was a rough film to get through.

Don’t let that thought immediately damn the film. This is still an enjoyable watch, just for different reasons.

Twenty seconds in, you’ll know immediately the type of film this is. Exploding CGI titles gives it away fast, and I’m grateful for them.

I’m stuck with a delicate stance here, mainly because of how this film is perceived. Obvious “American Patriotism” aside, this film is goofy, dated, and still somehow meaningful.

If you try to take it seriously (as expected) in the 90’s, you’ll have a bad time. If you think of it like a high budget B-film, you’ll find it ridiculously entertaining.

If you want to take the first option, here are a few notes to persuade you otherwise:

• Boomer, the dog, escapes an explosion
• A stripper rescues the First Lady, who then dies pointlessly
• Will Smith knocks out an alien in one punch, complete with one-liner
  
• Air Force One narrowly escapes, saving most of the cast
• A Mac can upload a virus to alien ships, along with an animated skull icon

Like I said, if you take the exploding CGI intro as a warning, you’ll have a much better experience.

They serve as an excellent indicator that you’ll see some dated CGI, impressive practical effects, and a ridiculous story.

All of the actors do the best with what they’re given, but most is not too compelling.

Everyone who is not Will Smith, Jeff Goldblum, or Bill Pullman have some hokey line reads. They have some poor lines too, but less frequently.

Here is where I bring up President Whitmore’s speech: It is short, sweet, and still bad-ass. If there is one reason to watch this film, well, there it is.

The attacks are never seen from global perspective and only receive secondary attention. It seems rather odd that other countries are brushed aside (and look far less capable) for some reason.

Overall, this film is fine. Nothing too spectacular, but remains a solid popcorn flick. It helps if you enjoy disaster films, but otherwise, I’d watch something else.

Your time is far more valuable than spending it in the mid-nineties.