Independence Day

An awesome Si fi action movie one of my favorites

I am primarily writing this review to see if it remains on my profile as I have previously reviewed two television shows and rotten tomatoes has shadow banned both entries without reason or notification. Given this behaviour I advise you all to be wary of the ratings you see on this website given that rotten tomatoes actively manipulates the results by removing reviews. As for Independence Day, I saw this film in cinema in 1996 and it blew my young mind. It instantly took the mantle and has remained since as my all-time favourite movie. I am glad to see that it still holds up to this day, and well it should, as it has all the elements of a 5 star film - great casting (prime Will Smith and Jeff Goldblum), great soundtrack, iconic scenes (The shadow of the alien ship looming over NYC, destruction of the White House), iconic lines ('Welcome to Earth') and a story that flows. The central theme of unity, a positive representation of American patriotism, and the contrasting peoples and cultures around the world during the memorable morse code scene is today a nostalgic throwback to a time when the world had and acknowledged genuine cultural difference, as opposed to the globalised hellscape we live in today, especially in the west.

Though most of its more grounded and heartfelt moments get lost amidst all the (superb) action, Independence Day nonetheless makes for an exciting, ambitious sci-fi adventure, with a great ensemble cast and massive, world-threatening stakes.

Why do I feel like the CGI in this movie is better than modern CGI? Great story, and I feel like this is better than most movies.

A classic sci-fi action flick. One of the rare films exhibiting decent cgi for its time with excellent looking aliens.

Impressive for its time with the large scale & VFX but it’s quickly left in the past due to a predictable story & goofy characters. The inspiring human spirit & dialogue is iconic. Cheesy fun with good use of shadows.

Entertaining and some pretty good action but the characters and dialogue is corny and at times tries too hard to be inspiring.

It wasn't bad but it didn't connect with me. Might have liked it more if I watched it when it released rather than years later.

The good: Will Smith and Jeff Goldblum. Both show their star quality. Will Smith in particular. The effects though now dated, were very good at the time. The first half builds the suspense nicely. I really like the first hour. The bad: US jingoism. Independence Day is now for everyone because we all want to be American right? The depictions of other cultures is laughable. Oh and how a bunch of untrained pilots can suddenly fly military aircraft. Bottom line, it's enjoyable nonsense.

Independence Day is without a doubt the most enjoyable disaster film ever made. It has likable characters portrayed by fabulous actors plus the space fights against the aliens makes it even more enjoyable. A cherry on the cake is the patriotic feel this film gives.