Independence Day

A sci-fi story constellation of the brightest star elements. With German director Emmerich at the helm, Independence Day soars as filmic uber-craft.

Sonnenfeld has directed with gusto and precision from a vaguely plotted but often hilarious screenplay, and his view of Manhattan as a holding pen for intergalactic refugees has the touch of authentic experience fundamental to all great comedy.

"ID4" presses all the current hot buttons with great efficiency which will make it hard to keep in mind that just because a movie kicks major butt doesn't mean it's good.

It may be film-making by numbers, but the numbers are the right ones, and they fall into place with a satisfying clunk. This is everything a blockbuster should be.

A loathsome, soulless husk of a garbage movie - a bad movie then, and it's a bad movie now.

A defining experience for the '90s and set the formula for summer blockbusters, blending together bombastical action, heart, and humor.

Disaster master Roland Emmerich prefers his aliens hostile, hideous and prone to blowing up recognizable national landmarks.

If you see no other movie this summer, go see this one.

The term "mind-numbing" has never been more appropriate, since sitting through Emmerich's proceedings, gaps in logic and all, wears down on the viewer until their brain all but shuts down.