“Welcome to Earth!” —Captain Steve Hiller
Today’s quick review: Independence Day. When aliens attack Earth’s major cities, President Thomas Whitmore (Bill Pullman) must coordinate the United States’ response to the unprecedented threat. His unlikely allies are David Levinson (Jeff Goldblum), a talented signals expert from a New York TV station, and Captain Steve Hiller (Will Smith), a Marine Corps pilot who is one of the first people to interact with the aliens up close.
Independence Day is a science fiction action movie with a good script and strong execution. The story follows the three main characters, their families, and several other survivors as the Earth scrambles to fend off a devastating alien invasion. Between a charismatic lead trio and a sympathetic supporting cast, Independence Day does an excellent job of giving the viewer something to root for. It’s a straightforward premise: defeat the aliens or be destroyed.
Independence Day is an action movie with an unusual amount of meat on its bones. The story is well-paced, and each new development is given proper emphasis. At the same time, the story has enough content that it never feels padded, in spite of its length. The special effects hold up quite well two decades after the film’s release. The action comes from the movie’s large-scale destruction and frantic dogfights, but even the minor scenes feel purposeful.
Independence Day is also a remarkably honest movie. The film delivers exactly what it promises: an alien invasion of massive proportions, big special effects, and a bright ray of hope through the middle of it all. The devastation is awe-inspiring, the sad moments hit the mark, and the victories are triumphant. There’s nothing deep about it, just likable characters, a well-structured plot, and a steady stream of great moments.
Watch Independence Day when you are in the mood for a straightforward but well-executed action movie with an impressive sense of scale. To enjoy Independence Day, you have to be able to take it at face value and get engrossed in the universe. Those who prefer more nuanced films may want to check out Arrival instead as a cerebral take on first contact. Those who enjoy Independence Day’s defiant tone and clear emotions should also give Armageddon a watch as well.
6.9 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.5 for likable characters, good visuals, and a well-paced plot.