Nerds That Geek Movie Review: ‘Independence Day’

7/3/2022

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Still from ‘Independence Day’ Courtesy of 20th Century Studios.

There was a time in cinema when the disaster flick was king. You would take an all-star cast, put them into harrowing situations where either a natural disaster or man made one surrounded them and turn the drama loose. It made for some compelling moments on the big screen but alas the disaster flick disappeared.

That is until the late 1990's when Director Roland Emmerich, fresh off of the success of Stargate brought forth a wonderful concept. Take the awesomeness of the disaster flick and combine it with science fiction and the end result was a cult classic that I know I pop into my Blu Ray player on a regular basis... Independence Day.

The world stands shocked. Mankind has always pondered as to whether or not we were the only intelligent life in the universe, but when giant, city sized spacecraft from the stars hover above metropolitan areas around the globe, we discover that we are not alone. But this grand discovery leads to a more important question, are these alien beings friend or foe? And the answer is one that will lead mankind into a fight for its survival on the only world it calls home.

First and foremost, Independence Day is a special effects marvel. With an incredible combination of practical and CGI effects the invasion is pulled off to a tee and it certainly leaves the audience in awe. At the same time, we are treated to some fine performances from Will Smith, Jeff Goldblum and Bill Pullman but alas, this is a film not without its flaws.

For one, there are some absolutely unbelievable and cheesy moments in this action/disaster/alien spectacular, and sadly there are elements of pure American bravado that can actually be off putting. If you're not sure what I mean, go listen to the epic and hammy speech made by the President near the end of the film. His declaration that July 4th would no longer be an American holiday was one that caught foreign audiences off guard. And rightfully so, sure it’s fitting in the film but unnecessary to point out since the movie clearly establishes the aliens are willing to murder everyone on the planet.

Yet, despite the cheese and machismo vitriol, the film works in many other ways because once you get past the goofy stuff, the movie is a damn lot of fun. Yes, there is nothing intellectual to be found here and well, there shouldn't be. This is a motion picture about aliens and humans duking it out in epic fashion and we get just that. Will Smith delivers some of the best one liners in years and we get a few hours of pure fun that can never be replicated. Independence Day was truly lightening in a bottle, the perfect storm of comedy, action, fun all while re-energizing the sci fi genre and bringing the disaster flick back to life. It's one worth watching for the fun factor and honestly, one you should probably own.

Watch ‘Independence Day’

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