INDEPENDENCE DAY REVIEW

*MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS*

In 1996, this was one of the most highly anticipated movies. The trailers showed the White House and the Empire State Building being destroyed by a UFO. Despite the trailers and posters stating how 'epic' this film is, I wouldn't go that far. However, I would say that this film is worth a watch if you enjoy aliens attack earth and are a fan of Will Smith.

The film opens with an alien invasion a few days before Independence Day (July 4th) and it's up to Captain Steven Hiller (Smith), a marine officer, David Levinson (Jeff Goldblum), an MIT-graduate and the President of the United States, Thomas J. Whitmore (Bill Pullman) and a handful of others to stop the aliens from destroying Earth.

While this isn't the best sci-fi/action film, it's not the worst either. I mainly enjoyed this film because of Smith's performance which added comic relief to the action featured in this film. Speaking of the action, it's really thrilling and the majority of it occurs in the final battle sequence between mankind and the aliens.

Of course, any film that features aliens has its share of scary moments. In Independence Day, the scene between scientist, Dr. Brakish Okun (Brent Spiner), and one of the supposedly 'dead' aliens is incredibly tense. However, the director's, Roland Emmerich, intentions weren't to scare as this isn't a horror. Judging by this film, I'm guessing his intention was to create an exhilarating film that's full of action. Fortunately, he has succeeded. Yes, this film has flaws but I'm not going to bring them up because there's no point. This film has plenty of good points, including the acting. Smith is the stand-out but the rest of the cast give solid performances.

I think this film will appeal more to citizens of the United States as it's set on Independence Day. Is there a better way to spend July 4th than fighting aliens? 

Back in 1996, the special effects must've come across as outstanding but, compared to the technology we have now, they look outdated. They're really not that special anymore, they're just effects. That isn't a flaw, though, as I knew the CGI back in the 1990s was limited. Despite that, they're still pretty good.

The film has an abrupt ending with no intention for a sequel. However, it made over $817M at the box office and was the highest grossing film of 1996. This called for a sequel and so, after two decades, the aliens are returning but, unfortunately, there's no appearance from Will Smith. The special effects may be better in the sequel but will the story be just as good? One can only hope.

Overall, Independence Day may not have the best special effects but the stand out performance from Smith and compelling story make this a worthy watch.

6/10