Review of Independence Day (1996) by Harry W — 05 Feb 2014

Independence Day takes the time to develop its characters so that viewers sympathize for them and car about them as the disaster theme begins to evoke itself, but the introduction goes on for a period which is extended for way too long. Independence Day takes 48 minutes until the true disaster begins, and until then it's mostly just characters developing and tensions building. And while it does that decently, it takes too long to do so.

And also, the rate of the action is inconsistent because there are so many characters in Independence Day that the film spends following so that it doesn't have too much time to be worrying about action. When the action comes, it makes use of the film's spectacular visual effects and the skills that Roland Emmerich is best at, but the rate of it is incredibly inconsistent and the quantity of it is significantly lesser than it should be.

There isn't enough action or disaster for a Roland Emmerich film or for a 148 minute long film with the budget of $75 million. While the scenes making use of the great visual effects are spectacular and excellently memorable, there really isn't as much as you'd hope.

Essentially, Independence Day has all the positive qualities and negative qualities of a standard Roland Emmerich disaster film, so his direction has issues but also serves a benefit to the film.

For one thing, Roland Emmerich ensures that Independence Day serves as an unforgettable visual experience.

The visual effects in Independence Day are astounding, particularly in two types of sequences: the disastrous scenes and the battle scenes.

The disastrous sequences are heavy handed and intense, and they include one of the most famous breakthrough scenes in visual effects history, the famous moment where the White House is blown up by a large UFO. It's all powerful, exhilarating and intense. But the battle sequences are even better because they combine excellently shot unforgettable aviation sequences with computer generated visuals of spaceships, and the entire battle is like if students from Top Gun fought in the Star Wars. It's an unforgettable and entertaining visual experience featuring some of Roland Emmerich's best ever use of visual effects technology, as well as some of the most exhilarating.

Even though the writing loads the film with cardboard characters of ridiculous sorts, they're all still greatly likable figures that manage to distract viewers from the simplistic script with some weaknesses along the line, as well as the thin and basic yet sometimes surprising story and some good cheesy moments which supply a decent laugh here and there. But the main successful reason for this comes from the cast.

And with the film shot with beautiful cinematography on varying locations, Independence Day succeeds as a colorful and grand visual experience in many areas.

On top of it all is a talented ensemble cast which prove mostly powerful.

Will Smith proves what being a charismatic action star is all about. He starts out as a simple straightforward man doing his duty as a U.S. Marine Corps F/A-18 pilot, but when he loses a close friend he develops a relentless adrenaline rush which empowers him as an action hero and a comedic appeal for the whole film. The energy he used to battle aliens in Men in Black is on full display here in Independence Day, and it's hilariously entertaining. He is a kickass lead for Independence Day.

Randy Quaid is at his best since 1973's The Last Detail in Independence Day, because his goofy comedic charm and over the top heroism make him a perfect addition to a summer ensemble blockbuster like Independence Day. His energy never lets itself down throughout the film, and Randy Quaid's comedic approach make him and his his character unforgettable for his effort in Independence Day. His final scene in the film in particular is the epitome of his performance, and it reminds us that he really is a talented actor.

Harry Connick Jr. does a great job because in his brief time on screen he manages to create a great character, and when he dies the mood instantly changes because suddenly a character worth caring about has been victimized, and when it happens Will Smith's character changes into the badass action hero he is supposed to be, so he's integral to the way the story and the character Captain Steven Hiller develops. He makes me proud to be named after him for his brief effort in Independence Day.

Judd Hisch makes a good presence too since he hasn't been active much lately, and any fan of Full Metal Jacket or Firefly would appreciate Adam Baldwin's role in the film. Since Full Metal Jacket is one of my favourite movies and Firefly is my favourite TV show, I truly was happy to see him on the screen.

Bill Pullman and Vivica A. Fox also managed to give good supporting roles to the story.

Unfortunately, Jeff Goldblum gives one of the lesser performances of the film. When he begins to share a chemistry with Will Smith he becomes better, but for the moments where he has to carry himself he finds a struggle in delivering his lines with any passion or emotion and they just seem lame and recycled which proves of no benefit to the film or to his credibility as an actor.

So Independence Day is slow and scattershot project, but it's a powerful visual experience and an entertaining science fiction action disaster film.