Review of Independence Day (1996) by Angel A — 02 Sep 2012
Blockbuster disaster movie about an alien invasion that gets its inspiration from the Irwin Allen disaster movies of the seventies and the low grade sci-fi movies of the fifties. This is a B-movie with a big budget.
The action and effects are big and impressive but the characterizations are cliche and the dialogue is cheesy. It drew big crowds mostly because audiences get to see landmark buildings get blown up by the big alien spaceships.
Will Smith has funny bits but he's mostly a cocky, smart ass. Jeff Goldblum does his usual schtick and Randy Quaid is particularly awful. Bill Pullman and Mary McDonnell are wasted as the President and First Lady.
Judd Hirsch comes off best as Goldblum's father. "Independence Day" could be dumb fun if it didn't take itself so seriously. When the President gives a big speech about fighting to save the planet its delivered straight and comes off jingoistic.
You have to laugh. Considering the money spent you'd think the aliens could've been more imaginative which could also be said for the movie. Won Oscar for Best Visual Effects.
This review of Independence Day (1996) was written by Angel A on 02 Sep 2012.
Independence Day has generally received positive reviews.
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