Independence Day (1996)

Remember the 90s? You know, when big, dumb summer movies didn’t have to be grim, gritty, or terribly realistic? Yeah, those were the days. For all its faults, Independence Day was just what the doctor ordered. It’s not high art but it’s filled with awesome special effects. Its story is completely implausible but darn if it isn’t well-written to cover up its faults. Simply put, no amount of scrutiny and nitpicking can prevent me from having a good time while watching this film.

Alien spacecraft take position over major cities across the globe. The human race’s worst fears are realized when these visitors turn out to be anything but friendly. Rising to the challenge to defeat this interstellar menace are a wise-cracking fighter pilot (Will Smith), a computer nerd (Jeff Goldblum), and the young and bold President of the United States (Bill Pullman).

This could have been just another dumb action flick where stuff blows up, feeding the need of testosterone-laden young men across the land. Thankfully, the writers created an enemy so powerful and advanced that the good guys can’t possibly win on grit, spit, and bullets alone. They need to get their geek on too. It sounds weird to say, but Jeff Goldblum’s character helps ground this film a little closer to reality. Call it a sign of the times or even ahead of its time, but Independence Day actually make warfare modern through the use of technological subterfuge. It goes well beyond the cheesy James Bond spy satellite stuff.

Let’s be realistic here for a moment. Like any action flick, this film is full of so much coincidence and lucky timing that you shouldn’t accept it. Spreading flames seem to slow down long enough to allow a dog to find safety and proceeds to not engulf a utility closet. An alien spaceship can be flown by humans, without spacesuits even. An Apple computer holds the key to conquering an alien race for crying out loud!

These sorts of things should suck us right out of a movie, yet Independence Day holds its own thanks to great writing and a wonderful cast. No one is gunning for an Oscar or fanboy cred here. Will Smith and Jeff Goldblum milk it for all its worth and Bill Pullman knows just when to switch gears from stoic and presidential to forceful and raw. Toss in some extra comedic relief with a redneck crop-duster, who claims to have been abducted by aliens, and you have nearly non-stop enjoyable fun.

The subject matter is bleak and could have been drowned in heavy brooding and violence but the story never lingers too long in despair and keeps the brutality of war at arm’s length. It’s absolutely silly but it is also slick and fun. Independence Day is what most summer action flicks aspire to be. There is a reason no one remembers it for its quality. The foundation is beyond shaky but the rest of the ingredients pack such a punch that only foreign audiences tired of Americans saving the day and anti-war leftists will dislike it.

RATING: 3.25 out of 5