Will Smith saves the world!

Rating: 1/10 (10 December 2004)

I can accept that this film film is not supposed to be especially serious, but, to me, it commits every sin in the cinematic book of crimes. For a start, there isn't one character with any charm or charisma, to the point where I started supporting the aliens. But of course, the aliens couldn't possibly win because firstly, they aren't human and therefore must be evil, and secondly, the Americans must always be seen as brave, dynamic and intelligent; the saviours of mankind. It is this kind of overly patriotic, flag waving, 'America is the greatest country on earth' attitude that winds people up. A bit of humility wouldn't go amiss sometimes.
Aside from the usual 'isn't America brilliant?' theme, the film has a dreadfully predictable story-line, a corny script and woeful acting. I suppose the best thing you could say about it is that the special effects are slick. But even then, this doesn't add to my enjoyment of the film. The alien ship may be an impressive computer-made creation, but that's still what it looks like; computer-made. It doesn't look real.
The mark of a good film is if you are still talking about it in the pub a few hours after you've left the cinema, or even at work the following day. My mind started to wander less than half an hour into the flick. If there has ever been a more shallow and meaningless film in cinematic history, I have not seen it.
Independence Day is without doubt the worst film I've ever seen.