Explosive science-action thriller is a whole lot of fun

Rating: 8/10 (24 June 2016)

For over thousands years, mankind has been hit with a powerfully intriguing question: Are we alone, or is there life on other planets. Scientists to do this day still continue to investigate whether extraterrestrial life is existent on other planets or has visited our planet when we didn't know it. This sci-fi action thriller formulates an obvious fictional account of mankind's fight for survival against the large army of aliens who are set to invade Earth. The concept isn't terribly new as we experienced it before in H.G. Wells' War of The World's, but it's not say the film doesn't succeed on its own merits. Showering us with a wide plethora of eye-popping special effects and CGI, director Roland Emmerich blasts the screen with an high-octane action flick swarming with pulse-pounding action sequences and pure charisma, resulting in what was called in 1996 "the biggest movie of the summer". The film opens up in July 2nd when communication systems are mysteriously failing from strange signals picking up outside the atmosphere. When the U.S military discover what appears to be meteors set to collide into Earth, they discover these strange objects are nothing other than gigantic spaceships run by aliens who appear to be here for a warm welcome. Soon, ex-scientist David Levinson (played by Jefd Goldblum) learn of their plot to invade our home planet when the aliens launch an attack on major cities including Washington D.C., New York City, and Los Angeles; resulting in the death of millions. With the future of the human race dangling, United States President Thomas Whitmore (played by Bill Pullman) on July 3rd, orders a large scale attack against the alien army with cocky Air Force pilot Captain Steven Hiller (played by Will Smith) leading the operation in attempt to save mankind.
This big-budget action flick isn't highly original, nor does it leave a landmark on science- fiction genre. But it's hard to deny what a hell of a thrill ride it is, even if it's not a highly intelligent concept. From the opening minutes of the alien invasion, we are introduced to the startling, yet chord-striking shots of landmarks such as the White House, the Empire State Building, and other major downtown areas as they're obliterated into fiery explosions in front of a massive crowd of spectators. From that point, we know are in an intense ride. When it comes special effects, director Roland Emmerich doesn't play around. He embraces his beauty in jaw-dropping effects, and the air battle scenes involving Air Force pilots against the small alien spaceships make fine evidence of this. Though these scenes appear to borrow elements from other sci-fi classics like 'Star Wars' or 'Close Encounters of The Third Kind', there is plenty of excitement to be endured, including some funny (and occasionally no-brainer) one-liners uttered by the characters and the sheer likability of Will Smith playing a cocky pilot who embraces his commitment in active combat while maintaining an appropriately comedic attitude. If there is any flaw sustained in during the near 2 1/2 hour runtime, it probably comes from the shortage of properly developed characters as the mass array of action clouds over the character development, though the plot stands surprisingly stable throughout. In the end, we can't help but hope of these characters survival and success on their mission to save mankind from extermination.
Independence Day is an exciting science-fiction popcorn thriller with dazzling special effects and decent, if slightly cheesy performances. This film isn't exactly what I consider a classic nor influential. Overall, it is a solidly entertaining and leaves a good note on Roland Emmerich's resume. Due to the amazing quality of the film, it makes me excited for the sequel 'Indepedence Day: Resurgence' which is set to hit theaters this weekend.