Amazing Patriotic Popcorn Fare...

Rating: 9/10 (27 October 2003)

Yes, the story has contradictions. Yes, the plot has holes. Yes, Will Smith is about the most over-rated actor on the planet. But this is still a terrific movie!
I'm not about going with the mainstream on anything. Chances are, if it's loved in the mainstream, I avoid it like the plague. I've never seen "Forest Gump," because of that. I grew up near the Alabama Bayou town where part of that movie was filmed (Coden is one block from Bayou La Batre, AL), and I never felt the need or desire to see that movie.
The more I heard how good it was, the less I wanted to see it, until I had built up a pretty good aversion to it which still persists, today. Same goes for Apollo 13. Never saw it. Never wanted to. I was alive back then, and remember the moon walk. I don't need a movie about it, to remind me how fantastic and awe-inspiring it was. It was like touching the face of a god.
My point is, regardless of the plot holes, the obvious "War of the Worlds" similarities, and the grandstanding done by both Smith and Goldblum, I found this movie to be highly entertaining. It's not the most intelligent production out there, but its entertainment value alone makes it well worth the time it takes to view it.
Goldblum and Smith both ponied up professional (if at times hammy) performances in this production, and I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. I watch it often, in fact.
Also, I am highly patriotic. I'm proud to be an American. My family has fought (and died) for America's rights and causes, and in America's wars, throughout history since they immigrated here from Scotland and Germany in the (very) early 1800's, and I am proud of my heritage as an American. This movie inspired me, uplifted me, and made me feel a stronger sense of pride for feeling the way that I do.
Bash this movie if you will. Bash Americans and American ideals. For those of us who love our country and are proud of the rights and freedoms for which our families have lived and died, your words mean absolutely nothing.
This movie rates a 9.0/10 from...
the Fiend :.