So Cheesy its Good

Rating: 8/10 (16 January 2017)

Aliens invade Earth's atmosphere using giant space ships with impenetrable defense shields. Modern human military technology is no match against the advanced space ships. As the aliens make final preparations, humans scramble for alternative solutions to prevent annihilation.
This movie is an action-comedy featuring an ensemble cast, and a script that is filled with clichés, parodies, and some of the cheesiest dialogue in movie history. This movie is ultra-jingoistic with blind patriotism being a main theme throughout. Although extremely silly, the cheesy dialogue is highly quotable with numerous one-liners that keep the viewers constantly entertained. The special effects are outstanding, and there are plenty of intense action scenes with lots of explosions. Despite the ridiculous plot holes, Independence Day does not take itself seriously and makes fun of itself at every chance.
The two lead characters are Will Smith and Jeff Goldblum. Smith portrays a macho-military tough guy while Goldblum is a stereo-typical computer nerd who uses intellect to solve complex problems, but can barely tie his own shoes. Both leads give strong performances with plenty of memorable one-liners.
Perhaps even better, the main supporting cast played by Randy Quaid, Judd Hirsch, and Harvey Fierstein. These three deliver some of the movie's funniest moments and quotes. Quaid plays a doofus crop-duster who suffers from PTSD and claims he was abducted by aliens. Now he wants payback against the aliens for his past experiences. Judd Hirsch plays the stereo-typical Jewish father of Goldblum's character, and the dialogue between the two features endless dry humor. Hirsch plays Goldblum's selfish, helpless, panicked co-worker who's natural response to the news of impending doom is to contact his lawyer.
Then we have the government characters to include Bill Pullman as President, Robert Loggia as head military general, Adam Baldwin as second officer, James Rebhorn as CIA adviser to the President, and Brent Spiner as a crazy government scientist who works in Area 51. Spiner's character is particularly funny as he frequently goes off on long tangents about scientific stuff that nobody else understands. Other supporting roles, particularly the ones played by women, are not very funny or memorable, although I liked Margaret Colin as Goldblum's ex-wife and their constant bickering.
By the end of the movie, all of these characters are forced to work together to come up with solutions on how to defeat the aliens. The final cigar-scene shared between Smith and Goldblum is a classic moment, where both characters display excellent chemistry for two guys with polar opposite personalities. Another highlight of the movie is Bill Pullman's impassioned speech to the troops and pilots, which is a remarkable moment for a character who is otherwise boring.