stupid...

Rating: 3/10 (25 July 1999)

...that is the first word that comes to mind when ID4 is mentioned. And this even works on several levels.
(1) i am software engineer (and good one at that), and i find the idea of taking down the entire alien defensive matrix by uploading some joe-6-pack virus to be beyond, well, stupid. And with a Mac, no less! Most porn sites on the internet have more security than the aliens. Maybe someone uploaded a plot-retardant virus into the script during filming.
(2) Actually, i would have found the virus bit to be lighthearted, ironic, or funny IF the rest of the movie was in the least say, appealing, or personable. But that was clearly too much to ask. The conversations were predictable, cliche, and forced. The story tried to pack in romance, religion, family values, patriotism, conspiracy, and the kitchen sink and did a horrible job on every aspect.
(3) There were some redeeming qualities to this movie. The suspense at the beginning was appreciated. However, the resolution (as in the rest of the movie) was rather preditable and boring. and uh... well that's about it.
This movie is once again another mindless plug-and-chug of notable actors and special effects into the Hollywood summer-movie formula (hey, at least
Armageddon was kinda entertaining). lucrative it may be, but automatically make a decent movie it does not.