Sometimes, you just want to have fun.

Rating: 10/10 (5 July 2003)

"War of the Worlds" has a history in America. Based on an H.G. Wells story, it caused mass hysteria during the depression when first broadcast as an (unannounced) radio play. The 1953 movie of the same name has long been considered a Science Fiction classic. "Independence Day" is the 1990s, Hollywood version of the same story. There are no real surprises on this three day journey of technically superior aliens invading and destroying the earth, but the trip is well worth it thanks to a great ensemble cast, terrific special effects, and a quirky script.
Will Smith heads the cast as Marine pilot Captain Steve Hiller, a one-liner kind of hero whose goal is to be an astronaut, but he is challenged as the star of the picture by Jeff Goldblum (playing David Levinson), the MIT techo-geek who first realizes the threat of the alien ships. In a wonderfully woven (and very convenient) plot, their lives entwine with those of the President and a drunken crop-dusting Russell Casse. Judd Hirsh and Harvey Fierstein also shine in supporting roles.
But perhaps the special effects are really the star as the aliens rampage and thoroughly destroy Washington DC, New York City, and L.A. As I said, there are no real surprises, but sometimes you just want to kick back and enjoy a movie.