The ultimate popcorn flick - breezy, predictable, but fun (very minor spoilers)

Rating: 7/10 (15 November 2003)

"Independence Day" is the epitome of the summer blockbuster. You have Will Smith and Jeff Goldblum cracking wise in an alien spaceship, major landmarks getting destroyed, and enough explosions and creature effects to please anyone. The story isn't that great (in fact, the whole movie is just a remake of "The War of the Worlds," right down to the plot twists), the characters are sort of stupid, the acting is just passable, but the movie isn't bad. It does miss the apocalyptic feel you get in other films, but obviously Mr. Emmerich isn't looking to bring anyone down on the Fourth of July weekend. The effects look good, there are some laughs, and everyone goes home happy. And maybe, just maybe, that's enough.
7/10