A surprisingly good alien epic

Rating: 8/10 (23 July 2005)

I found Independence Day to be a complete treat. It was surprisingly good alien epic that I have hardly ever seen. The fair script and the good acting carry the film.
It starts off with city sized alien ships that come to earth from the moon and hover above Washington D.C., New York, and Los Angeles. The cities erupt in horror, and by nightfall, the ship destroy the city with giant laser blasts.
Its an emotional roller-coaster from beginning to end. A story about the world putting away their differences for a worthy cause: to stop the aliens. Its something you don't see these days.
There were several clichés in the film too. Like Will Smith being able to learn how to drive an alien cruiser just after seeing how they maneuver in battle. I thought that that was kind of stupid.
But the graphics were spectacular. its easy to see how the film won the Oscar for best graphics. And the aliens, which aren't computer animated, were cool and believable. But you never really get a good look at them (but its was the same in Signs). Its spooky at times as well.
Its also politically incorrect. The cliché of U.S.A. saving the world is funny and a little predictable.
But if you can't like this film, filled with epic aerial battle scenes and emotional scenes. Its extremely likable, sad, and original. I would recommend seeing it just for the incredible story and where it drags out to a great finale.
So no, its not the best movie ever, but its a damn good one all the same.