The only thing we knew at the time we saw that commercial during the Super Bowl was that the movie was going to be huge. And, of course, it was. The plot was simple. On July 2, a fleet of ruthless alien destroyer ships wipe out the biggest cities on Earth. The Empire State Building explodes.
Fire rolls down the streets.
On July 3, Americans take cover at Area 51. Will Smith shoots down a spaceship and punches the alien pilot in the head. Jeff Goldblum and Smith visit the alien mother ship. Jet fighters dogfight with alien ships. Yes, the special effects are spectacular.