The movie, having destroyed America, goes on to suggest a rejuvenation. The president becomes a decisive and self-sacrificial leader. Government scientists become not the sinister villains of X-Files conspiracy theories but key defenders of the planet. The fighter pilot shows old-fashioned military courage as he rediscovers family values. Perhaps the biggest hero emerges out of the trailer park crowd in their RV caravan.
Ordinary citizens pull together in the face of a common cause.
Nevertheless, several elements will put off conservative Christians. After lampooning the loony optimism of the New Agers, the movie resorts to some gratuitous globalism as the president declares that the Fourth of July will now be a world holiday. Our champions must conquer their character. As in several other recent releases, this film hails ordinary men and women who put the interests of others ahead of their own, faithfully love their spouse and children, and embody the virtues of friendship, patriotism, and compassion. But ultimately, despite the movie's popular appeal and good intentions, the plot takes the humanist's road to salvation.