Film Review: Independence Day (ID4)

"Perhaps it's fate that today is the Fourth of July, and you will once again be fighting for our freedom... Not from tyranny, oppression, or persecution... but from annihilation. We are fighting for our right to live. To exist. And should we win the day, the Fourth of July will no longer be known as an American holiday, but as the day the world declared in one voice: 'We will not go quietly into the night!' We will not vanish without a fight! We're going to live on! We're going to survive! Today we celebrate our Independence Day!" - Bill Pullman 

In 1996, this film was released with a simple premise:  an alien invasion occurs on July 4th, with massive ships obliterating entire cities and systematically exterminating mankind.  In some of the most chilling and awe-inspiring footage, the 15-mile-wide flying saucers destroy the White House, Los Angeles, and New York City (just a few of many), with massive waves of fire washing over the streets.  This is quickly followed by retaliation, with squadrons of jet fighters taking on the extraterrestrial vessels.

This film crams in a lot within its two-and-a-half hour timeframe:  the first act takes its time to establish all the key characters as the UFOs gradually take position.  When the attack begins, the action remains pretty constant, leading up to a grand final battle.  Special effects were really inspiring at its time, and remain iconic to this day.  Even when firestorms, alien ships, and jet fighters aren't filling up the screen, the movie runs pretty fast, with frequent comedy to keep things light and fun.  Overall, it's the perfect blockbuster picture, finding a fine balance between action, spectacle, humor, and drama.

The story is pretty much more of the same as any other alien invasion story you see.  In fact, it bears much in common with the classic War of the Worlds.  What makes ID4 more compelling, however, is that it juggles multiple characters and multiple points of views, and eventually brings them together for the central fight.  All these characters are pretty fun to watch and root for, and show just enough development to make them work.  The plot is pretty well-structured, using three distinct acts to portray this larger-than-life situation.  It's also most noteworthy for portraying relatively realistic politics and military protocols, thanks largely to the consultation the filmmakers received from the Air Force during filming.  The film also ties in a few ufology aspects to capitalize off of the popular concepts of alien life.  It makes for a grand and entertaining story, even if it isn't all that deep or original.

This film has very solid photography and editing.  Acting is generally fun from the whole cast:  Bill Pullman is probably the only one who takes his role seriously, and actually comes off as a little cheesy with the way he tries so hard to sound cool and tough.  Will Smith and Jeff Goldblum steal the show the whole way with their lighthearted performances.  Writing is pretty decent, although many lines are silly and goofy.  This production spares no expense on sets, props, costumes, and special effects, although they are showing their age.  David Arnold's music score is appropriately boisterous.

At the time of its release, Independence Day was one of the most exciting and awe-inspiring features I had seen.  Despite its age and cheesiness, I still call it one of the most essential blockbusters of all time.

Recommended!

4.5/5 (Entertainment:  Perfect | Story:  Good | Film:  Very Good)