Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation | Release Date: July 3, 1996
7.0
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Generally favorable reviews based on 370 Ratings
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Positive:
238
Mixed:
102
Negative:
30
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7
JacobFeb 25, 2014
I may be biased as I love the style of filmmaking from the 90s but I really enjoyed this film. I will admit that it has problems like a somewhat cheesy tone but I like the characters and the story flows nicely. Plus, the flying sequences areI may be biased as I love the style of filmmaking from the 90s but I really enjoyed this film. I will admit that it has problems like a somewhat cheesy tone but I like the characters and the story flows nicely. Plus, the flying sequences are cool. The effects were probably groundbreaking back then and still hold up today, and the film looks great visually. Definitely check this one out if you haven’t seen it already. If this film was a summer blockbuster then awesome because this would have been a great theater going experience. Expand
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7
JAM123Oct 22, 2011
It was really good movie. Cool special effects and good cast. I love those alien invasion movies, they're interesting and cool and Will Smith just made it 20 times better. "Welcome to Earth."
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6
Trev29Apr 3, 2012
There was some very well executed action scenes, but most of the story was monotonous. A good alien movie with some funny lines and visual effects. At least this alien movie attempted at a real plot.
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8
SpangleApr 30, 2016
Typically a movie as dumb, poorly written, and poorly constructed, as Independence Day would draw my ire. However, even I cannot resist its charm. Will Smith, Jeff Goldblum, and Bill Pullman, star in this cheesy, over-the-top 90's actionTypically a movie as dumb, poorly written, and poorly constructed, as Independence Day would draw my ire. However, even I cannot resist its charm. Will Smith, Jeff Goldblum, and Bill Pullman, star in this cheesy, over-the-top 90's action flick that is actually a masterful action film. For all of the films obvious shortcomings across the board, it is an incredibly well made and well crafted action film that sets the stakes, sticks to its rules, and comes up with unique and compelling ways to overcome the problems it puts before its heroes. Additionally, the creature design here is very nice and well done. Though it is dated in some spots, the aliens still look pretty cool. Heck, there is even some solid horror-esque moments here reminiscent of Alien combined with great references to Close Encounters of the Third Kind, 2001: A Space Odyssey, ET, and a few more that I am blanking on. Above all, Independence Day is simply entertaining. While that is often not enough to get the job done for me, it is here. While it may be everything I typically hate in a film, Independence Day stands as the exception and is a truly fun, lively, and bombastic experience. Expand
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7
MovieGuysJan 5, 2014
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Independence Day may not be the best story or have the best script in a sci-fi flick, but what Independence Day lacks in depth it makes up for in substance. And you have to admit that the White House blowing up was pretty cool. Expand
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7
LadyViper_23Jun 22, 2020
Independence Day is the perfect synthesis of every cliché of sci-fi movies with its pros and cons. We got the hero soldier who save the world one joke at the time, the nerd that was right all along and of course the America President thatIndependence Day is the perfect synthesis of every cliché of sci-fi movies with its pros and cons. We got the hero soldier who save the world one joke at the time, the nerd that was right all along and of course the America President that makes maybe the longest motivational speach in the history of movies (and of course he's also a badass pilot). When I first saw this, in 1996 I was a child, if I had to judge it then I would have said without a doubt that Independence Day is the best alien movie ever, so cool, so funny, so epic. I would probably have change my nationality to be a badass american like them. Of course opinions change when you grow up and so it does my judgement about this movie. Independence Day still remains an enjoiable movie, with decent acting, good actions and special effects and some memorable scenes (see the White House). But now I can also understand the irony behind this type of movies, with these american stereothipical heroes, the ridiculous presidential speech, all of the jokes that want to be so tough (some sort of "I laugh in the face of danger" type of thing - typical of the american blockbuster's era). After all I think it was the intent of Roland Emmerich (who isn't an american) to give this sort of sensation. The brave americans who save the world once again by smoking cigars, saying cheesy lines and punching aliens: "Welcome to Earth!". In the end I gladly rewatch it from time to time, with my VHS (with the Lenticular/ Hologram promo card), but mainly to laught about it. Expand
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5
GabrielU.May 21, 2010
Despite of total stupidity of this film as scenario, characters, etc, i actually... Don't regret time i had sacrifaced to watch it. Just an avarge, dull, quite epic and almost s-f movie.
1 of 1 users found this helpful
0
NigelM.Jun 10, 2008
The only time I ever walked out of a cinema was halfway through this. I can't imagine the second half making up for the first hour of intelligence insulting drivel. I predicted the rest of the story when my mates met me in the pub, The only time I ever walked out of a cinema was halfway through this. I can't imagine the second half making up for the first hour of intelligence insulting drivel. I predicted the rest of the story when my mates met me in the pub, almost to the letter. Awful. Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful
7
muzzikloverJun 4, 2011
A very fun film in its own right. Unlike future Emmerich films, this one never takes itself to seriously and is subtly aware of its plot holes, scientific inaccuracy and bad acting so it just makes it look like it's a film made for fun.A very fun film in its own right. Unlike future Emmerich films, this one never takes itself to seriously and is subtly aware of its plot holes, scientific inaccuracy and bad acting so it just makes it look like it's a film made for fun. Special effects are great (and truthfully and utterly non-CGI) and of course WILL SMITH, the king of cool, is in it. That should be the very delicious icing on a particularly mediocre tasting cake. Expand
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8
drlowdonAug 20, 2021
When an enormous alien ship arrives in the skies above, satellite technician David Levinson,, decodes a signal that he soon realises is countdown timer for a coordinated attack. Alerting the White House to the threat he must then work withWhen an enormous alien ship arrives in the skies above, satellite technician David Levinson,, decodes a signal that he soon realises is countdown timer for a coordinated attack. Alerting the White House to the threat he must then work with the President and his staff to save Earth from annihilation.

Independence Day received a mixed critical reception upon its release back in 1996, and its undeniably all very ‘Hollywood’, but if you’re looking for an entertaining blockbuster this more than fits the bill. The cast is great (Will Smith became a major film star off the back of his performance) the effects still largely hold up and the action scenes are excellent, so switch off your brain and enjoy the ride!!
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8
TAMPjackoonOct 7, 2011
I don't understand, why don't people completely adore this movie? I did...almost. The characters were great, some you love, some you hate, the thing is they make the characters so easy to hate or love, and that and they don't have a lot ofI don't understand, why don't people completely adore this movie? I did...almost. The characters were great, some you love, some you hate, the thing is they make the characters so easy to hate or love, and that and they don't have a lot of background, don't get me wrong they have great personalities, but they're kinda basic. It's a bit light on story, I don't wanna spoil, and it does have a purpose for the aliens, but I think the purpose could've been better. These flaws behind, it's a really good time, especially if you have others with you. It's action packed with explosions, great sense of humor, some touching moments, it's great. Expand
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3
cameronmorewoodNov 8, 2012
A hugely stupefying epic that's too long and has had too much effort put into it for so little effect.
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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10
BabinskiJul 15, 2016
People may complain, critics may bash it, but the truth is that Independence Day set the standards for disaster/alien invasion movies, all subsequent movies of these genres were compared to it, that's why it 's still remembered and loved toPeople may complain, critics may bash it, but the truth is that Independence Day set the standards for disaster/alien invasion movies, all subsequent movies of these genres were compared to it, that's why it 's still remembered and loved to this day. And it is not a bad movie, I'd say it is a good as a disaster movie can be, besides being very memorable. Expand
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10
lukechristianscAug 17, 2014
How Emmerich created aliens in Independence day. the screenplay in this movie is like the 80's. A !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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10
SyFyMovieGuySep 2, 2014
I think Roland Emmerich should be proud! Independence Day is downright an amazing alien invasion flick. Why, its one of my favorites. I have seen this when I was little, and kind of grew up with it, but I grew up more with "2012" which isI think Roland Emmerich should be proud! Independence Day is downright an amazing alien invasion flick. Why, its one of my favorites. I have seen this when I was little, and kind of grew up with it, but I grew up more with "2012" which is also one of favorites. Independence Day has great actors, Will Smith is a cool and funny guy just like in "Hancock" and "I, robot". He is very likable. Anyway, this is about aliens taking over our planet and the ships are just really huge they cover entire cities and that's its great to see. I have the movie and seen it many times and seen it on my RCN cable many times as well. The special effects and the destruction of major cities are just fabulous as humanity is faced with the aliens. Roland Emmerich I admire you and your movies. And I don't care if people hate you or don't like your movies because....I do not care....much. Just remember you have an admirer and I wanna be just like you Roland Emmerich, destroying the world over and over. And you know what I mean by that Expand
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7
ydnar4Jan 30, 2015
Independence Day has some amazing special effects. I think they would really even hold up today. All the destruction and explosion of buildings could not be more awesome. I like the idea to go with an ensemble cast rather than focus on oneIndependence Day has some amazing special effects. I think they would really even hold up today. All the destruction and explosion of buildings could not be more awesome. I like the idea to go with an ensemble cast rather than focus on one hero going against an impossible enemy, but I also find that having the big cast of heroes makes the movie a little too long. I also would have liked to see more of Will Smith and Jeff Goldblum onscreen together. They were kind of an unlikely pair up and I thought they were pretty good together for the short time that they had each to work off of. Expand
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7
mm007Jun 29, 2016
[7/10]
better than average.
-------------------------------------
PROS:
1.Good action.
2.awesome sci-fi ideas, effects.
3.Aliens.
------------------------------------
CONS:
1.Lengthy
2.boring in the middle part.
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8
homer4presidentMar 26, 2015
An absolute classic action movie. Great acting from Will Smith and a great storyline. Special effects are good, when you consider how "old" this movie is.
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8
RickyReviewsFeb 17, 2016
Quite simply the best film Emmerich ever made. Amazing special effects, were the best until San Andreas came around in 2015. However, for a 1996, the effects still astonish me. Some cliches and cheesy lines, but not over the top. Bill PullmanQuite simply the best film Emmerich ever made. Amazing special effects, were the best until San Andreas came around in 2015. However, for a 1996, the effects still astonish me. Some cliches and cheesy lines, but not over the top. Bill Pullman as president is an added plus. Will Smith I could do without. I love Jeff Goldblum in this. If you love disaster movies, I truly recommend Independence Day. Hopefully, the sequel won't disappoint. Expand
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8
Antgiog1202Jul 2, 2016
"And should we win the day, the 4th of July will no longer be known as an American holiday, but as the day when the world declared in one voice: we will not go quietly into the night!" Independence Day was an idiotic film, but at the same"And should we win the day, the 4th of July will no longer be known as an American holiday, but as the day when the world declared in one voice: we will not go quietly into the night!" Independence Day was an idiotic film, but at the same time, it was also a great one. It's not meant to fascinate you; it's meant for enjoyment and a whole lot of fun. If you look at it that way, then you can forget the fact that this can be a dull creation and enjoy it's blockbuster, CGI, action sequences and most of the characters too.

Rating: 8/10

A+ = 10
A = 9
A- = 8
B+ = 7
B = 6
B- = 5
C+ = 4
C = 3
C- = 2.5
D+ = 2
D = 1.5
D- = 1
F = 0
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10
KingofdanerdsNov 17, 2016
Another great movie that never gets old. I mean Jeff Goldblum and freakin Will Smith just top this movie.Just better hope the new one is just as good. 10/10
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9
JohnfiskariOct 3, 2017
This film is very exiting. And this is one of only mass destruction movie what i can watch and enjoy. And this film has great acting. This is one of the films what everyone should see in their lifetime.
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8
dabossman1Nov 26, 2019
This movie has impacted our society and how the general populace views the government and its infractions in very interesting ways. A timeless film in its own right (not least because of the expertly-chosen cast and state-of-the-art specialThis movie has impacted our society and how the general populace views the government and its infractions in very interesting ways. A timeless film in its own right (not least because of the expertly-chosen cast and state-of-the-art special effects), its importance in the cultural zeitgeist cannot be understated. While it may not have been the first movie about aliens, or even about an alien invasion, it is the most copied, parodied, and referenced (the original Alien notwithstanding). If you are too young to have watched this movie when it originally came out in the year 1932, you only recognize it for what other works have made it out to be: a bland, uninspiring film that borrows heavily from the overblown action genera. However, if you are a boomer such as myself, you will immediately recognize the genius behind the masterpiece. Expand
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7
SoulWarfareJul 3, 2020
The 4th of July is almost upon and what movie is fitting for Independence Day? Of course, the movie "Independence Day" by Roland Emmerich. The premise is simple, aliens have come and attacked Earth on the 4th of July and the planet but mostlyThe 4th of July is almost upon and what movie is fitting for Independence Day? Of course, the movie "Independence Day" by Roland Emmerich. The premise is simple, aliens have come and attacked Earth on the 4th of July and the planet but mostly America has got to stop them. I've watched this movie years ago so rewatching it will be a very interesting experience.

One thing I've remembered while starting this movie is how amazing and tension-filled that intro is. The scene with mankind's footprint on the moon getting blown away by the alien ship and the people on earth panicking about the ship in the sky is good stuff.

My biggest praise for this movie has got to be the visual effects though which still look great even today. I think everyone remembers it since it was all in the marketing but the iconic white house getting blown up by the alien ship is just phenomenal honestly. Looking at how the movie was made and finding out that they built a miniature white house and blown it up which is cool. All the action scenes in this movie are just very thrilling and exciting to watch with its fast-paced air battles and spectacular explosions. The first act with the alien destruction and the final third act with the war is just so good! The movie contains a lot of comedic moments especially from Will Smith and they all gave me a slight chuckle and work in the movie's favour.

Speaking of Will Smith, this and Bad Boys are the movies that practically launched his career to action fame and watching this movie again I can see why. Will Smith is extremely charming, funny and awesome as "Captain Steven Hiller". He punched an alien in the face while giving a cheesy one-liner, what more could you ask for? Jeff Goldblum is also likeable as the tech expert "David Levinson" and Bill Pullman is charismatic as the American President "Thomas J. Whitmore" and gives one of the most memorable speeches in movie history. The supporting cast is also great in their variety of different performances from the weird to the serious and they all do a great job.

The negatives of this movie are very clear and it is that the plot is just very thin and bland. However, this is kind of expected since the movie is just an alien invasion but the movie runs for 145 minutes which is LONG. So the director does a lot of padding which ruins the pacing of this movie. This is especially noticeable in the second act where it feels like everything is slowing down and coming to a halt just so they can find a way to bring all the characters together and it just drags. Additionally, the movie has to find a way for humans to fight back and win but it is not very convincing. You are required to ignore questioning the logic of the plot and characters and dialling down the sense of believability for this movies plot to work.

While I did praise the actors for their performance, the characters themselves are very lacking in depth. I don't feel like I understand any of the characters motives or backstory and none of the main characters changes by the end of the movie either. I never really cared for any of the characters dying and there are moments I've feel where they want you the audience to feel something but it doesn't work because none of the characters is that interesting for us to care. Well except for the dog who is a character we all care for and has a great moment in the movie. Rewatching the movie I've noticed how stereotypical the characters were which is probably why this movie was a product of the 90s and wouldn't be allowed today necessarily.

Overall, the movie is still a fun movie to watch and even to rewatch. The true main star of this movie is the visual effects with its stunning action pyrotechnics giving us some of the best destruction in movie history. The production and set design are great and the amount of practical stuff is astounding as well. However, the movie is pretty cheesy and dumb with a very stupid conclusion which I've still find dumb even during my rewatch. One line still sticks to mind is "they'll never let you fly the Space Shuttle if you marry a stripper" and honestly I still think about that because it shouldn't affect ones flying ability but apparently that is important. Nevertheless, this movie is just pure spectacle filled fun and no doubt watching this movie was an enjoyable time which is all that matters in over the top, cliche movies like these.
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10
Stephenj2010Jul 25, 2020
Independence Day (also known as ID4) is a spectacular, and amazing story about Alien invaders attack us just two days before Independence Day, and they The survivors devise a plan to fight back against the enslaving aliens, and July 4thIndependence Day (also known as ID4) is a spectacular, and amazing story about Alien invaders attack us just two days before Independence Day, and they The survivors devise a plan to fight back against the enslaving aliens, and July 4th becomes the day humanity will fight for its freedom!

The whole story, is so straightforward as to be superfluous (aliens invade, fights ensue) but even so, it remains an invigorating watch purely because of the spectacle it provides, and the movie really knows not to take the story itself way too seriously.

The idea of a film about the very huge alien attack on shortly before Independence Day in the United States and having a war against the aliens for the celebraiton of Independence Day is very original, and it's awesome! :happybounce: The acting is well done, Will Smith did amazing job, so as the other actors, and as well as the Aliens.


Alien look very scary, and they are the group of the mother alien ship to kill all humans on Earth, and they so destroying Los Angeles, New York City, and even Washington D.C.

This is one of the few times that Roland Emmerich had decent directing skills, one of the good examples that he manages to went out of his way to use every cliche in the book, over-sentimentality, weak, flat characterizations, incredible jumps in logic and reasoning made on the viewer, and the use of special effects to overcome these shortcomings.

That there is one infamous last word is, HELLO BOYS! I'M BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACK!!!

There is a large ensemble cast of good actors, some in career best roles, such as Will Smith, Jeff Goldblum, Judd Hirsch, Randy Quaid, Vivica Fox.,and Harry Connick Jr. in a small role!

The final battle with the major countries against this alien ship at the Area 51 is AMAZING, even in the mother's ship! :)

Independence Day is a amazing, and a classic sci-fi movie of all time in 1996, and it's one of the best sci-fi alien attack movies ever! :D

Although it is a very predicatable movie, but thankfully, it's amazing, always amazing!

Hope you love my review! :)
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10
NGJ747Jun 26, 2019
Timeless movie and one of the best movies of the 2000’s My family has watched this movie many times.
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8
Kapli4kaSep 30, 2020
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Хороший фильм для того времени. Конечно, на 2020 год выглядит немного наивно. 8/10 Expand
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10
UserThomasHAug 28, 2021
This is an absolutely glorious movie, at no point was I skipping bits. It's extremely quotable and the cgi holds up even in 2021 although it has a bit of a slow start.It has good comedy, Look its on Disney plus go watch it
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10
Simon-JJul 14, 2021
59??! Did 1990s film critics not like excitement, charisma, emotion, humour and amazing soundtracks featuring 6 or 7 incredible themes to represent different characters and situations?
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7
JJ2FAS4UDec 30, 2021
----------------------------------7.0/10-----------------------------------
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10
ricky1121Oct 8, 2014
The effects are amazing and the film has an excellent cast. The movie is also very realistic. Roland Emmerich makes the best disaster films. I just wish we saw more aliens.
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8
billrullerMar 23, 2012
This movie, I definitely don't understand why people hate this movie. Not one bit! Even when Nostalgia Critic reviewed this, I still didn't understand why he hates it. Most of the time it's either jokes, jokes, and...well, jokes. The jetThis movie, I definitely don't understand why people hate this movie. Not one bit! Even when Nostalgia Critic reviewed this, I still didn't understand why he hates it. Most of the time it's either jokes, jokes, and...well, jokes. The jet fight and the attack of the White House was awesome, Will Smith was pretty cool, Jeff Goldblum was pretty funny as always since Jurassic Park, and I thought the part when the president goes in the fighter jet to fight the aliens very cool. People say it was stupid, well FTW! This was a very awesome movie, and should be taking more credit than how people treat it. Expand
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7
glommanMar 3, 2021
This movie helped to define the cliché when it comes to alien movies. While it's entertaining, it's also centred around America, it's people and its struggle for survival against the alien threat. This makes it come very close to a classicThis movie helped to define the cliché when it comes to alien movies. While it's entertaining, it's also centred around America, it's people and its struggle for survival against the alien threat. This makes it come very close to a classic propaganda movie you expect to see in Soviet Russia or in modern day North Korea. Expand
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8
MovieLonely94Jul 5, 2011
Roland Emmerich is a very good director in my opinion and I think his films are pretty good (except Godzilla which was very mediocre IMHO). The Day After Tomorrow was decent, and 2012 wasn't the best, but at least it got me entertained withRoland Emmerich is a very good director in my opinion and I think his films are pretty good (except Godzilla which was very mediocre IMHO). The Day After Tomorrow was decent, and 2012 wasn't the best, but at least it got me entertained with its science like Godzilla. However, one of his best works yet is a sci-fi action flick known as Independence Day. It revolves around an alien invasion on earth as a group of humans set out in convoys towards Area 51, a strange government testing ground where it is rumored the military has a captured alien spacecraft of their own. The survivors devise a plan to fight back against the enslaving aliens, and July 4th becomes the day humanity will fight for its freedom. We already know what it was about because we have seven days until Independence Day as a great holiday. Now I'm going to make my opinion. The only problem that I had with this movie was the special effects. They were kind of cheesy as if they came from the 1970s. As for the rest of the movie, everything turned out great. The acting was terrific, the sci-fi action was pretty damn cool, the storyline was well-paced, the stunts were very cool, and the music score from David Arnold was amazing. Three days ago, there has been great news that Roland Emmerich and Dean Devlin have planned to make not only Independence Day 2, but Independence Day 3 as well and Will Smith will return for those sequels. I bid these guys good luck as Independence Day is not only one the best action movies of all time, but one of the best ones yet. Thumbs up from me. P.S. It's great that I have a different opinion over Roger Ebert and The Nostalgia Critic himself. 8/10 Expand
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7
bfoore90Nov 19, 2015
A timeless film, very similar to Armageddon in terms of being one of those movies that you loved as a kid. Yeah, now as I've grown alot of its themes are pretty dumb but all in all, its a good movie.
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5
FilmClubMar 27, 2016
"Independence Day" is the biggest B movie ever made, the mother of all doomsday dramas. This airborne leviathan features a bunch of agreeably cardboard characters saving the human race from mass extermination in a way that proves as"Independence Day" is the biggest B movie ever made, the mother of all doomsday dramas. This airborne leviathan features a bunch of agreeably cardboard characters saving the human race from mass extermination in a way that proves as unavoidably entertaining as it is hopelessly cornball.

Working in a vein that is unabashedly hokey, contrived and ultra-patriotic, the “Stargate” team of director Roland Emmerich and co-writer/producer Dean Devlin clearly had great fun combining sure-fire elements from a bunch of mainstream genres in a way that is frankly intended to be overwhelming.

For the most part it is, at least in the sense that the sheer volume and variety of mass destruction, casualties, moments of dire jeopardy, opportunities for heroism and, above all, special effects, are almost certainly without precedent.

This is, in effect, the anti-“Close Encounters,” a throwback to ominous, paranoid thrillers such as “The War of the Worlds,””The Day the Earth Stood Still,””When Worlds Collide,””Invaders From Mars” and television’s “V,” a story in which the visitors from space have absolutely no interest in making nice with the earthlings and, in fact, have every intention of wiping them out so they can have Earth’s resources to themselves. Lay on top of that an Irwin Allen aesthetic sense and 10,000 special effects and you have a definition of high-concept.

The magnitude of the global threat is awesomely established in the teaser opening, which shows the black mother ship, itself a quarter the size of the moon, sailing through the lunar orbit on its way to its rendezvous with Earth. Shortly let loose are some 15-mile-wide saucers, which descend to hover directly over New York City, Washington and Los Angeles, along with other world capitals, causing no end of wonderment and panic.

In vintage disaster-pic fashion, a host of characters from all walks of life is sketched in. For starters, there is David (Jeff Goldblum), a New York computer genius whose ability to analyze the aliens’ communications code with his laptop could help expose their Achilles heel; Capt. Steven Hiller (Will Smith), a hot-dog fighter pilot from L.A. with an unfulfilled dream to be an astronaut; and U.S. President Thomas J. Whitmore (Bill Pullman), a rather green national leader widely regarded as a wimp despite his background as a combat pilot during the Gulf War.

Although scenes of the lumbering warships parking themselves over the cities are eyefuls in themselves, the first real fireworks come 45 minutes in, as the spacecrafts open up their hulls to expose giant electromagnetic ray guns that simultaneously zap the soaring Library Tower in Los Angeles (where a bunch of SoCal nitwits are celebrating in welcome of the aliens), the Empire State Building and the White House. As Air Force One spectacularly manages to take off just inches ahead of onrushing flames, uncontrollable firestorms result in the destruction of all three cities and millions of casualties.

And that’s just act one. Air attacks on the alien ships reveal that they are surrounded by protective shields that ward off all weapons, but when hundreds of crustacean-like alien fighter ships zip out to engage the American planes, Hiller manages to make one crash and returns the gruesome-looking pilot to Area 51, a top-secret Nevada base where the president has taken refuge. There, 24 floors underground, the resident loony genius (Brent Spiner) reveals the existence of an alien spaceship captured long ago that just may be in working order, opening the door on a long-shot counterattack that plays out on the third day of the story, July 4.

Without giving the game away, it’s fair to say that everybody gets into the heroic final act: The president dons his flight suit once again, Hiller and David fly into outer space to take on the mother ship, and even an alky Vietnam vet (Randy Quaid) has his chance to go down in history.

This is hardly a movie for viewers interested in plausibility or intelligence in storytelling, but Emmerich throws spectacularly pulpy events at the audience at such a pace that carping about logic is moot. It’s more a matter of carefully selected elements having been stirred together with the obvious but effective touch Cecil B. DeMille learned how to apply not long after the dawn of cinema: cataclysm, elemental human ties, individual jeopardy, the boldest possible opposition of good and evil, life-and-death struggle, a little religion, brotherhood of the underdogs, ultimate triumph through ingenuity and heroism. It’s all been done before, just not on this global scale.

The never-ending special effects, while massively spectacular, are not always that special.

Pic delivers its scariest scene when it momentarily decides to become a monster movie during an alien autopsy, but violence is mostly general and directed at objects rather than people, thereby further increasing the potential kid audience.
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9
JPKJun 19, 2019
Absolutely Amazing
ID4 is a landmark for visual effects and the definition of a summer blockbuster.
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9
HasrionaJul 20, 2011
A great sci-fi classic is Independence Day, an alien invasion film which works on many levels. It's humorous in places, and has good, dramatic acting all tied together with good effects and a tense score.
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9
csw12Apr 3, 2012
Independence Day is an excellent sci-fiction movie. The movie truly blows you away. The visuals are spectacler. The aliens are very interesting and the more important thing, so are the charcters. A truly classic sci-fiction film.
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7
TheApplegnomeJun 29, 2016
The classic sci-fi flick ”Independence Day” was a gigantic box office hit. It might be a bit cheesy from a long-term perspective but it’s still a fun ride! The film introduces our main characters pretty quickly and we get some understandingThe classic sci-fi flick ”Independence Day” was a gigantic box office hit. It might be a bit cheesy from a long-term perspective but it’s still a fun ride! The film introduces our main characters pretty quickly and we get some understanding and inside to them -- but there could have been way more growth, depth and basic inside to them. Because a film is supposed to be about real people, not groovy action. We do get some basic romance between some of the characters, in an acceptable amount but not more. The characters in the story are very patriotic -- and much of the film got this “we’re all in this together” & “for the common good”-feel, and it’s a great ride with many one-liners. It’s a pure popcorn flick, that might lack character depth and of course; less plot-twists & convenient events. But who gives a damn; it’s a fun film -- for one viewing.

Personal rating: 77/100
Critical rating: 71/100
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8
Kai82Jul 18, 2021
In hindsight this was not a truly great movie back then. However it hit the right spots at the right times and is a good popcorn movie. It is basically a reimagination of “War of the Worlds” or lets say it is heavily influenced and has BIn hindsight this was not a truly great movie back then. However it hit the right spots at the right times and is a good popcorn movie. It is basically a reimagination of “War of the Worlds” or lets say it is heavily influenced and has B movie charm and cheesiness. Also it has the pathos, spirit and patriotism that wins over the US audience. All together Roland Emmerich created a truly convincing movie that works well enough to ignore the weaknesses. Maybe it is one of the biggest dazzles in movies that hides its weaknesses so well that you recognize them only far later. Story: Shortly before the US independence day an enormous alien mother-ship arrives in the orbit of earth (Smaller moon size to be specific) and deploys a few dozen city size saucers that stay stationary above huge cities of earth. Because no successful contact could be made no one knows what to expect. This is the set up and the movie follows the story of a few protagonist in the following days. I avoided spoilers here but don't even know if it is needed. The movie, its story and a lot of scenes are close if not common movie knowledge. Like I said the movie pulls all the right strings to be entertaining. It is a good popcorn experience and worth watching. Of cause it is not an all time classic or in the realm of the best movies of all times. It has however a lot of memorable scenes, a good bit of humor and an enjoyable cast. Cast: We have a cast of really likable and good actors. There is Will Smith as ace pilot Steven Hiller, Jeff Goldblum as engineer David Levison and Bill Pullman as President and former ace pilot Thomas J. Whitmore. These 3 work well and get you invested into the / their stories. Then we have the support characters and lets start with Randy Quaid as Russell Casse who is probably the most memorable (side) character of the movie and steals the show. Judd Hirsch as Julius Levison delivers a good performance. Then there is Vivia A Fox as Jasmine Dubrow who also delivers a good performance as does James Rebhorn as Alber Nimzicki. Brent Spiner as Dr. Brackish Okun is really weak int the movie and I blame it on the script as he is a truly good and convincing actor. In total we have a solid to good performance with some weaknesses. I must admit here that we have a bit of cheesiness and maybe to much pathos and stereotypes. This can drag down the enjoyment and rating for others and I will say it is a valid point. Presentation: The special effects worked amazingly well back then. It helped a lot to create the atmosphere and feeling of the movie. The White House scene in particular is quite famous. The sets and other visuals look good too and there is no grave misstep in this category. The soundtrack was amazingly good and I fully praise the composer David Arnold for this. It is fondly remembered. Overall I repeat that in hindsight it was not a great movie but it pulled the right strings and was entertaining. It camouflaged its weaknesses well. However it earned its place in movie history for its impact and success. I would recommenced it to watch at least once to be able to discus it. Bonus knowledge: Despite different depictions in movies, TV series and books aliens would not even have to leave their solar system to wage war or destroy other civilizations. A Nicoll-Dyson beam combines a Dyson sphere with a death ray and there is the relativistic kill shot where you use the energy generation to speed up an object to high fractions of light speed. If at 98% light speed you have a reaction time of a week per light years distance and the relativistic speed makes an object far more destructive than any nuclear weapon we can build (Not planet destroying but civilization erasing except you use bigger objects which is an overkill). Expand
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6
eva3si0nMar 8, 2021
Independence Day is a typical Roland Emmerich movie. Epic, beautiful in the trailer, but at the same time with an idiotic plot. There is not a bad cast here, a unique alien invasion of some kind. But the stupidity of the plot and theIndependence Day is a typical Roland Emmerich movie. Epic, beautiful in the trailer, but at the same time with an idiotic plot. There is not a bad cast here, a unique alien invasion of some kind. But the stupidity of the plot and the delusivity of the final battle only finally spoil the opinion of the film. Expand
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10
JamesH.Dec 27, 2007
This movie has a permanent spot in my top-five movies list. Five-star special effects, great acting, good plot, and everyone gets a few great lines. The President's speech just before the final battle is unforgettable. Easily earns a This movie has a permanent spot in my top-five movies list. Five-star special effects, great acting, good plot, and everyone gets a few great lines. The President's speech just before the final battle is unforgettable. Easily earns a place in any sci fi or action movie lover's library. Highly recommended. Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful
5
MetalMan95Oct 3, 2010
Although this movie had its good scenes, it was surprisingly boring, i have seen far better disaster sequences. It was, for the most part, a major bore. I can understand that some people deem this as a classic and i fully understand it, but iAlthough this movie had its good scenes, it was surprisingly boring, i have seen far better disaster sequences. It was, for the most part, a major bore. I can understand that some people deem this as a classic and i fully understand it, but i was bored. Sorry Emmerich. Expand
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5
TheNewSpielbergMay 1, 2011
One of those "so bad its good" films, this 1996 alien bonanza has breathtaking alien effects, decent acting and some great one liners. Will Smith delivers his usual cool and **** performance, while Jeff Goldblum is great as a nerdy computerOne of those "so bad its good" films, this 1996 alien bonanza has breathtaking alien effects, decent acting and some great one liners. Will Smith delivers his usual cool and **** performance, while Jeff Goldblum is great as a nerdy computer scientist who is the first to decipher the alien countdown to the attack. Bill Pullman has a small role as the US President, not too much to say other than good job. A lot of people have hated this movie over the years, calling it effects over plot, but what did they expect from the director of the other sci-fi epic Stargate. I like the movie as far as the effects. Expand
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6
davenbettridgeSep 5, 2011
Just because a movie is trying to be a 'popcorn flick' and not trying to be intelligent does NOT make it a good one. Will Smith crack pot lines throughout this movie are annoying, America is the best country in the world theme is freakenJust because a movie is trying to be a 'popcorn flick' and not trying to be intelligent does NOT make it a good one. Will Smith crack pot lines throughout this movie are annoying, America is the best country in the world theme is freaken retarded, the characters are shallow and uninteresting, the story is pretty lame, and there are far too many illogical plot developments for this movie to be good. Asides from a few minutes of special effects which are pretty memorable, Indepence Day is a weak movie with weak characters and a predictable story. Expand
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10
KaprawiecDec 7, 2016
Funny, action packed and even a bit scary (scene with the glass). And great role by Will Smith. Overall excellent alien invasion movie. Plain fun - and after the first one - don't bother with the sequel/remake.
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6
MovieMasterEddyApr 3, 2016
"Independence Day" is the biggest B movie ever made, the mother of all doomsday dramas. This airborne leviathan features a bunch of agreeably cardboard characters saving the human race from mass extermination in a way that proves as"Independence Day" is the biggest B movie ever made, the mother of all doomsday dramas. This airborne leviathan features a bunch of agreeably cardboard characters saving the human race from mass extermination in a way that proves as unavoidably entertaining as it is hopelessly cornball.

Working in a vein that is unabashedly hokey, contrived and ultra-patriotic, the “Stargate” team of director Roland Emmerich and co-writer/producer Dean Devlin clearly had great fun combining sure-fire elements from a bunch of mainstream genres in a way that is frankly intended to be overwhelming.

For the most part it is, at least in the sense that the sheer volume and variety of mass destruction, casualties, moments of dire jeopardy, opportunities for heroism and, above all, special effects, are almost certainly without precedent.

This is, in effect, the anti-“Close Encounters,” a throwback to ominous, paranoid thrillers such as “The War of the Worlds,””The Day the Earth Stood Still,””When Worlds Collide,””Invaders From Mars” and television’s “V,” a story in which the visitors from space have absolutely no interest in making nice with the earthlings and, in fact, have every intention of wiping them out so they can have Earth’s resources to themselves. Lay on top of that an Irwin Allen aesthetic sense and 10,000 special effects and you have a definition of high-concept.

The magnitude of the global threat is awesomely established in the teaser opening, which shows the black mother ship, itself a quarter the size of the moon, sailing through the lunar orbit on its way to its rendezvous with Earth. Shortly let loose are some 15-mile-wide saucers, which descend to hover directly over New York City, Washington and Los Angeles, along with other world capitals, causing no end of wonderment and panic.

In vintage disaster-pic fashion, a host of characters from all walks of life is sketched in. For starters, there is David (Jeff Goldblum), a New York computer genius whose ability to analyze the aliens’ communications code with his laptop could help expose their Achilles heel; Capt. Steven Hiller (Will Smith), a hot-dog fighter pilot from L.A. with an unfulfilled dream to be an astronaut; and U.S. President Thomas J. Whitmore (Bill Pullman), a rather green national leader widely regarded as a wimp despite his background as a combat pilot during the Gulf War.

Since David’s ex-wife, Constance (Margaret Colin), works for the president, David, along with his kvetchy father, Julius (Judd Hirsch), gains entree to the White House to announce his theory that a catastrophic countdown is under way. When some “Welcome Wagon” helicopters flashing “Close Encounters”-style lights are summarily blasted out of the sky by the aliens, it becomes clear that the visitors have come not for a picnic, but for a barbecue.

Although scenes of the lumbering warships parking themselves over the cities are eyefuls in themselves, the first real fireworks come 45 minutes in, as the spacecrafts open up their hulls to expose giant electromagnetic ray guns that simultaneously zap the soaring Library Tower in Los Angeles (where a bunch of SoCal nitwits are celebrating in welcome of the aliens), the Empire State Building and the White House. As Air Force One spectacularly manages to take off just inches ahead of onrushing flames, uncontrollable firestorms result in the destruction of all three cities and millions of casualties.

And that’s just act one. Air attacks on the alien ships reveal that they are surrounded by protective shields that ward off all weapons, but when hundreds of crustacean-like alien fighter ships zip out to engage the American planes, Hiller manages to make one crash and returns the gruesome-looking pilot to Area 51, a top-secret Nevada base where the president has taken refuge. There, 24 floors underground, the resident loony genius (Brent Spiner) reveals the existence of an alien spaceship captured long ago that just may be in working order, opening the door on a long-shot counterattack that plays out on the third day of the story, July 4.

Without giving the game away, it’s fair to say that everybody gets into the heroic final act: The president dons his flight suit once again, Hiller and David fly into outer space to take on the mother ship, and even an alky Vietnam vet (Randy Quaid) has his chance to go down in history.

This is hardly a movie for viewers interested in plausibility or intelligence in storytelling, but Emmerich throws spectacularly pulpy events at the audience at such a pace that carping about logic is moot. The never-ending special effects, while massively spectacular, are not always that special.

Pic delivers its scariest scene when it momentarily decides to become a monster movie during an alien autopsy, but violence is mostly general and directed at objects rather than people, thereby further increasing the potential kid audience.
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0
SignedupJun 25, 2016
Painfully bad.

The first movie was art. Every detail was painstakingly prepared and executed. The first movie was perfectly written and directed. The sequel, unfortunately, was a disaster. I will outline for you WHY Independence Day
Painfully bad.

The first movie was art. Every detail was painstakingly prepared and executed. The first movie was perfectly written and directed. The sequel, unfortunately, was a disaster.

I will outline for you WHY Independence Day Resurgence was horrible:

1) Poor storyline. The plot was absolute garbage. Not even remotely realistic.

2) No suspense. You can clearly see what's going to happen. The movie literally spoils itself.

3) Reckless directing. An alien chasing a schoolbus around the desert? Was the director on crack?

4) In the first movie Earth won thanks to cleverness and ingenuity - neither of which were present in the sequel.

5) The first movie attempted to emulate the workings of the US government at least to some degree. In the sequel, there's a trigger happy female President who gets everyone, including herself killed. She was as reckless as the director.

6) Spiner manages to pick up some of Roland Emmerich's slack but it isn't enough to save the movie.

It really felt as if Emmerich was TRYING to make a lousy movie.

I absolutely loved Independence Day. And I absolutely hated Independence Day Resurgence.
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6
StanleyKubrickJul 28, 2016
The first act builds up nicely, like in a classic John Carpenter movie, all the actors are well cast, the effects are good, there's some humor, but after the major disaster porn strikes, there's not much more to see, except patrioticThe first act builds up nicely, like in a classic John Carpenter movie, all the actors are well cast, the effects are good, there's some humor, but after the major disaster porn strikes, there's not much more to see, except patriotic Americans who love their president too much. Still, maybe the best film by Hollywood's garbage man No.1 Roland Emmerich. 6/10 Expand
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4
reviewfrom19842Jan 16, 2017
Independence Day is a quality pleasure it's not good but it's a million times better then it's **** 2016 sequel .
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4
Castiel_AngelSep 5, 2016
Okay I am gonna give this movie credit for the special effects and all that but the story line is cheesy. I am not saying this is a movie I wouldn't pick up again but it is definitely not something I would add to a top 5 or top 10 list.
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4
amheretojudgeJan 16, 2018
i'm hanging up..

Independence Day

It's the same survival-natured script with just another perspective with some good visuals and battles but still the audience is smarter than this.
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4
FilipeNetoFeb 12, 2018
When disasters call for Americanism.

In this film, directed by Roland Emmerich (the man who likes to destroy the earth again and again and again), the Earth is threatened by giant alien ships that come out of nowhere in the sky, covering the
When disasters call for Americanism.

In this film, directed by Roland Emmerich (the man who likes to destroy the earth again and again and again), the Earth is threatened by giant alien ships that come out of nowhere in the sky, covering the major cities on the planet. The first attacks confirm the worst expectations: they are hostile. It's the opportunity of "Uncle Sam" to save the world from bad guys in full holiday of July 4th. From cast we can detach Will Smith, Bill Pullman and Mary McDonnell, respectively in the role of an Air Force airman, the U.S. President and his wife.

This film addresses a theme that recurs in the film: aliens, and the possibility of they want to invade us. The question is what we would have so interesting to arouse that desire. The film also raises another question: although the film is American, why are Americans always the heroes of such films? The answer is simple: because only then these films can be used as propaganda to United States and all they represent. And if doubts exist of that see the title itself: the "independence day" has nothing to do with aliens but with the holiday of U.S. independence declaration. The way it's portrayed the US president himself also helps to see the "hidden" nature of this film.

Although the actors fail to surprise and the script aren't innovative (even recalls, partially, the H.G. Wells novel "War of the Worlds"), the film becomes interesting for the visual and special effects, which earned the Oscar for this category. Also the sound effects deserve a very positive note. Therefore, sci-fi and special effects lovers: this film was made entirely for you, especially if you are American.
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6
DovahKJul 2, 2018
A pesar del presupuesto que tiene, parece una película de serie B, y se hace divertida, básicamente por Will Smith.
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6
M0NST3R_G4MINGMay 2, 2019
6/10 - "Independence Day" is a decent alien invasion movie with a few weaknesses.

The film starts directly very action-packed and exciting. The story also starts very interesting. You are right in the action and that's good.However, here's
6/10 - "Independence Day" is a decent alien invasion movie with a few weaknesses.

The film starts directly very action-packed and exciting. The story also starts very interesting. You are right in the action and that's good.However, here's a mistake that bothers me a little. A lot of story lines are started fabulously, but only poorly executed. So some stories start out very interestingly within the movie, but in the end you don't really know more about it - which is a pity. And no matter how interesting the movie starts, the sooner the tension decreases. In the middle of the movie the movie seemed boring in my opinion. This increased again towards the end.
The aliens looked terrific and were animated very well. I liked this! You could have shown more aliens, but I think it's fine. I also have to praise the general animations and effects in "Independence Day". If you consider that the film was shot in 1996, the animations are really good. The explosions look very realistic!
I also think it's nice to see two movie legends like Will Smith and Jeff Goldblum in one movie. That made me very happy!

In summary, I can say that I can recommend the film to others. I can recommend the film to anyone who is generally interested in aliens or the question "What exists outside our planet?". In any case, the film is not a waste of time and you can watch it with pleasure.
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10
Kdog152Feb 25, 2023
You can't go wrong with this film, it's one of the best ever made. Great story, funny at times and an alien film where the aliens actually succeed for a bit.
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9
AnsonGJun 10, 2006
Cool, i liked this film. U can see jets and alien ship plied the skies like Star Wars. I'm tellin u, it was great movie.
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0
JaredChristensonOct 2, 2007
The special effects aren't bad, character use magnificent, story pretty superb, acting okay, but it is absolutely cheesy every second. There is one really funny part and thats it, there are several smiles and giggles of entertainment, The special effects aren't bad, character use magnificent, story pretty superb, acting okay, but it is absolutely cheesy every second. There is one really funny part and thats it, there are several smiles and giggles of entertainment, the action totally passes, the plot has so much and flies. But the lamest part of it all is that the German Shepherd survives a jump into a truck with fire flaming 1 centimetere away from him. And the president's wife goes in a Helicopter and the Helicopter blows up in an instant noticable explosion, and the girl lives lying on the ground with just a bleed and dust particles on her face. when she should have a dissinagrated head and organs melted. That was the main road of the story which is lame, and it really drags on near the end. I just found it boring and unsuccesful, overall not worth it. Expand
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0
JCAndrewOct 2, 2007
I'm so sorry Jeff and Will. Two actor's, and one horrible script.
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0
JoyceC.Oct 2, 2007
very predictable and obviously written. Most people say its very good, when seriously it is ridiculous, I hated it, definite crap.
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8
AlanGJun 17, 2010
Not quite enough action, but still really cool.
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4
ArkonBladeApr 13, 2011
i remember seeing this when i was 18 at the theater and i loved it but it hasnt held up maybe because i got older and the cheesiness about it that was entertaining then has gottin smelly and moldy. it really is a movie about explosions andi remember seeing this when i was 18 at the theater and i loved it but it hasnt held up maybe because i got older and the cheesiness about it that was entertaining then has gottin smelly and moldy. it really is a movie about explosions and yes thoose explosions and special effects are great but the over all plot , charicters and diolouge are pretty lame . its basically a cheesy remake of the original war of the worlds .its not a classic like say Army of darkness that is very cheesy but holds up so well. Independence Day does not stand the test of time and should be left in the 90s and forgottin. Expand
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6
CRLAug 26, 2011
The sheer amount of cliche that pours itself into Independence Day truly fits the phrase 'so bad, it's good.' Still, it's Will Smith and the rest of its excellent cast that rescue this movie from the action-film mediocrity junk heap andThe sheer amount of cliche that pours itself into Independence Day truly fits the phrase 'so bad, it's good.' Still, it's Will Smith and the rest of its excellent cast that rescue this movie from the action-film mediocrity junk heap and propel it to at least some form of memorability. Expand
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4
J-ShapSep 1, 2011
I suppose if you can tolerate the annoying characters and swiss cheese sized plot holes, there is a sense of wonder in its own cheesy, B-movie right. It could be considered a guilty pleasure if nothing else, but no one could honestly call it good.
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5
TyranianApr 10, 2019
Kinda good action and some decent humour but mostly this is just dumb and silly.
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6
Compi24Nov 28, 2012
"Independence Day" is a 1996 Roland Emmerich film starring Will Smith and Bill Pullman. Now, let me preface this review by saying that I'm not really a fan of Roland Emmerich movies. I usually find them to be heavy on special effects, rather"Independence Day" is a 1996 Roland Emmerich film starring Will Smith and Bill Pullman. Now, let me preface this review by saying that I'm not really a fan of Roland Emmerich movies. I usually find them to be heavy on special effects, rather flimsy on worthwhile narrative substance, and shoddy in terms of character development. Now before I go on, I know what you're thinking - "Well what the heck do I care about those last two things, all I need is explosions." That's fine I guess. It's just that I'd rather have a well crafted story featuring explosions that endanger characters I actually give a crap about than the aforementioned. Now with that said, is "Independence Day" the former or the latter? It's a little bit of both. This movie is not total bad but it does have it's moments. Thankfully the good moments outweigh the bad ones. Yes, the character development is rather nonexistent. This is mainly because of the fact that there are way too many characters in this film altogether, so even the slightest hint of any sort of character arc is almost impossible/undetectable. The plot is rather stale, and there are a handful of plotholes and inconsistencies throughout, but there isn't really any dynamic of this plot that is so flagrantly bad one can't sit through it without feeling entertained. I had mixed feelings about some of the lines in this film. Some of them were pumped with so much 90's action cheese It made me want to gauge my eyes out with a pinecone, but there were others that made me laugh/smile some. As most Roland Emmerich films go, the special effects end up looking unbelievable and it's no different for "Independence Day". The fact that this film came out in 1996 is still a shocker to me. The acting is great in some places, while lacking in others. Bill Pullman had one of the best performances in the film, as did Jeff Goldblum. Overall, It's apparent that "Independence Day" is one of Roland Emmerich's best films, if not his best, and it is indeed very entertaining. Expand
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8
ardania22Apr 28, 2014
Is it overblown, overacted, and under-thought? Yes. But therein lies its charm. Because it doesn't take itself too seriously, because it's just out to blow stuff up and kick ass, it works. It's not a masterpiece, but it's damn good
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5
EpicLadySpongeMay 1, 2016
This is a disaster movie? I swear, it doesn't look like one. Probably because I am not looking at it correctly. I thought Independence Day was a cool disaster movie, but still joins the rest of the disaster movies out there.
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7
CoreGamer1408Jun 19, 2022
Dumb cheesy fun for sure (Your review must be at least 75 characters long) ok Metacritic.
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8
Sosmooth1982Dec 29, 2022
Very good movie. Funny as well with plenty of action. As they try to save the world from an alien invasion.
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9
GiugiOct 2, 2022
Alien movie that marked its generation, the movie is a bit mundane for the plot but wonderful for everything else, special effects and acting are really great. The whole film is funny and entertaining, with also a good dose of tension and emotions.
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9
Yashrajbest1108Nov 10, 2022
Amazing movie. Great plot and idea. Really pulls of the alien invasion plot. VFX is amazing specially considering the time it was released.
I also shows what could also happen in real life if aliens invaded and is not just a fictional movie
Amazing movie. Great plot and idea. Really pulls of the alien invasion plot. VFX is amazing specially considering the time it was released.
I also shows what could also happen in real life if aliens invaded and is not just a fictional movie that throws out logic.
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7
JesseDillingerApr 25, 2023
It's a fun movie and weirdly intense at times. Haven't seen it in years but I know I like it.
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8
tonykurebusuJul 12, 2023
I only remembered big ships and Will Smith. I rewatched and was surprised that the film is very large-scale.
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