Independence Day
Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation | Release Date: July 3, 1996
7.0
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 370 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
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
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
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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."
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
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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
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
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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
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
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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
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
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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
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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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!!… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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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
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
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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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 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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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
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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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
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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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.
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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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.
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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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
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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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… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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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
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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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.
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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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
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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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.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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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! :)… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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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.
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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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
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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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
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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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?
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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7
JJ2FAS4UDec 30, 2021
----------------------------------7.0/10-----------------------------------
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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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.
4 of 6 users found this helpful42
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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
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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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
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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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
2 of 4 users found this helpful22
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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.
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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9
JPKJun 19, 2019
Absolutely Amazing
ID4 is a landmark for visual effects and the definition of a summer blockbuster.
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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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.
1 of 3 users found this helpful12
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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… Expand
1 of 3 users found this helpful12
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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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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
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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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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.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
AlanGJun 17, 2010
Not quite enough action, but still really cool.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
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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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 movieAmazing 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.… Expand
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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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