Independence Day (1996)
This all-star science fiction disaster movie features a good old fashioned occupation attempt – in which human beings are a nuisance, to be wiped out. When sinister intergalactic aggressors strategically position large ships over each of the world’s major cities, a variety of characters converge on a ‘secret’ military base in the Nevada desert, seeking refuge. As one man realizes that a repeating signal from the ships is a countdown, the cities are devastated by advanced energy weapons. Ultimately, a group of people – from the US President to a humble alcoholic crop duster – must work together to defeat the attackers.
As an unabashed sci-fi action film, Independence Day ticks all the right boxes – it’s huge in scope, noise and swagger, and hits all the right notes from heartfelt sadness and terror, to light comic relief. The performances – from stars such as Will Smith, Jeff Goldblum, Bill Pullman, Mary McDonnell, Judd Hirsch, Margaret Colin and Randy Quaid – are admirably committed and fit the tone well. Often criticized for its poor characterization and gung-ho jingoism, it certainly is the case that this is a film that depicts – without apology or irony – America saving the entire world single-handedly. However, that fact aside, Independence Day still stands as an example of an alien invasion movie done well.
