Independence Day

1996 • 144 minutes

About this movie

On July 2nd, communications systems worldwide are sent into chaos by a strange atmospheric interference. First thought to be meteors, they are later revealed to be gigantic spacecraft, piloted by a mysterious alien species who have set out to launch an attack throughout the globe. On July 3rd, the aliens all but obliterate New York, Los Angeles, and Washington when a band of survivors devise a plan to fight back against the enslaving aliens. On July 4th, humanity fights for its freedom.

Ratings and reviews

This film had a great deal of promise. All until good ol' Will Smith uttered the overly patriotic and self-ingesting line 'welcome to Earth'. I couldn't cringe any harder and to be honest my interest wained a great deal after this script oversight. It is entertaining, it's more of a 'leave your brain at the doorstep' kind of title.

An amazing and explosive adventure in which Will Smith, Jeff Goldblum and the rest of mankind defend the planet against an invading army of intergalactic aliens bent on draining the Earth of all its resources. A must see 5* popcorn epic.

Yeah this is cheesy now but seeing this in the cinema in 1996 was a revelation. Tale a look at what was out then. This took cgi to the next level. I'm really looking forward to the sequel can't wait.....