INDEPENDENCE DAY

BY CHRISTOPHER HASKELL
JULY 6, 2013

Still visually impressive, even by today’s standards, “Independence Day” is and always has been one of my all-time favorite science fiction films. At the height of the earth ending trend in film making, Roland Emmerich led the charge. He never stopped, with the forethought to use practical effects with events like blowing up the White House that keeps these iconic images fresh and believable after every viewing. Emmerich also discovered an exciting way to tell an extra-terrestrial story without depending on CGI and “invasion” sequences, even allowing for a broad view, covering several different accounts. Instead, we’re delivered these eerie mega-saucers in the sky, hovering and waiting, mysterious and somehow dangerous from the very beginning.

Will Smith and Jeff Goldblum deliver unforgettable performances and help keep this film the success of comedic timing, brawn and brains, and eventually, the perfect odd-couple chemistry. Both in the prime of their careers, “Independence Day” marks a highlight in their filmography that will never be topped or forgotten. With some of the best writing in a science fiction film, Bill Pullman helps deliver one of the best movie speeches. Realistic as far as alien invasion films go and of high caliber from beginning to end, there is no stopping this film, and thanks to the holiday tie-in, I will watch it for many July 4ths ahead.