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This 1996 film from director Roland Emmerich not only reinvigorated the dying disaster
genre, it's also a childhood favorite of mine. Will Smith, Jeff Goldblum, Bill Pullman, and
Randy Quaid star as survivors on Earth after a massively devastating attack by a group
of hostile aliens destroys dozens of populated cities. These band of survivors come together
from around the country to stop the aliens from annihilating the human race completely.
These days, it's not an overly original premise - but I promise you, Independence Day is the
one that executed it best. The 153 minute film introduces us to a slew of characters
both before and after these terrible attacks... as we're witness to the changing landscape
of a future in their world. A true embodiment of the term blockbuster - this film is an
over-the-top thrill ride that never releases the throttle... iconic imagery of the White
House, and Empire State building being destroyed have been engrained into the social consciousness
of our society ever since - which for better or worse, started a trend of movies obliterating
famous landmarks. The visual effects, to this day, are breathtaking, the soundtrack chilling
and memorable, the pacing and mood fast and light enough to please all audiences. It may
not be intellectually stimulating, but it's damn enjoyable. Independence Day, "Popcorn
entertainment as it's finest."