Independence Day (20th Anniversary)

After rewatching this as a double feature with the awful, bizarre, and uncomfortable sequel, I have to sing the praises of the original or I won't sleep tonight.If you're a 90s kid like me, when you were growing up, Will Smith was the fresh prince of sitcoms and the undisputed king of summer movies. Year after year, you always knew something rousing and unique and colorful was coming once school was out. Independence Day is one of those movies.It has everything we came to expect, fun and flashy action sequences, quirky dialogue, all the latest special effects, familar faces we'd come to know and love, and characters we'd remember long past childhood.The script is nothing stellar, and a lot of the dialogue between military stock characters is stilted and obvious, but the characters at the center of the story are compelling, and the way they're presented is often surprising for the era.Special effects... what can I say but who DOESN'T have that iconic scene of the White House exploding from within under an alien death ray burned into their memory?I talked about the humanism that pervades this movie in contrast to the sequel over on that review, so I'll try to word it slightly differently so Amazon won't fault me for double posting.The world at the beginning of the movie is one we all recognize, leaders bogged down in the minutiae of petty politics, relationships that don't survive ambition and those that do, parents never satisfied with their kids' choices, scientists unheeded, while the average person busts their bum only to have their dreams always canceled at the last minute. People's worth is determined by their station in life, and that of those around them.Passed over once again, Hiller is at once consoled by a buddy and warned that he'll never get where he wants to go if he marries a stripper. The woman in question, meanwhile, is doing a superb job of balancing raising her young kid and working to support her family better than the POTUS. But she's a stripper, so in the eyes of the world, that doesn't matter much.Then the invasion happens, and tragedy becomes, as it often is in real life, the great equalizer. Everyone experiences the same fear, everyone has the same chance to fight through it and be a hero. Even the kookiest, quickest, most dismissed of folks rise to the occasion, to the appreciation of those around them. Even the appreciation of those who would in the normal course of events ignore or look down on them.Atop of my list of movie moments I've never forgotten is the conversation between Jasmine and the first lady. "What do you do for a living?""I'm a dancer.""Oh, ballet!""Nope. Exotic.""Oh... I'm sorry.""Don't be. I'm not."Jasmine isn't embarrased to be herself in the face of traditional power, and the first lady does not lower her esteem for her. She's just like "you know what, fair" and they continue to bond.Independence Day is full of these moments, of barriers broken down by a devastating event that the characters decline to reestablish once things start to turn around, of respect for each other ceasing to be conditional. More than that, this realization of common humanity is WHY they are able to band together and turn the tide.Pretty deep for an alien invasion flick. For that, I appreciate every minute of it.Oh, and the dog lives.

Its a classic

Didn't like it too long

Watched with our pre-teens. Did not disappoint.

The 1996 blockbuster "Independence Day" remains a touchstone of '90s action sci-fi cinema. With its mix of big explosions, charismatic performances, and patriotism, it captivated audiences worldwide. The Special Edition Extended Version offers an opportunity to revisit this classic with additional footage and a sense of nostalgia. Here's my detailed review:Story & Screenplay:The core premise remains the same—alien invaders threaten Earth, and humanity must unite to fend off extinction. The extended scenes offer added nuance and backstory, particularly involving secondary characters, but don't drastically alter the main plot. While some might argue that the story lacks depth, the straightforward narrative serves the film well, offering a vehicle for action and spectacle.Performances:Will Smith's charisma and Bill Pullman's presidential gravitas stand out just as they did over two decades ago. Jeff Goldblum's quirky genius role and the ensemble cast further enrich the story. The characters, while occasionally bordering on archetypal, are endearing enough to keep us invested.Visual Effects:For a film released in the mid-'90s, the visual effects have held up remarkably well. The destruction of iconic landmarks still sends shivers down the spine. While not as slick as modern CGI, the practical effects add a tangible quality often missing in today's digital-heavy productions.Pacing & Additional Footage:The original film was well-paced for an action movie, and the extended version risks disrupting that balance. While the added scenes contribute to character development, they may slow down the pacing for some viewers.Nostalgia & Cultural Impact:Part of the joy of watching the Special Edition Extended Version is the wave of '90s nostalgia that accompanies it. While some elements may feel dated, the film's cultural impact and the sheer enjoyment it offers make it a worthwhile rewatch.My Opinion:In my view, "Independence Day: Special Edition Extended Version" successfully recaptures the magic of the original while offering a deeper dive into its world. Though not every added scene feels necessary, the essence of what made "Independence Day" a hit remains intact. The film still delivers on action, spectacle, and heart.Would I recommend this version? To fans of the original, absolutely. The additional content provides a fresh lens through which to experience a beloved classic. For newcomers, the extended version serves as a comprehensive introduction to a film that defined its era.In summary, the "Independence Day: Special Edition Extended Version" stands as both a nostalgic journey and an enduring piece of action sci-fi cinema. It may not break new ground, but it offers a satisfying and entertaining trip down memory lane.

Great movie I enjoyed watching it

Family movie night! Forgot about a couple of adult scenes, so skipped through risqué parts. Otherwise great watch!

Delivery was timely.