A huge box-office hit on its’ original release in 1996, with echoes of all manner of science-fiction blockbusters of the past, combining the uncertainty of the 1950s with 1990s bravura.
July 2nd -a fleet of huge flying saucers orbits the Earth. David Levinson (Jeff Goldblum, JURASSIC PARK) discovers a signal inside the global satellite communications which is counting down. Lt. Steven Hillier (Will Smith, MEN IN BLACK) has dreams of flying with NASA but is rejected. President Thomas J Whitmore (Bill Pullman, SLEEPLESS IN SEATTLE) is going through a troubled Presidency.
However, concern mounts about the alien threat, which manifests itself on July 4th when the signal zeroes – and devastating lasers decimate whole cities, causing people to flee to the hills. These aliens aren’t welcome or welcoming, so humanity is cornered….
The image of the White House being blown up was the selling point for the teaser trailer when it debuted during Super Bowl 1996 – and the hype continued right through until its’ triumphant release.
Whilst it lifts from other classics (CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND and STAR TREK – THE MOTION PICTURE), INDEPENDENCE DAY carries through on the strength of the visual effects and a great cast, with Smith and Goldblum nabbing the honours.