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Friday Night Movies: Independence Day

Friday Night Movies: Independence Day

Gear up for a night of epic proportions as 'Independence Day' takes us on a journey to save the world, one explosion at a time.

December 01, 2023

Your favourite day of the week is back and so is another recommendation to add to our 'Friday Night Movies' series as we embark on bringing you old favourites and blockbusters each week. In this week's selection, we're gearing up for an extraterrestrial thrill ride with 'Independence Day,' the iconic 1996 sci-fi disaster film directed by Roland Emmerich.

'Independence Day' is a quintessential example of Hollywood at its blockbuster best. It's a film that combines cutting-edge visual effects (for its time), heart-pounding action sequences, and a rousing patriotic spirit that resonates with audiences of all ages.

Plot

In the summer of 1996, the world is blissfully unaware that an alien invasion is on the horizon. But panic ensues when colossal spacecraft suddenly appear over major cities across the globe. The fate of humanity rests on a ragtag group of unlikely heroes. Among them are Captain Steven Hiller (Will Smith), a fearless fighter pilot, and David Levinson (Jeff Goldblum), a brilliant but unassuming computer expert. Together, they must devise a plan to thwart the extraterrestrial threat and save Earth from annihilation.

As the clock ticks down to July 4th, Independence Day for the United States, the fate of the world hangs in the balance. 'Independence Day' takes us on a rollercoaster ride of suspense, camaraderie, and heroism as these extraordinary yet ordinary individuals become the last line of defence against an otherworldly enemy.

Cast

'Independence Day' boasts an ensemble cast that brings its characters to life with charisma and conviction. Will Smith's portrayal of Captain Steven Hiller injects the film with humour, charisma, and a healthy dose of bravado. Jeff Goldblum's David Levinson provides the perfect counterbalance with his wit and intelligence. The supporting cast, including Bill Pullman, Vivica A. Fox, and Randy Quaid, also added their own stamps to the blockbuster hit.

Reviews

For such a box office hit worldwide, it's interesting to note that the critics weren't as impressed as the general audience. On Rotten Tomatoes 'Independence Day' holds an average and unspectacular 65% score from the critics on the Tomatometer, while the audience score of 75% more accurately reflects its lasting appeal and enjoyment among viewers.

With over 500,000 reviews, IMDb ratings also aligns with the audience score with 'Independence Day scoring a solid 7.0/10, confirming its popularity and enduring status as a beloved sci-fi action epic.