Why Independence Day is still a July 4th favorite

Independence Day still stands the test of time

Twenty-five years ago, on July 3, 1996, Independence Day premiered, ultimately going on to earn an astounding $800 million+ worldwide. And today, the sci-fi hit that starred Will Smith and Jeff Goldblum is still a fan-favorite and a popular film for 4th of July viewers. So what keeps drawing the eyes to this movie after so many years? Opinions differ, but these are my reasons for taking in the movie every July 4th.

The effects

Even in a time when CGI was still in its infancy, the effects were considered top-grade, with the film winning an Academy Award for best visual effects. As Variety reports, Director Roland Emmerich called it best when he said, in the movie’s behind-the-scenes featurette, that “old-fashioned effects will never die out because they’re simply too good.”

The dynamic combination of Will Smith and Jeff Goldblum

Will Smith and Jeff Goldblum’s interactions were pure gold. Who can forget the frantic dialogue that played out with them as they took the lone alien ship back to its mother?

"David Levinson: They are pulling us in. I was counting on this.Capt. Steven Hiller: When the hell was you plannin’ on tellin’ me?David Levinson: Oops.Capt. Steven Hiller: We’re gonna have to work on our communication.David Levinson: We’re hit! We took a hit!Capt. Steven Hiller: We’re not hit! We’re not hit! Stop side-seat driving!Captain Steven Hiller: I ain’t heard no fat lady!David Levinson: Forget the fat lady. You’re obsessed with fat lady. Drive us out of here!"

The aliens

The aliens in Independence Day weren’t just creepy; they were nasty to the point where you could almost smell them from the movie screen. And they presented little doubt as to their evil intentions. One of the scariest scenes is when one curled its tentacle around Dr. Okun’s throat to have a conversation with the president. The whisper-quiet voice telling President Whitmore that there could be no peace, and that the aliens wanted everyone to die is chilling.

The deliciously campy Dr. Brakish Orun

Played by none other than Brent Spiner, Dr. Okun was the epitome of the geeky scientist. It was a role that differed greatly from his time as Lt. Commander Data, and even though Star Trek fans will always see him as Data, Spiner really made something out of the short amount of screen time he had as the doctor.

Independence Day has a little bit of everything

Yes, some might consider it cheesy, but that hasn’t stopped the film from continuing to draw in the viewers year after year. Whether it’s the love story between Captain Steven Hiller and Jasmine Dubrow (Vivica A. Fox), the in-air battle scenes, or the speech by President Whitmore, Independence Day really has something for everyone. And while it certainly isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, it’s a solid 90s film with an ending that fills the air with fireworks.