Holiday Post Volume 1: Independence Day
When anyone thinks of holiday movies, why is that Christmas moves come to mind? It’s a Wonderful Life. How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Die Hard. There’s a dozen or so more I could think of (particularly Fatman, which EVERYONE should see). I am not saying that everyone thinks this way, but there are many holidays that have movies associated with them that need the credit or scrutiny they deserve. So I am starting a limited series here that will occur irregularly, and I will post about a non-Christmas holiday whenever I can think to or when that holiday is happening. Since today is the Fourth of July, time to talk about a movie with some aliens who have never heard of malware, Will Smith, the coolest dude ever, and the greatest extra of all time. It’s titled after America’s birthday. You guessed it; it’s Independence Day.
I’m not gonna diagram the plot for you or break down the dope scenes. Basically, all you have to do is google either “Independence Day speech” or “independence day laser.” Two items are key to the endurance of this movie: the simplicity of the alien’s objective and how iconically simplistic the lead characters are.
1) Simplicity of alien’s objective: the aliens are here for natural resources. Done. They see us an obstruction to what they, and so they have to kill us. It probably isn’t even personal to them. They’re definitely not as scary as some other aliens I have been getting into recently.
2) Iconic simplicity of the leads: this isn’t meant to be an insult. Like their alien antagonists, all our heroes want is to survive. However, the three main leads President Whitmore, Captain Hiller, and David Levinson have something specific they can provide. Whitmore has leadership and empowerment to give to the common man and act as a bold face for the people to rally behind. Hiller is a pilot who handles the important mission to space and takes down a few aliens himself. David Levison has to upload the virus to the alien mother ship. None of these guys have reasons above basic survival, something we all can relate to.
That’s the whole point for why this movie is relatable. Everyone is pitching in to stop the alien’s attack. If we were being invaded by aliens in 2021 I would like to think everyone would get together and put their resources together as well. Common struggle makes enemies into allies. Hey, that’s what President Whitmore says in his speech (which is two minutes of pure gold and motivation).
Time for side notes. Here they are in no order or reason whatsoever:
WHY DIDN’T THEY JUST NUKE THE ALIEN’S WEAPONS ONCE THEY KNEW THE SHIELD WAS DOWN??? Yes, they didn’t know the weapon was a weak spot, but they still could’ve nuked them anyway!
Will Smith ain’t a short dude, so when he and Jeff Goldblum come strolling out of the desert together and seeing Goldblum towering over him is hilarious.
Did Roland Emmerick (the director) think that he had a shot at a sequel to this movie because he doesn’t actually show anyone pronouncing Lietutant Commander Data dead?
I actually really appreciate this movie for not saying they’ve been studying alien technology for decades and that’s where all humanity’s technological advances come from. Cough Cough TRANSFORMERS Cough Cough
That’s it, guys. I still have to work out some kinks with this template for blog posts. But if you’re still reading it must’ve been okay.
8/10
Until I see another one. Or until there’s another non-Christmas holiday with a good movie associated with it.