Summer Binge Watch — Emmerich Disaster Films


We are just a few days from The Fourth of July. Naturally, that leads me to think of the Roland Emmerich classic "Independence Day." "Independence Day," or "ID4," is one of many disaster films Emmerich has given us, in addition to some patriotic fare like "The Patriot." As part of our summer binge watch, it's time to look at the times Emmerich depicted our world in peril — often destroying famous United States landmarks.

1. Independence Day (1996)
About: This was one of Emmerich's early films, and it's also probably his best. Jeff Goldblum and Will Smith are great in this film, which looks at an alien invasion on Fourth of July Weekend. There's plenty of iconic moments and an easy to follow plot. The power of this film is evident in the fact a long awaited sequel will be released next summer, on its 20th anniversary. This is a great summer blockbuster.
Rating: PG-13 for sci-fi destruction and violence
Verdict: Four stars out of four

2. The Day After Tomorrow (2004)
About: This disaster movie was an early adopter of the dangers of climate change. Of course, this was climate change in the extreme as a new Ice Age dawns, killing millions and leaving a bulk of the world snowbound. This movie had decent effects and a good story. It also starred Jake Gyllenhaal and Dennis Quaid, adding some A-list talent to the mix. I like this movie and think it's an under rated disaster flick.
Rating: PG-13 for intense situations of peril.
Verdict: Three stars out of four

3. White House Down (2013)
About: This might be considered a borderline choice because it's kind of an action film. But the White House gets destroyed, and it follows a familiar pattern for Emmerich. Jamie Foxx is great as the President, and Channing Tatum does a nice job in the lead role. There were two films in 2013 about terrorists capturing the White House, and I think this was the better of the two. I thought it had some nice comedy moments and some good action sequences.
Rating: PG-13 for prolonged sequences of action and violence including intense gunfire and explosions, some language and a brief sexual image.
Verdict: Three stars out of four

4. 2012 (2009)
About: This film was based on a Mayan prophesy that the world would end in 2012. It came out in 2009. It's now 2015, so we know that prophesy was bunk. This is a movie that follows a familiar formula for Emmerich, and I kind of like John Cusack in the lead role, but it's not that great. Some of the effects and shots are iconic, but the story felt a little under baked.
Rating: PG-13 for intense disaster sequences and some language.
Verdict: Two stars out of four

5. Godzilla (1998)
About: This monster movie was largely forgettable — except for those who mock it. Matthew Broderick was probably not an inspired choice for the lead in this film, and it wasn't a great take on the familiar property. This was Emmerich's follow up to "Independence Day," and it's arguably his worst movie. Though that might be "10,000 BC." This isn't a great film, but it is a disaster.
Rating: PG-13 for sci-fi monster action/violence.
Verdict: One star out of four

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