1996 Rewind: Independence Day


It's hard to believe, but 1996 was 30 years ago. Over the next few weeks I'm going to be looking at some stand out films from 1996 that are turning 30 in 2026. Today, it's a classic sci-fi film.

President Thomas Whitmore: Good morning. In less than an hour, aircraft from here will join others from around the world. And you will be launching the largest aerial battle in the history of mankind. "Mankind." That word should have new meaning for all of us today. We can't be consumed by our petty differences anymore. We will be united in our common interests. Perhaps it's fate that today is the Fourth of July, and you will once again be fighting for our freedom... Not from tyranny, oppression, or persecution... but from annihilation. We are fighting for our right to live. To exist. And should we win the day, the Fourth of July will no longer be known as an American holiday, but as the day the world declared in one voice: "We will not go quietly into the night!" We will not vanish without a fight! We're going to live on! We're going to survive! Today we celebrate our Independence Day!

Independence Day
Starring: Will Smith, Bill Pullman, and Jeff Goldblum
Director: Roland Emmerich
About: This is one of my favorite films. I remember seeing it in theaters, a big Independence Day weekend release when I was in high school. Yes, I realize that makes me old. As we dive into this classic year from the 1990s, we hit a lot of nostalgic favorites for me. This is one of them. It's always been one of my favorite films. I really like Smith in this role, and he is a lot of fun with Goldblum. Then there's Pullman, who is inspiring as the President, and Randy Quaid who is a fun Wild Card. The film has a good cast, an engaging story, and some effects that seemed miraculous at the time. It still holds up as a fun and engaging film.

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