Independence Day 1996

On July 2nd, a momentous occasion unfolds as we revisit the iconic speech of Neil Armstrong at the Apollo 11 landing site on the Moon. However, the atmosphere swiftly shifts as the once tranquil lunar landscape begins to experience unusual disturbances—the footprints vibrate and dissolve, casting a shadow over the surface. An enormous mothership, over 550 kilometers wide and weighing a quarter of the Moon, emerges from its place above and sends numerous smaller vessels, each at 24 kilometers in diameter, toward Earth.

Meanwhile, at the SETI facility in New Mexico, a chilling signal resonates from the mothership. David Levinson, played by Jeff Goldblum, a technical systems engineer for the television industry, identifies a countdown being broadcast via Earth’s satellite systems. In a race against time, he coerces his father, Julius, portrayed by Judd Hirsch, to drive him to Washington D.C. to alert U.S. President Tom Whitmore, portrayed by Bill Pullman.

The military’s strategy falls under the leadership of General William Grey (Robert Loggia). During a tense exchange, Secretary of Defense Albert Nimzicki (James Rebhorn) insists on an aggressive countermeasure against the extraterrestrial ships, while President Whitmore decides on a more cautious approach, awaiting further intelligence before issuing any orders. As a result, chaos erupts around the globe when the saucers arrive, prompting the evacuation of high-ranking officials, though Whitmore remains steadfast at the White House to reassure the nation.

Above Los Angeles, U.S. Marine Captain Steven Hiller, played by Will Smith, is abruptly summoned back from his Fourth of July respite along with his unit, the Black Knights F-18 squadron. His girlfriend, Jasmine Dubrow (Vivica A. Fox), attempts to escape the chaos with her son Dylan (Ross Bagley). Concurrently, we meet Russell Casse (Randy Quaid), a former combat pilot turned crop duster, who views the impending invasion as validation for his long-held claims of alien abduction.

In a critical turn of events, Constance Spano (Margaret Colin), the White House Press Secretary and David’s ex-wife, arranges a crucial meeting for him with Whitmore regarding the countdown. David reveals that the aliens have taken control over Earth’s satellites, indicating an impending assault. Soon, aboard Air Force One, the group braves an aerial catastrophe as the saucers unleash a devastating offensive on major cities, including a catastrophic strike on the White House, igniting massive destruction.

On July 3rd, Hiller’s squadron participates in a desperate counterattack, only to discover the invaders’ vessels are shielded from conventional weapons. Amidst escalating chaos, Hiller narrowly survives a harrowing encounter with an alien, leading to a significant confrontation as he captures the extraterrestrial being. With the help of Russell Casse and other unlikely allies, Hiller manages to transport the alien to Area 51, where Major Mitchell (Adam Baldwin) oversees operations.

In the shadowy confines of Area 51, secrets unfold—a repaired alien craft and the remains of otherworldly beings from a past incident lie hidden. Dr. Okun (Brent Spiner), the facility’s chief scientist, elucidates the technological advancements of the aliens compared to humans. As a telepathic confrontation occurs with the captured alien, Whitmore learns of the invaders’ chilling intentions to extinguish all human life on Earth.

With the countdown spiraling towards calamity, President Whitmore debates nuclear retaliation but faces tragedy as attempts to use a B2 stealth bomber fail. Jasmine and Dylan’s harrowing escape from Los Angeles sees them rescuing First Lady Marilyn (played by Mary McDonnell), who suffers critical injuries and tragically passes away after a final reunion with her family.

Driven by anguish, David concocts a plan to infiltrate the mothership using captured technology, desiring to upload a computer virus to disable the hostile forces’ defenses. Despite opposition from Nimzicki, who is ultimately dismissed, Hiller takes on the mantle of piloting the ship with David alongside him. They succeed in accessing the mothership and upload the critical virus, revealing a hasty escape from those pursuing them.

The climactic showdown features President Whitmore leading a rallying cry among the remaining pilots, invoking a fierce determination on July 4th—a day symbolizing rebellion against tyranny. Casse sacrifices everything in a kamikaze maneuver that disables the alien cannon and ignites chaos within the enemy ranks. With the ships suffering from disorientation due to the virus, worldwide forces rally, leveraging the newfound vulnerability to dismantle the alien threat.

As the remnants of the mothership explode, marking humanity’s triumph, Hiller manages a crash-landing back on Earth. Surrounded by survivors, Hiller humorously assures Dylan of the fireworks promised for Independence Day, encapsulating a sense of hope and resilience in the aftermath of a world-saving struggle against an extraterrestrial menace.