Will Smith's '90s classic Independence Day is officially 30 years old – and if you want to check if the sci-fi blockbuster still holds up, you can watch it this weekend.
Released on 2 July 1996, the movie centres around a devastating global attack on Earth, launched by a powerful alien species. The planet's remaining survivors convene in the Nevada desert to plan a deadly counter attack.
The risky plan takes place on 4 July, which is known as Independence Day in the US. Now, UK citizens can share in the upcoming festivities as the movie will conveniently be airing on Film4 at 7.15pm on Saturday night (4 July).
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Meanwhile, if you want to watch Independence Day in your own time, it is also available to stream on Disney+ right now, alongside its less popular 2016 sequel Independence Day: Resurgence.
Directed by Roland Emmerich, the original movie boasts a star-studded cast, led by Smith as Captain Steven Hiller and Jeff Goldblum as David Levinson.
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They are joined by Good Girls' Mae Whitman, Sleepless in Seattle's Bill Pullman, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air star Ross Bagley and Gossip Girl's Margaret Colin.
The beloved sci-fi flick previously held a 68% critics' score on Rotten Tomatoes, but after receiving 77 additional reviews – published during its original theatrical run – it has achieved Certified Fresh status with a 77% score.
"Independence Day is as gigantic and grand an adventure movie as advertised. The major battles are depicted with seat-rocking ferocity," said Arizona Republic, while The Independent described it as "gloriously no-nonsense nonsense".
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"A merry pop entertainment. The movie is undeniably fun, but one sits there laughing at the screen and at oneself at the same time. Is this all it takes to satisfy us?" noted New York Magazine.
Buffalo News added: "There's something so sweet and innocent and naive in this movie's desire to entertain us in big, dumb, gaudy ways that you'd have to be made of asbestos not to get caught up in it."
Independence Day will air at 7.15pm on Film4 on 4 July, and is streaming now on Disney+.
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Divya is a freelance writer with experience in entertainment and lifestyle news. Described as a "telly addict" since childhood, Divya was able to translate her interests into a BJTC-accredited, Honours degree in Journalism and Media. After working in communications and marketing, Divya joined Digital Spy as a Freelance News Reporter. She has also written for various publications including Metro, Asian World News and TwitCelebGossip; as well as interviews, features and reviews on her own blog. Divya prides herself on her TV, film and showbiz knowledge, always offering (not so) fun facts to her long-suffering friends and family. From soaps to superheroes, Divya is the go-to person for tailored recommendations and up to date information.
