The Rewatchables ‘Independence Day’ With Bill Simmons, Chris Ryan, and Shea Serrano
Jul 5, 2021
Bill Simmons, Chris Ryan, and Shea Serrano rewatch 'Independence Day' and discuss its influence on summer blockbusters, UFO sightings, favorite scenes, special effects, casting choices, trivia, and comparisons to 'Jurassic Park'.
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Blockbuster Formula: Big Images, Human Stakes
- Independence Day helped define the modern summer blockbuster by pairing massive spectacle with human stories.
- That combo influenced franchises (like Marvel) and later disaster/genre films that balance character and spectacle.
Star Power Through Selective Use
- Will Smith's limited but electric screen time made him the standout and helped launch his megastar run.
- The Smith–Goldblum chemistry created a memorable buddy dynamic that elevates the film.
First-Run Theatrical Awe
- Bill Simmons recounts seeing the film in a near-empty theater and being blown away by the White House destruction.
- The practical experience of that first theatrical viewing amplified the movie's 'life experience' impact.