Independence Day (1996)
PG-13 | 2h 25min

The aliens are coming and their goal is to invade and destroy Earth. Fighting superior technology, mankind's best weapon is the will to survive.

It's such a delight to find the Independence Day franchise available on Netflix. Even though this movie was made two decades ago, it never fails to captivate me, especially since I have a soft spot for sci-fi films. Watching it on Netflix makes the experience even more thrilling and vivid, as if I'm reliving it for the first time, although I can't quite recall when I last saw it.

With a runtime of 2 hours and 25 minutes, every second was well-spent. Will Smith's performance was undeniably enjoyable, and I couldn't help but be mesmerized by Bill Pullman's charisma and presence on screen. My fondness for Bill Pullman began when I watched him in "While You Were Sleeping," and since then, I've been enchanted by his character, his expressions, and the way he captivates with his gaze <3 <3 <3. The movie's timeless appeal and the enthralling performances of its cast make it an enduring favorite that I can watch again and again without losing any of its charm.


Independence Day: Resurgence (2016)
PG-13 | 2h

Two decades after the first Independence Day invasion, Earth is faced with a new extra-Solar threat. But will mankind's new space defenses be enough?


For sci-fi/fantasy enthusiasts like me, one movie is often not enough to satisfy our craving for captivating worlds and thrilling adventures, hehe. 

I'm delighted that they decided to make a sequel even after two decades have passed since the original. It's wonderful to see Bill Pullman once again, and while he may have aged, his presence in this movie still adds a special touch. Likewise, Jeff Goldblum, who seems to have been a staple in sci-fi movies since the 80s, brings his unique charm and charisma to the screen. Their return to the franchise adds a nostalgic and heartwarming element, making the sequel a delightful continuation of the beloved story.

Back to the Future (1985)
PG | 1h 56min

Marty McFly, a 17-year-old high school student, is accidentally sent thirty years into the past in a time-traveling DeLorean invented by his close friend, the eccentric scientist Doc Brown.


While searching for movies to watch on Netflix, I was thrilled to find the trilogy that had been one of my favorites back in the 80s. I couldn't help but reminisce about my childhood crush on Michael J. Fox (alongside my infatuation with Jareth the Goblin King :p).

Though the story details had faded from memory, I vividly recalled that time travel played a central role in the plot. Watching the trilogy again after decades was like experiencing it for the first time. The clarity and richness of the visuals revealed some flaws in the special effects, which I couldn't resist laughing about and sharing with my kids. I realized how amazed I was back then by the concept of time travel portrayed in the movie.

I couldn't help but notice a discrepancy in Michael J. Fox's appearance. His head and body proportions didn't seem entirely in sync. Initially, I thought it might be due to him playing a teenage character, implying that he was still developing physically :P. However, I was surprised to learn that he was 23 at the time of filming, making him six years older than his character—a testament to his youthful appearance often referred to as "baby face." Strikingly, I couldn't ignore the resemblance in body movements and facial expressions between Michael J. Fox and Elijah Wood, leading me to wonder if they were somehow related. Despite the resemblance, I discovered that they are not connected by blood.


Back to the Future Part II (1989)
PG | 1h 48m

After visiting 2015, Marty McFly must repeat his visit to 1955 to prevent disastrous changes to 1985...without interfering with his first trip.


During the time-traveling adventure in the movie, they arrived in the future—2015. It was a fun sight to behold with flying cars and hoverboards, and we couldn't help but laugh at the futuristic elements like those ahahaha! The NIKE self-lacing mag shoes, in particular, caught our attention, and I excitedly showed them to my kids. We were curious and decided to Google them, only to discover that limited editions were indeed made in 2015, each pair costing a jaw-dropping $100k. Wow! 

Remember how I mentioned the resemblance between Michael J. Fox and Elijah Wood? Well, here's a surprising twist—Elijah Wood actually had a cameo role in this very movie! He played one of the kids attempting to master the old arcade game, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to the film. 


Back to the Future Part III (1990)
PG | 1h 58min

Stranded in 1955, Marty McFly learns about the death of Doc Brown in 1885 and must travel back in time to save him. With no fuel readily available for the DeLorean, the two must figure how to escape the Old West before Emmett is murdered.


Since the first part, I couldn't help but notice the similarities between this movie and "Chicken Little," especially with the town setting and the main character's amusing reaction to being called a chicken.

Overall, rediscovering this beloved trilogy brought back cherished memories and offered a delightful opportunity to share the magic of the past with my children.

;;