#1071: Independence Day at 30: America Saves the Universe

July 03, 2026 / Sophie Kempenaar

Adam and Josh celebrate the holiday weekend with a “Blind Cow” review of Independence Day, the #1 movie at the box office back in '96. Thirty summers after its release, Adam catches up with Roland Emmerich's alien-invasion spectacle, and Josh (originally a fan) sees if it holds up.

Plus, a summer-themed edition of Massacre Theatre and a recap of last weekend's 2nd annual Filmspotting Fest, which featured appearances from Trey Edward Schultz (Krisha), Marguerite Moreau (Wet Hot American Summer), Agnés Varda biographer Carrie Rickey, and Michael Phillips.

This episode is presented by⁠ Regal Unlimited⁠⁠, the all-you-can-watch movie subscription pass that pays for itself in just two visits. Use code FILMSPOT26 to take 15% off.

(Timecodes/chapters may not be precise with ads.)

Intro (00:00:00-00:02:06)
Independence Day at 30 (00:02:07-00:52:41)
Filmspotting Family (00:52:42-00:56:03)
Filmspotting Fest II: Recap (00:56:04-01:08:26)
Notes (01:08:27-01:14:07)
Massacre Theatre (01:14:08-01:21:34)
Credits / Releases (01:21:35-01:25:07)

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