THE FIFTH ELEMENT

"Are you classified as human?"
"Negative...I am a meat Popsicle."

How do you celebrate your independence? Sure, war movies can be patriotic fun and Independence Day has that rousing Bill Pullman speech, but nothing tops a cocksure-as-ever Bruce Willis as a retired elite commando being pulled out of retirement to defend the Earth from ABSOLUTE EVIL. Tiny Lister plays the hugest black president ever (long before being a black president was cool), and Gary Oldman goes for broke in one of his wackiest performances ever. AND—if that's not enough, you got Chris Tucker in a rare non-Rush Hour role. Oh...and Milla Jovovich's boobs.

But, what makes this movie so can't-miss in a theater for your Independence celebrations? Because, despite the development of CGI whiz bangery, Luc Besson crafted many of his costumes and effects practically and detonated the LARGEST EXPLOSION ever filmed at the time. And, if the month of July is about nothing else, it's about blowing shit up and firing some guns in the name of freedom. So, come on! There's a ball of fire, it's 1200 miles in diameter headin' straight for Earth, and only YOU can stop it. BANGARANG! (Greg MacLennan)

If you can't make this showing you can buy tickets to BANGARANG! screening 7/18 HERE.