The Fourth of July isn't just a holiday where we eat hot dogs and watch fireworks; it's a day where we reflect the freedoms for which our Founding Fathers fought. It's easy to forget the struggles of those who came before us as we deal with our country's current economic situation. Perhaps all we need is a little cinematic pick-me-up to spark up our patriotism.
Nothing says I Love America more than stealing the Declaration of Independence, a major plot point from National Treasure (2004). Nicolas Cage plays Benjamin Franklin Gates, a treasure seeker/protector who must steal this revered document and use the hidden clues found on its back to find a secret stash of treasure before the bad guys do.
Though the movie is historical fiction, Cage and his co-stars visit many significant landmarks in our nation's history, ranging from the National Archives, Independence Hall and the Old North Church. This movie makes history fun and gives the audience a chance to visit the locations that were important to the beginning of our country without ever having to leave their living room.
When I think of the Fourth of July, one sport pops into my mind: baseball. Can't make it to an actual game? Fear not, there are many great baseball movies to chose from. Around this holiday, I prefer watching The Sandlot (1993).
Set during the summer of 1962, new kid in town Scotty Smalls tries to fit in by joining the neighborhood kids in a pick up game of baseball. Their entire summer ends up revolving around Smalls and his new friends trying to get a baseball (signed by Babe Ruth!) back from over the fence where it's being held captive by a huge dog. During a break from their quest, the boys play a night game, where their field is lit up by fireworks from their town's own Fourth of July celebration.
The ultimate Independence Day movie is Independence Day (1996), where Will Smith and Co. kick some alien butt and save not only our country, but the entire world from getting destroyed. Nothing riles up patriotism more than the threat of being permanently wiped out of existence.
Right before the air strike against the alien spacecrafts, President Thomas Whitmore, played by Bill Pullman, gives one of the most inspiring movie speeches of all time. He says, We can't be consumed by our petty differences anymore. We will be united in our common interests. Perhaps it's fate that today is the Fourth of July
and you will once again be fighting for our freedom... Not from tyranny oppression or persecution... but from annihilation. We are fighting for our right to live. To exist. And should we win the day
the Fourth of July will no longer be known as an American holiday
but as the day the world declared in one voice: We will not go quietly into the night! We will not vanish without a fight! We're going to live on! We're going to survive! Today we celebrate our Independence Day!
That's what I'm talking about! Don't you feel empowered and hopeful? In an ideal world, every time people hear that speech, someone would start a slow clap and we'd all be on our feet, applauding and cheering for our country. Movies sensationalize emotions and use crazy awesome monologues to evoke reactions from their audience, but that's OK! Sure, we can't go around stealing national documents or take down an entire fleet of alien spacecrafts, but we can feel excited about our country. Sharing favorite patriotic movies with friends and family is a great way to celebrate the holiday.
Katie Labovitz is a graduate student studying journalism.
Send her an e-mail at kl811202@ohiou.edu.
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Opinion
Katie Labovitz
