Cinematic Fireworks: Explosive Movies for the 4th of July

With the Fourth of July weekend fast approaching it's time to start planning the festivities. No doubt you've already started to figure out what to throw on the barbecue, how to entertain the kids and what adult beverages to partake in. But for the movie lovers out there, have you thought about what movies can fill the gaps in the day? If not, here's a full planned movie program for the Fourth of July:

"The Patriot"

A great way to kick off the day is with a film about the American Revolution with bigger explosions that would have been possible at the time. Think what you will of Mel Gibson these days, it isn't very far into this film that you'll remember why he was such a huge star before anti-semitism and anger management issues brought him down. He has a wonderful emotional intensity as a former soldier turned family who's all but forced to take up the fight against the British. The late Heath Ledger holds his own as Gibson's eldest son, who is far more eager to join that fight than his father. Finally there's Jason Isaacs dripping menace as the perfect man to make you root for Gibson to gut the redcoats.

"Independence Day"

You've taken in some semblance of American history, so as the day goes on it might be time for the cinematic equivalent of a fireworks show. Aliens have come to Earth, but not to be friends. The use their mighty landmark destroying weaponry to wipe out the most iconic cities in the country, which of course means we have to go and kick their alien butts. Though technically the film happens on a global scale it's very much USA-centric which fits the theme of the holiday. Featuring Bill Pullman as the President, Will Smith as a hot shot pilot and Jeff Goldblum as the nerd who might just save us all. A fun way to keep the energy of the day going, and Pullman's big speech should really put you in the patriotic spirit.

"Team America: World Police"

This is one to save for after the fireworks and the kids have been sent off to bed. Now the adults can wind down with a few drinks and laugh the night away with this raunchy treat. From the team of Matt Stone and Trey Parker who are the minds behind"South Park," this is pure over the top comedy gold. Team America is after terrorists no matter what the cost, and if they destroy a few foreign cities along the way so be it. They bring aboard an actor to help the infiltrate the latest terrorist plot which all leads back to Kim Jong Il. But the biggest hurdle might be the war hating members of the Film Actors Guild. Oh and it's all done with marionettes.