JULIA SPENCER-FLEMING: Happy Independence Day, my fellow Americans. It's a little difficult you know what to write about today, and not just because we already covered favorite summer specialties. Instead of pontificating, I'm going to suggest movies that encompass the thrills, chills, music and mayhem that make up our country
Jaws: It's been 50 years since this adaptation of Peter Benchley's thriller came out, and it's as compelling as ever. Roy Scheider, Richard Dreyfuss and Robert Shaw have to rescue Amity, NY's 4th of July holiday from a terrifying and iconic killer.
Born on the Fourth of July - Oliver Stone's Oscar-winning anti-war story proves Tom Cruise can really act, not just do stunts.
Independence Day - my family's must-watch movie for today! If you like major American landmarks blown up by evil aliens, this one's for you.
A Day in the Life of America. A masterful documentary of July 4th, 2017, shot by 92 film crews scattered across the US and Puerto Rico.
Yankee Doodle Dandy: the all singing, all dancing, all delightful biopic of "the man who owned Broadway," George M. Cohan.
Mr Smith Goes to Washington - nothing specifically takes place on July 4th, but it's a great evocation of the ideals that founded this country.
And finally, a classic it-can-happen-here novel turned into a miniseries, The Plot Against America.
How about you, dear readers? What do you suggest for the perfect Independence Day flick?
