I thought ID4 had really realistic effects and really well-rounded characters. People pick on that film because the action is so over the top, but its terrifically written and well acted. Its a complete dishonor to the humorous and likeable performances in that film to compare it the prequels. ID4 is a guilty pleasure, but its well above dreck like Attack of the Clones or Wing Commander, it actually has some genuine heart in it, and I think thats because its was one of Devlin/Emmerich's first and most personal projects (along with Stargate--another terrific and fun film, even though its not anything extraordinary, like ID4). To me, its everything a great summer blockbuster should be, like Iron Man or Jurassic Park or Pirates of the Carribbean, it entertains with eye candy but keeps the characters front and center and thats the reason why all these films are talked about.