The 'Independance Day' thoughts raises an interesting film question. Is a "stereotyped" character okay if it's a massively positive portrayal?

I can't see the 'Julius Levinson' character as a negative-stereotype as he is such a lovely character. One of the most likeable things in that film.

Other "caricatures" I can think of would be...

Jenette Goldstein "browning up" to play Private Vasquez in 'Aliens'. I suspect Cameron wouldn't get away with that casting these days. But she plays it with total conviction and everybody would want to be that character, male or female. She's so badass.

I go on about how good it is too often but, 'Short Circuit 2'. Fisher Stevens not only "browns up" his skin but puts on a ridiculous exagerated accent and mixes up his words "how time is fun when you're having flies" to play Ben Jarhvi. But again the character is played with such warmth and humour. Ben's such a lovely guy and you are rooting for him to get the girl.

'Short Round' in Indy2. I know people here have stated they find him offensive with all the getting words wrong and such but I was the same age as Shorty once and I wanted to be him. If you love a character this much, can it be a negative portrayal?

I'm sure there are other examples.