It didn't take itself too seriously-- this movie was grim and glum without having enough dimension to merit how seriously it takes itself.

Furthermore, ID4's one-note characters had far more personality, making me care more (the father-son line only tugged heartstrings because it was a cute little kid-- neither character had any personality, story, or revealing dialogue at all!).

Also, its effects for 1996 >> B:LA's effects for 2011.

So, yeah, I think Independence Day was a much better film experience. Probably still is today.