10 Movie Moments That Look Like CGI But Aren't

Computer generated imagery certainly has its place in filmmaking and the world of big box office releases. Despite its sometimes harsh condemnation of being a gimmicky trick used by cheapskates - and those who can't be asked to deal with the finicky parts of practical effects - CGI has delivered countless moments of magic over the years that would have never been possible before. Just look at Jurassic Park.

However, there's just something so undeniably magical about the care that goes into producing CGI's rival, practical effects. Films such as The Thing, Mission Impossible, Dunkirk and basically anything by Christopher Nolan have all demonstrated the capabilities practical effects possess, and carved out legendary reputations on the back of widespread acclaim from critics and fans alike.

Despite being seen as the archaic and out of date mode of shooting these days, there's plenty of reason to believe practical effects are still working their way into Hollywood's biggest recent releases. It can't always be the easiest thing in the world to spot however, and audiences can be forgiven for seeing some of the biggest set pieces in recent history and dismissing them as just another example of the computers taking over.

Nevertheless, here are ten recent movie moments that totally look like CGI in the works, but actually aren't.

Independence Day is a 1996 epic science fiction film filled to the rafters with huge set pieces, massive action sequences, and mind-boggling moments brought to life by the some of the best technologies cinema could muster up at the time. The film stars the likes of Will Smith, Jeff Goldblum and Bill Pullman and revolves around a small group of human survivors out in the Nevada desert after an alien invasion takes over control of the Earth.

One of the most awesome moments of seeing this alien force take over the planet is when the armada of spaceships in the Earth sky take positions over some of the planet's most recognisable landmarks and begin a countdown. When the countdown runs out, the ships let loose a flurry of beams that blow them all to high heaven.

The most eye catching of these landmarks is obviously The White House, which is shown blowing up via an impressive front on shot. Whilst the sequences of mass worldwide destruction that come before this moment are computer-generated, this jaw-dropping moment from the film was actually done wholly with practical effects.

A small replica of The White House was built by the film's special effects crew, completed with all the tiny details that make it look so believable. Small explosives were carefully placed inside the model and the explosion was filmed in slow motion to help sell the realism of it all.