Log in / Sign up
 
    Share this page

    Independence Day: Resurgence

    Reviewed by
    adamwatchesmovies@

    “We had twenty years to prepare. So did they. ” Well, that’s certainly not a reference to this film’s script. “Independence Day: Resurgence” is a sequel that is not nearly as good as the first. In fact, I’d say it completely misses the mark on what made the 1996 picture so charming. I don’t hate it, I’m glad I saw it on the big screen and in 3D, but this is not going to be a classic.

    Twenty years after the alien invasion of “Independence Day”, the world has recovered. Humanity is united and prepared to thwart any future alien invasions. When David Levinson (Jeff Goldblum) finds an unusual device in the wreck of an alien ship, he holds the key to saving the world once again as the aliens return with an even deadlier armada. Like the first, “Resurgence” focuses on a myriad of different characters including: Liam Hemsworth as U. S. Pilot Jake Morrison, Jessie Usher as Dylan Dubrow-Hiller (the adopted son of Will Smith’s character, now all grown up), Bill Pullman returns as former U. S. President Whitmore, Maika Monroe as his daughter Patricia, Judd Hirsch as David’s Father Julius, and Brent Spiner as Dr. Brakish Okun, who actually survived his 1996 close encounter.

    What I like about the first “Independence Day” is that it focuses on random people that eventually come together to make a difference. It’s an optimistic picture that believes that everyone has a place and that ultimately, unity is what we are destined for. The problem with this sequel is that it brings too many of these characters back. It makes the same mistake as the “Star Wars” prequels. It focuses on characters that are important to the audience, but not to the universe it’s set in. Sure, it makes sense for David to return, he’s an expert on these aliens. Dr. Okun not being dead? I’ll buy that too. He’s got stuff to do. But now instead of a story where everyday Joes are making a difference, it’s like fate has singled out a few “chosen ones” to save the world… again. David’s father for example; why is he in this film? Does he contribute anything to the plot? Not really, but he was in that first picture so he’s got to return, no matter how far fetched it is that he would survive or ludicrous that of all the places he could lay down his feet to rest, it would be the one place where everything is happening. Several times throughout “Resurgence” people happen to be at the right place, at the right time. The plot demands it. I’ll believe that my computer is compatible with alien technology before I buy some of the random coincidences here.

    There’s not a lot of thought put into this story. The writing here is poor, particularly during the conclusion. Granted, the events as they play out are set up far ahead in advance, but they don’t ring true. It’s as if the story was written in its entirety and then the 5 people responsible for writing the screenplay realized that they could not figure out a way to end the picture, so they looked at a bunch of other, better alien-invasion, sci-fi films, came back a couple of days later and retroactively inserted facts about the aliens to allow it to allow humanity not to get annihilated within 15 minutes of the invasion. It goes to show you that charismatic leads (The absence of Will Smith interacting with Goldblum is felt like a photon torpedo to the face) go a long way.

    With that said, the film is entertaining. Sure it’s nutty, but it’ll meet your expectations. The trailer promises aliens tearing up Earth like it’s a house of cards, and they do. The sequences of destruction are impressive, the dogfights between futuristic jets and flying saucers are cool. There are many good bits of humor throughout and although the quality isn’t on the same level, there’s a level of earnestness in this story. I don’t think Roland Emmerich was solely after a paycheck when he made this film. This guy wanted to make something awesome. At points, he did. This is the kind of picture that you see once and then never again. It’s the definition of a dumb summer blockbuster. That’s not a good thing, but sometimes the AC breaks down and you just want to sit in a place that’s cool while it gets fixed.

    “Independence Day: Resurgence” is not a great film. It’s silly and cheesy, oftentimes predictable, the plot is ludicrous. It is not a worthy sequel to a film that if you enjoy, you enjoy thoroughly. But it doesn’t earn any hatred. Put this one low on your priorities list, but if you want to see it, I don’t blame you. “Independence Day: Resurgence” deserves credit for 2 things. The first is coming up with a new “R” title. We’ve seen “The Return”, “The Revenge”, “Resurrection”, “Retribution”, “Retaliation” and others before, but not “Resurgence”. The second is for being entertaining despite its many shortcomings. (3D Theatrical version on the big screen, July 9, 2016)

    5
    HelpfulNot helpful  Reply
    adamwatchesmovies@  11.7.2016 age: 26-35 2,867 reviews

    Show all reviews for this movie
    Note: The movie review posted on this page reflects a personal opinion of one user. We are not responsible for its content.

    Did you see ''Independence Day: Resurgence''?

    There is a problem with your e-mail address and we are unable to communicate with you. Please go to My Account to update your email.

    How do you rate this movie?

    Select stars from 1 to 10.
    10 - A masterpiece, go, see it now
    9 - Excellent movie, a must see
    8 - Great movie, don't miss it
    7 - Good movie, worth seeing
    6 - Not bad, could be much better
    5 - So so, okay if you don't pay
    4 - Not good, even if you don't pay
    3 - Poor movie, not recommended
    2 - Very bad, forget about it
    1 - Worst ever, avoid at all costs

    Please explain. Write your comment here:

    Please choose a username to sign your comments. Only letters, digits, dash - or period. Minimum 4 characters.

    Your age and sex:

    We publish all comments, except abusive, at our discretion.