Independence Day: Resurgence marks 20 years since we first kicked some alien butt. As the aliens return for this epic sequel, will this film be victorious, or be obliterated by audiences?
Independence Day: Resurgence is a long awaited sequel to the original Independence day, which was released back in 1996. Think back to how long ago that was. I was six years old, treading a fine line between Kinder and First Grade. But now, Resurgence is taking us back to the science fiction extravaganza that started it all. With new and old faces, director, Roland Emmerich, takes us on this adventure as the aliens once again attack planet earth. That is basically the plot. This film is about the aliens, who were in the first Independence Day, coming back to wipe mankind from planet earth. Also, something about the aliens refueling and drilling into the earth’s core. Blah, blah, blah. Science stuff. But what I will say about this film, is that it’s mindless entertainment. Very much so.
Once again, David Levinson, played by the funny Jeff Goldblum, is at the helm of this film. Goldblum is still a scientist investigating alien activity, especially a drawing that keeps showing up at different alien occurrences. This time Levinson is partnering with female scientist, Catherine Marceaux (Charlotte Gainsbourg). This duo was anything but perfect. The chemistry between these two was bland at best. But I will say, Goldblum was probably the best part of this film. Compared to the original Independence Day, Resurgence never really has that kick-ass/funny vibe. If anything, Resurgence often took itself too seriously, as the music would swell and the story would try to tug at your heart strings. But part of that kick-ass/funny vibe that was missing, was due to Will Smith’s absence. Not only that, but the son, played by Jesse T. Usher, who was Smith’s obvious replacement, was far from Smith’s charming character. Usher’s performance as Dylan Hiller was not to par and hard to believe. Once again, another bland performance that really needed to be standout. But I shouldn’t blame the lack of motivation on Usher, because 90% of the cast acted the same way. None of the actors, in my opinion, really wanted to be in this film. This majority included Independence Day alum, Bill Pullman. Pullman’s performance was something much like a wet sponge, often overacting in his portrayal of the former President. And boy, Liam Hemsworth comes across as his usual arrogant, but you still “love him”, type character. To be honest, it’s getting old.
Independence Day: Resurgence is another mindless action movie that has tons of CGI and gun fights, to last you a lifetime. Resurgence does try to play to the heart at some points, in an effort for this to seem like a “real” movie. But in order to have more CGI and action sequences, most of the story’s substance was thrown out the window. But if you see this film, and your taste buds are craving more, or even if you want every shred of the Independence Day franchise to be wiped from your memory, you’re in for a treat. Judging by the ending, there will be more Independence Day films to come.
Independence Day: Resurgence
Directed by: Roland Emmerich
Starring: Jeff Goldblum, Liam Hemsworth, Jesse T. Usher, Charlotte Gainsbourg, and Bill Pullman
Rating:
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