A follow-up to the Hollywood blockbuster Independence Day released in 1996, Independence Day: Resurgence is a fairly lackluster sequel that is visually appealing but filled with cliche, cheesy dialogue. It is basically the same film as the original: the same aliens return to invade Earth yet again and humans unify to fight the aliens. This time, an international defense force is created using alien technology but the attack is on a much larger scale. Relying heavily on CGI, the aliens obliterate many cities and landmarks in epic fashion. I did feel a sense of nostalgia as I watched the film since I remember the original from when I was 11 years-old. The original was one of the first major sci-fi popcorn flicks I saw that was visually stunning, at least for 90’s standards prior to today’s advanced CGI. Although Will Smith did not reprise his role, the movie brings back several of the major members of the original cast, including Jeff Goldblum and Bill Pullman. Like the original, it even included an inspiring speech from Pullman who now portrays the reclusive former president. The movie includes the requisite elements of a love story, eccentric scientists, military camaraderie, and rousing patriotism. Overall, I found the film to be a fairly typical sci-fi blockbuster, with a rather silly premise, whose primary purpose is to serve as a vehicle for special effects.
KEITH on Reels 