Movie Review: Independence Day: Resurgence

There was this strong sense of urgency for me to re-watch the 1996 Independence Day film, which in its time "redefined the event movie genre". I was fortunate enough that my officemate had an actual original VCD of Independence Day and after days of reminding him to bring it, he finally found it buried in one of their cabinets. So, on the weekend before seeing "Resurgence" I got to re-watch the original 1996 film, which is a good thing since I was able to follow the lore better.

Before I proceed I have to say though that you don't need to have recently seen the original to fully enjoy "Resurgence" all the action and suspence will ensure that you do; the movie lays it all out for you to be able to follow well enough. I guess it's the "movie geek" in me that really wanted to re-watch the original first. After all, I was just nine years old when the original film came out and it has been twenty years since.

"Resurgence" opens in the same timeline, when humanity has succeeded over the alien race that once attempted to take over the planet. Nations have set aside their petty difference to come up with a World Defense Council in order to prepare for the next attack, because they are coming back. 

With recovered alien technology, humans have been able to set up bases on Saturn, Mars and the moon as early warning systems as well as come up with an elite flying squadron known as Earth Space Defense ready to defend the planet should the time come. 

When the aliens do return, twenty years later. It seems that all preparations have come to waste and it's only the ingenuity of a few brave men and women that we can count on. 

I really enjoyed the more global involvement in the second film, with the team including a machete-wielding African War Lord and a beautiful Chinese pilot. I think one of my favorite thoughts about the film was all nations uniting against a greater threat (than ourselves). 

Seeing the 1996 film, I could appreciate what 20 years in technology could bring in a film. Improved graphics, more ambitious scenes and undertakings, which is what the sequel offers-More nail biting scenes and impressive CGI.

Unfortunately the story suffers from the too-many new, "flat" unbelievable characters who pale in comparison to the stronger more believable characters in the 1996 original. 

Jessie Usher who plays Dylan Hiller the step son of Will Smith's original character, has nothing on Steven Hiller, he just seemed 'there' lacking the charisma and presence that Will Smith had. There was no swagger at all, he didn't need to have a cigar or punch aliens to prove he's got "it" but his character was just flat. 

While Liam Hemsworth was eye candy on the sceen, his orphan turned fighter pilot Jake Morrison was also flat, kudos for trying to being a little humor in the film, but again these boys have nothing on Will Smith. 

The multi story-arc doesn't seem to be as effective as it was before, I didn't even get emotional at a couple of supposedly dramatic deaths. No tears from a disgraced father sacrificing his life for his children this time around, I'm afraid. 

Even Bill Pullman who reprises his role as former president Thomas J. Whitmore failed to get me teary eyed or choke out a sob. 

Jeff Goldblum still bring a little of that original 1996 feel on screen, it was a pleasure to see him reprise his role as David Levinson and come up with the plans to kick alien butt, all with his calm demeanor. 

Flat characters aside, if you are looking for a Sci-Fi adventure then you'll still enjoy the film. The graphics alone will have you at the edge of your seat. I don't want to spoil anything but let's just say that there's a big surprise at the end. 

7.5 out of 10 stars, "Independence Day: Resrugence" fails with it's new characters but impresses  with the new CGI and action sequences. 

It hits over 300 theaters on June 22 in 2D, 3D and IMAX, from 20th Century Fox.

Movie News: LIAM HEMSWORTH LEADS NEW GENERATION OF HEROES IN “INDEPENDENCE DAY: RESURGENCE”

Liam Hemsworth leads a team of young pilots fighting aliens in “Independence Day: Resurgence” directed by Roland Emmerich with an all-star cast including Bill Pullman, Jeff Goldblum, Sela Ward, Maika Monroe, Jessie Usher and Angelababy.

 The aliens are back with a vengeance for “Independence Day: Resurgence,” which represents director Roland Emmerich’s huge return to the genre that made him famous. The 1996 original shot into the public imagination with its vistas of destruction, its memorable characters and huge impact on both science fiction and disaster movies. With giant alien spaceships unleashing incredibly devastating power upon the world, it took brain, brawn and heroics to figure out a way to fight back.

 Now, 20 years later, humanity has united to rebuild the world’s major cities, while salvaged alien technology has been utilized to work on solving many big problems such as climate change. But the lingering threat of the extra-terrestrials’ return still hangs over our heads and the Earth Space Defence programme has formed to be ready for when that day comes. Ominously, it appears that our greatest enemy is indeed back.

Now, 20 years later, humanity has united to rebuild the world’s major cities, while salvaged alien technology has been utilized to work on solving many big problems such as climate change. But the lingering threat of the extra-terrestrials’ return still hangs over our heads and the Earth Space Defence programme has formed to be ready for when that day comes. Ominously, it appears that our greatest enemy is indeed back.

 Demonstrating versatility and skill in a range of performances, Hemsworth has proven to be one of the most sought-after actors of his generation.  In “Independence Day: Resurgence,” Hemsworth plays Jake Morrison, a hotshot fighter pilot whose family was killed in the original alien attack chronicled in Roland Emmerich’s groundbreaking 1996 sci-fi thriller. Growing up an orphan, Jake joined the military, and quickly showed an aptitude for daring flight missions.

 Hemsworth particularly enjoyed exploring the character’s motivations to be at the front lines of this new battle against the Aliens.  “Jake’s parents were killed during the War of 1996, so he has a bit of a chip on his shoulder in this fight.”  The chip on Jake’s shoulder impacts his behavior with authority.  Hemsworth elaborates: “Jake can be a little outspoken, because he's always been the underdog who had to fight for every scrap.   As a result of growing up as an orphan, Jake became resentful and jealous of other people's positions.”

Jake’s outspokenness, as well as his fearlessness and occasional disregard for authority, land him in hot water.  He gets his wings clipped and is relegated to piloting a Moon Tug, which is more or less like working a giant forklift or tug boat, transporting weapons to the military’s moon defense base.   The outpost is a first-response center in the event of another Alien attack.  “The Moon Tug is a lot slower than the jets Jake is used to flying, and basically his day consists of moving heavy parts around from point A to B, on the moon,” says Hemsworth.  “It’s not the most exciting job for Jake, who knows he belongs in a fighter jet.  And he will end up in a fighter jet.”   

 Hemsworth says he jumped at the chance to be a part of “Independence Day: Resurgence,” because the first film is one of his all-time favorites, although he was only six years old when it was released.  “Battling an Alien invasion fleet in this film was a dream come true for me,” says the actor.  

 “Independence Day: Resurgence” opens June 22 in cinemas nationwide (2D, 3D and IMAX) from 20^th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros.