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.
