Director: Roland Emmerich
By Alex Watson
When the first trailer hit, it seemed that Roland Emmerich's sequel 20 years in the making might have hope to it. Alas despite being visually breathtaking, Independence Day: Resurgence falls short. The fundamental issue is a poor script from returning scribes Emmerich and Dean Devlin which seems genuinely confused how to handle a second alien invasion. There is plenty of bang for your buck and this picture has the entertainment factor nailed down, but this proves little more than just another underwhelming summer blockbuster.
20 years after the alien attack, Earth has rebuilt itself and peace has been declared. Former President Whitmore (Bill Pullman) is traumatized by the events he witnessed while his grown daughter Patricia (Maika Monroe) serves the current Commander in Chief. David Levinson (Jeff Goldblum) is now heading up the countries defense project. While on the moon, US Pilot Jake (Liam Hemsworth) discover that another invasion is imminent from their old Alien pals. Is Earth ready to withstand another battle?
Although Emmerich will keep his crown as the king of big, silly popcorn entertainment, Independence Day: Resurgence doesn't break any new ground. It's not to say that this picture does not have its merits because the thrill factor does rank highly. Watching the 3000 miles long Alien ship re-enter Earth and cause mass devastation is as good a 3D experience as you will have this year. What is lacks is a clear cut hero- the absence of Will Smith is felt greatly throughout and despite his son Dylan (Jesse Usher) being written in, he doesn't have the natural charisma to carry the picture. The returning old guard do a good of reminding us of what made them memorable. Thomas Whitmore is now a shadow of the leader he was and is suffering from PTSD. Levinson is still the same dry humored soul we all remember and is placed under the complex problem of dealing with invaders under an impulsive President (Sela Ward).
Frequently through this picture, there are unresolved narrative threads, for example, what precisely is the relationship between Levinson and Dr. Catherine Marceaux (Charlotte Gainsbourg)? Also was it entirely necessary to give extended screentime to the assumed dead Brakish Okun (Brent Spiner)? Brought on as comedic relief, here his over-excitable presence gets under our skin quickly. Chinese fighter pilot Rain (Angelababy) draws the short straw and is giving the character depth of a shallow pool. The new addition Jake does give this movie some life with his shoot first ask questions later attitude. Orphaned by the first alien attack, he is running on pure adrenaline looking to avenge what took his family. He is also engaged to Patricia which gives us reason to root for his survival. The storytelling does make the story creak as it feels like it tries too hard to focus on the more technical side of the alien invasion rather than letting us sit back and enjoy it.
When the visual moments hit, they are a swift reminder of what a good eye Emmerich has for chaos. London and the Burj Khalifa in Dubai become rubble in a matter of seconds "They like to get the landmarks" muses David. These are the moments we pay admission for and this does for a short time improve our enjoyment of Independence Day: Resurgence. World destruction never looked so good and Emmerich gives a number of eye-popping visuals such as a hive of swarming alien ships, or an Asian freeway being slowly lifted to its doom. While the script and story may feel like a real test, including some corny dialogue "Great ready for a close encounter bitch!" this man is at home with allowing the visuals to just tell the story. If there had been more of this it could have been an easier ride. After feeling audiences wrath after attempting drama with 'Stonewall' this is could possibly be considered something of a return to natural ground.
Jeff Goldblum is a capable leading character but without Will Smith, his humor is not as memorable as before. Again David Levinson is a smart and fast thinking guy, but so much of the movie revolves around his technical plans to save Earth. Bill Pullman possibly walks away with the most eye-opening performance with his now troubled Whitmore. Under the influence of an Alien queen, he knows what is about to go down but is powerless. Though we have to suspend our disbelief watching him pull on the flight once again. Liam Hemsworth gives this picture a fresher feel, it's not a role that will boost his star potential but does again prove him to be a solid player in blockbusters. As Madame President, Sela Ward is given a fraction of the screen time required and is given little else to do other than order people to shoot.
It may be yet another big money disappointment, but Independence Day: Resurgence is still a good dose of big and dumb fun. Roland Emmerich may yet be back for another close encounter soon, next time just stick to the basics.
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