Twenty years on, for director Roland Emmerich (Godzilla), Independence Day Resurgence marks a return to the universe he and co-writer and producer Dean Devlin created.
Using recovered alien technology, the nations of Earth have collaborated on an immense defense program to protect the planet. But nothing can prepare us for the aliens’ advanced and unprecedented force as they look to conquer us again. Screenwriter Nicolas Wright notes that he and writing partner James A. Woods wanted to capture the first film’s “innocent and honest humour and tone as much as possible”.
In Independence Day, it was David Levinson, played by Jeff Goldblum, who figured out how to stop the alien threat. In doing so, he was propelled into the spotlight as a world hero. After the war, Levinson spent 20 years trying to prepare us for the next attack he always knew was coming, using the alien technology acquired during and after the first invasion. Bill Pullman reprises his role as former U.S. president Thomas J. Whitmore, who led the planetary defense in 1996.
Due to his close encounters with the aliens at that time, Whitmore has undergone what medical professionals refer to as Alien Residual Condition. Severe internal changes have left Whitmore haunted and disturbed, and “knowing” what the aliens know. He has visions of their impending return and dark premonitions of the aliens’ plans for Earth. Whitmore’s visions and behavioral changes are being kept under wraps to all except the former president’s inner circle, which includes his now-grown daughter Patricia (Maika Monroe). She and her close friend Dylan Hiller (Jessie Usher), son of the late fighter pilot Steven Hiller, who had helped save the world during the initial invasion, have been famous since childhood. While Patricia grew up with Dylan, she loves and wants to marry Jake. But Jake’s impulsiveness, which once nearly killed Dylan during a test flight exercise, complicates their relationship.
The new head of state, US President Lanford, is a role filled by Sela Ward (The Day After Tomorrow). Joining the “next generation” cast is Chinese model and actress Angelababy, who is a member of the elite squad of fighter pilots and whose uncle is the head of moon base. Taking an immediately shining to her is Jake’s best friend and fellow fighter pilot Charlie (Travis Tope). Judd Hirsch returns as David Levinson’s father, Julius, who is now spruiking his self-published book about his heroic exploits during the first alien attack. That is until he once again finds himself caught in the crosshairs of cataclysmic events.
This is lightweight flashy pap, pure and simple. It looks good but is severely lacking in sense or substance. It is a triumph for special effects and a setback for the acting profession. Much of the latter is one-dimensional, cardboard-cutout stuff – totally and utterly bereft of depth. The formulaic scripted nonsense that the actors are forced to utter is, at times, seriously embarrassing. I was left thinking that director Emmerich is heading backwards in his career and God forgive us, he is planning a third film. Oh no, I cry. Quit while you are behind.
Clearly the filmmakers have spent a lot on making it look good, but beauty is only skin deep. And I actually wanted more interaction between the humans and the aliens. That was severely limited. Plus, I had no investment in the characters. I really didn’t care what happened to them. Not a good sign. Further, there was no chemistry between Liam Hemsworth and supposedly the love of his life, Maika Monroe, whose acting was wooden at best.
Unless you are prepared to go along for the effects alone, best to give this one a miss. Rated M, Independence Day: Resurgence scores an 8 out of 10 for special effects and a 2 out of 10 for everything else, giving it a bare pass of 5.
Director: Roland Emmerich
Cast: Liam Hemsworth, Jeff Goldblum, Bill Pullman, Judd Hirsch, Vivica A. Fox, Brent Spiner, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Jessie Usher, Maika Monroe, Sela Ward
Release Date: 23 June 2016
Rating: M – Science fiction themes and violence
Alex First
David Edwards is the editor of The Blurb and a contributor on film and television