Movie review: ‘Independence Day: Resurgence,’ big sci-fi battles can’t save dull uninspired sequel
Jeff Goldblum as David Levinson, left, and Bill Pullman as Thomas Whitmore in a scene from "Independence Day: Resurgence."
Parents need to know that “Independence Day: Resurgence” is the sequel to 1996’s blockbuster alien-invasion thriller, “Independence Day.” When the aliens come back, angrier and in bigger ships than ever, there’s another round of destructive, cataclysmic violence: Whole cities are destroyed, ships are blown up, and notable characters die, some in particularly upsetting ways. There’s also some strong language (“s–t,” “bitch,” “a–hole,” etc.), a little drinking, and a few kisses.
WHAT’S THE STORY?
“Independence Day: Resurgence” takes place 20 years after the original “Independence Day.” The world now has a unified international fleet to protect Earth from possible alien threats; a central African tribe is known for having mastered the art of hand-to-hand combat with the aliens, and the United States has imprisoned captured aliens at Area 51. But just as the planet is ready to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the defeat of the alien forces, Dr. David Levinson (Jeff Goldblum) discovers that an even larger “queen” alien and her hive of forces is ready to attack — and this time, the alien forces seem indestructible.
IS IT ANY GOOD?
This mediocre alien-invasion sequel isn’t going to wow anyone who’s seen the original, which is a true summer popcorn-flick, with quotable lines and memorable action scenes. The computer-generated action sequences are big and portray the same sort of mass destruction as the first film, but a movie can’t survive without compelling stories and characters. It’s a problem when climactic deaths and close calls don’t come close to pulling an emotional punch, and the dialogue is filled with trite “we can do it” speeches and “no man left behind”-style rally cries. Younger audiences who just care about the battle sequences may find it adequate, but overall this isn’t a satisfying sequel.
RATING AND CONTENT
Recommended for ages 12 and older
Quality: 2 out of 5
Positive messages: 3 out of 5
Positive role models: 3 out of 5
Violence: 4 out of 5
Sex: 1 out of 5
Language: 3 out of 5
Drinking, drugs, and smoking: 2 out of 5
MOVIE DETAILS
Theatrical release date: June 24, 2016
Director: Roland Emmerich
Studio: Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation
Genre: Science fiction
Run time: 120 minutes
MPAA rating: PG-13
