Independence Day: Resurgence

As we're approaching the 4th of July or officially called Independence Day, we are beginning to see more and more big-budget, high adrenaline, high-octane summer blockbusters loaded with a plethora of visual effects. So what a better film to usher in the 4th of July than "Independence Day: Resurgence". Is that appropriate or what?

Fearful of another attack, the nations of Earth have teamed up against their common enemy-- the extraterrestrials who brought humanity to the brink of extinction. We always knew they were coming back. After "Independence Day" redefined the event movie genre, the next epic chapter (20 years later) delivers global spectacle on an unimaginable scale. Using recovered alien technology, the nations of the Earth have collaborated on an immense defense program to protect the planet. But nothing can prepare us for the aliens' advanced and unprecedented force. Only the ingenuity of a few brave men and women can bring our world back from the brink of extinction.
In the original film, Capt. Hiller helped save the day, so now since we are 20 years later, his son, Capt. Dylan Hiller (Jessie T. Usher), following in dad's footsteps, ends up combating aliens also. Retired President Whitmore's (Bill Pullman) daughter, Patricia (Maika Monroe), is also a pilot who is the girlfriend of pilot Jake Morrison (Liam Hemsworth) who reluctantly knows Dylan. Along with David Levinson (Jeff Goldblum), General Adams (William Fichtner) and present day President Lanford (Sela Ward), these brave people band together to combat that enemy of 20 years prior in order to wipe them off the map once and for all.

Others to round out the cast are Judd Hirsch as Julius Levinson, David's dad, Brent Spiner as Dr. Brakish Okun, Patrick St. Esprit as Secretary of Defense Tanner, Vivica A. Fox as Jasmine Hiller, Nicolas Wright as Floyd Rosenberg and Deobia Oparei as Dikembe Umbutu.

This was directed by the king of the summer blockbuster flick, Roland Emmerich ("Joey" '85, "Ghost Chase" '87, "Moon 44" '90, "Universal Soldier" '92, "Stargate" '94, "Independence Day" '96, "Godzilla" '98, "The Patriot" 2000, "The Day After Tomorrow" '04, "10,000 BC" '08, "2012" '09, "Anonymous" '11, "White House Down" '13, "Stonewall" '15) plus others. This guy knows his way around this particular genre virtually like the back of his hand. Just look at his resume--shall I go on? While these types of films aren't necessarily my favorite, I have to give credit where it is due. How many directors are able to manage such a huge production within budget and time restraints and still entertain their audience? Not many, I can assure you. This was written by Nicolas Wright, James A. Woods, Dean Devlin, Roland Emmerich and James Vanderbilt based on a story by Devlin, Emmerich, Wright and Woods which is based on characters created by Devlin and Emmerich. The problem I have with the writing here is based on my last sentence--too many writers. However, considering the enormous number of writers, this wasn't as bad as it could have been. Problems? First of all, this was to take place 20 years after the first attack, which would put it in present day. So that being the case, the cities shown looked a bit too futuristic to be present day. Secondly, even though I realize this is sci-fi fantasy, there are certain realities one must adhere to, lest it looks incredibly implausible. There were places of some inconsistencies and some slowness (believe it or not). It wasn't a bad film, just not a great one. Of course, the visual effects, predominantly designed by Weta Digital and Digital Domain were seamless, but you already know this before walking through the theater doors.

If you liked "Independence Day", you'll love this. With all the grandiose of the production-- sets, special effects, and photography all in a neat IMAX format, you'll be rushing down to the multiplex, grabbing your popcorn and enjoying this rollor coaster ride.

Out of 4 Stars: 2.5                                   Rated: PG-13                                120mins.