'Independence Day: Resurgence' Review

Image from Coming Soon

By Diego Coya

            For more than a decade, there have been discussion and speculation that a sequel to the 1996 film Independence Day would become a reality. After twenty years, the long anticipated sequel to Independence Day is finally here. Independence Day: Resurgence takes place several years after the first film, and the aliens have now come back to earth to wreak havoc once again. This time, earth has integrated alien technology with man-made technology which makes them more prepared for the battle. Like the first film, it has a very simple plot and it is the definition of a CGI fest with explosions and mindless fun. However, it lacks two important aspects from the first film, which is charisma and energy.

            Unfortunately, Independence Day: Resurgence was a completely unnecessary sequel. The first film was not a great film, but it is one that many have watched plenty of times because it so entertaining and Will Smith has fantastic charisma. The problem with this sequel is that it is not fun nor is it entertaining. While the film has very impressive visual effects and a great performance by Jeff Goldblum, there are no characters that are investing and it drags for an insanely long time. There also are some things that are never explained or just simply do not make any sense.

            As far as character development, this film does an awful job at making the viewer care for anyone in this film. Especially Jessie T. Usher, who plays Dylan Hiller whose father, was Will Smith’s character in the first film. He was so dull, and he is given absolutely nothing to do. Liam Hemsworth is Liam Hemsworth, he plays the same character in every movie, and it is hard to find any likeability to his character. The most unlikeable character was Dr. Brakish Okun, who was incredibly obnoxious and is given way too much screen time for his own good. Other than Jeff Goldblum, who seemed like he was the only one trying, everyone else is monotonous and it’s hard to get into the action scenes because the viewer does not care what happens to the character.

            The first film is undoubtedly a corny film with cheesy dialogue, but it is easy to get past it because of the energy and charisma that it has. On the other hand, the sequel has such terrible dialogue that it’s hard to get past it because it’s so bad. I have honestly forgotten about 95% of the film because it is so forgettable and nothing memorable happens. I feel awful for people who have waited twenty years for this movie because not only is it disappointing but it is really not a good film. Initially walking out of the film, it did not seem like it was truly awful but I acknowledged that it was not good at all. However, as time passes by, the more I really dislike it. I do not recommend this film, and if you are a huge fan of the original, just stick with that one.

Rating: 3/10