As far as sequels go, you can do a lot worse than Independence Day: Resurgence, which will have you on the edge of your seat as you laugh, gasp, and then laugh some more.
In a world of sequels, prequels, and trilogies, we’ve become quite adept at seeing what works and what doesn’t. A sequel has to retain enough of the spirit of the first movie to keep fans remembering what about that particular world we loved in the first place, while also venturing to new and unknown heights and plots that keep us guessing from start to finish. We say that Independence Day: Resurgence managed to do it, even if they didn’t completely blow us away.
Independence Day: Resurgence has so much to love that we’re positive fans will be able to overlook its shortcomings. The spirit of the original is alive and well, even if some of the plot points don’t entirely land. Check out what we thought were the film’s strengths and weaknesses, and make sure to let us know what you think in the comments!
Strengths
Brent Spiner
This movie, and franchise, would not be the same without Brent Spiner and Dr. Brakish Okun. The first movie may have made him seem like a tertiary character, but his entertaining reactions to the first attempted invasion are easy to recall after 20 years of rewatches. You can remember his character’s excitement over a crashed alien craft lighting up while everyone else is crushed by all the realities of death and destruction. We all thought him dead after his close encounter of the unfriendly kind, but thankfully, that wasn’t the case.
Dr. Okun’s zeal for life was not stolen away as he slept for 20 years. No sirree. It seems that his enthusiasm for his life’s work only grew as he slumbered while his adorable partner brought and watered orchids for him throughout the entire coma. The minute he awakens, he sneaks off to find out exactly what is going on and why he woke up. He doesn’t even pause to put on pants, which is so very Dr. Okun of him.
Supporting Cast
While Jeff Goldblum and Liam Hemsworth were fantastic in their leading roles (amongst others), the previously unknown supporting cast absolutely nailed their roles and brought a similar, but vibrant energy to the second film. Travis Tope is hilarious as Charlie Miller, the yin to Jake Morrison’s yang. He and Liam Hemsworth were a fabulous new one-two punch that reminded us of everything that Will Smith brought to the first movie, but delivered a few fun curveballs all their own.
Other noteworthy supporting characters that we absolutely found ourselves loving include: William Fichtner as General Adams, Deobia Oparei as Dikembe Umbutu, Nicolas Wright as Floyd Rosenberg, and so many more. Independence Day was an ensemble piece back in the day, made up of some truly incredible characters, and that is definitely reflected in Independence Day: Resurgence.
The Queen
While the large ships and intimidating design of the aliens is enough to take the wind out of any moviegoer, this movie put one alien figure on the top of our scary list. The Queen of the harvester ship is a massive creature, towering above buildings and weaponry as she makes her way to the humans’ stronghold at Area 51. She was more than just a formidable foe to Independence Day: Resurgence. She represented both the greatest threat and the only chance at victory. She was the key to the aliens undoing, and it was only in her defeat that mankind would survive.
The team behind her creation should be damn proud, as we found ourselves both horrified by the character as well as amazed by her strength and design. There were a few things in this movie that could have used some work, but the Queen was by no means one of them.
Nostalgia
More than anything, Independence Day: Resurgence‘s success or failure depended on how they handled one factor: nostalgia. They needed enough nods to the first film to remind us why we loved these characters and their fight to survive in the first place, but we also needed the story to stand on its own and be a new adventure 20 years later. As fans, we say that this film delivers. It gives us moments and characters that harken back to the best of Independence Day, while also pushing the limits and delivering some new characters that brought a new level of fun and whimsy to fighting for their lives.
There are hints to some iconic lines and moments sprinkled throughout the film like treasures to be uncovered at the appropriate times. You won’t be able to miss them, and you’ll enjoy each and every one. Whether it’s Judd Hirsch’s Julius Levinson berating his son for not coming around to visit more, or Liam Hemsworth giving us a very Will-Smith-esque diversion on an alien spaceship, we cannot imagine fans of the first film not feeling the nostalgia settle into their bones.
Weaknesses
Predicability
Okay, so no film is perfect and Independence Day: Resurgence definitely has its share of flaws. One thing that stuck out to me was the predicability of how this plot was going to play out. The narrative of Independence Day: Resurgence definitely reflected the same narrative structure of the first film a little too directly. The highs and lows of this film don’t quite reach the gut-punching level of the first film, but that is mainly because you can see them coming this time around.
Hopefully, if this franchise sees future installments, the plot formula can be shaken up a bit more. There are so many ways to tell alien invasion stories that we are anxious to see if the teams behind future movies can find a way to freshen up the narrative structure and still bring us all the fun that Independence Day has never lacked.
A little bit ridiculous
While Resurgence never really felt like it was trying to one-up it’s predecessor, there were a few moments when it hit ridiculous-factor 10. We learn in this film that there’s another race of aliens killed off years ago that traded their biological existence for a digital one (which gave this writer major The 100 City of Light nightmares). This race’s timely arrival seems too good to be true. Plus, we soon learn just how advanced this race is, only for them to ask for the humans’ help? Wait. What?
We also are supposed to believe that despite the Queen’s vital role to this particular colony, she would put herself in harm’s way to destroy an enemy who would more than likely be obliterated in the aftermath of the literal earth-shattering devastation awaiting humankind. Parts of the general plot are a little far-fetched here and there, and that can affect the overall viewing experience, even if it doesn’t truly take away from the fun.
Ultimately
If you are a fan of sci-fi adventures and loved the original Independence Day, there’s plenty here for you to love. Jeff Goldblum is back as David Levinson and has a host of very David-like reactions. His father, played by Judd Hirsch, will enchant you again in very little screen time, just as he did in the first film. Not everyone survives, but not everyone dies either, reminding us that the Independence Day franchise has always tried to tell a good story while retaining some semblance of realism.
As July 4 and all the celebrations of the United States’ birthday near, I hope you can find some time in your revelry to revisit a world that cemented its place in my holiday viewing first 20 years ago. Definitely re-watch the original and soak up every second of President Whitmore’s iconic and soul-affecting speech, and then take a few hours and see where he, his daughter, and all their friends have ended up. The stakes are higher than ever in Independence Day: Resurgence, but it never loses touch with its human center. We think you’ll find plenty to love.