INDEPENDENCE DAY: RESURGENCE (2016) Review
Directed by Roland Emmerich
Back in 1996, Independence Day was celebrated for its big and ambitious story coupled with visual effects that are advanced in its time. Roland Emmerich returns to direct along with other stars like Bill Pullman, Jeff Goldblum and Vivica Fox. Emmerich is known for directing big disaster films like The Day After Tomorrow and 2012, which were box-office hits.
It took them 20 years to make Independence Day Resurgence, not that the film was planned a very long time ago, but nobody did feel the need for a sequel until maybe recently when the first film is about the get 20 years old this year. After making Godzilla, The Day After Tomorrow, 10,000 BC and 2012, Emmerich is a pro at directing end-of-the-world or big budgeted disaster films and while not all were successful in the box-office, all are still known to many because of the thrill they give to the viewers.
Independence Day Resurgence follows the same timeline as it did in real time, 20 years after we defeated the aliens, humans made sure that we’ll be ready for another attack that’s why we learned and equipped ourselves with the same technology the alien has. Smart move, right? But obviously that wasn’t enough.
The film isn’t bad, it’s more of disappointing. While the first one was almost ground breaking for being ambitious and ridiculous at the same time, the audience was wowed by how effective the film presented itself through jaw-dropping sequences and occasionally funny, thanks to its cast. Resurgence, on the other hand just followed the same formula its predecessor did. How they try to outsmart the aliens and how they defeat them. It’s not the best way to make a film because the excitement won’t be there anymore because of its familiar plots, and the suspense it will give the audience when one of the protagonist is in danger. The resolution is too convenient, there’s no hint of losing hope or trying to have hope amidst the alien invasion which is massive.
It’s definitely a missed opportunity to have this kind of budget only to make a sequel that is unnecessary and has nothing new to offer. The story is decent and easy to follow, the scope is definitely bigger and the visuals are better but it’s not as exciting as the first one, not as inventive, or as fun and the 3D was effective enough to give depth and some sequences that uses its effects to make the picture come to you. Jeff Goldblum returning might be the best thing in the film as the newcomers, Monroe, Hemsworth and Usher are just going with the story not making the audiences feel their characters (not that it’s their fault).
Simply, Independence Day Resurgence is just another Hollywood popcorn flick. You might enjoy some of its sequences but it won’t stay with you. You go to these type of films to be amazed and get thrilled for the ride the story offers but it falls short on the latter. If you’re in for mass destruction, you’ll definitely love Resurgence, but if you’re looking for more than just impressive CGI, this one will disappoint.
TO 3D OR NOT TO 3D? TO 3D.
While the film wasn’t filmed using 3D cameras, the 3D post conversion of the film was effective enough to add depth and to make some of its pictures feel like it’s going to pop out of the screens.
2 OUT OF 5 STARS
“Independence Day: Resurgence” opens June 22, 2016 in Philippine cinemas nationwide. Also available in 3D, 4D and IMAX 3D. Rated PG by the MTRCB.