"Independence Day: Resurgence" is the type of mindless self-indulgence that I want in a summer blockbuster. For just over two hours, that’s exactly what "Resurgence" provided. By all accounts, "Resurgence" is an incredibly silly movie that doubles down on its insanity and never takes itself too seriously, which is the best thing about this film. Scenes like Liam Hemsworth peeing on an alien’s ship while flipping off said alien is just one of many scenes that demonstrates just how dumb the move strove to be. "Resurgence" culminates into one of the most fun blockbuster films of the summer whose ridiculousness is just the right amount that will leave you with a smile rather than severe annoyance.
"Resurgence" is a sequel to Roland Emmerich’s 1996 film, "Independence Day," and the film picks up two decades after the first onslaught of alien attacks that ravaged the Earth. Since then, countries are still sovereign but nations are working in tandem more than ever before to unite all of Earth’s citizens. The humans have reverse engineered the aliens' tech and are preparing for any future alien attack that they are sure is imminent.
Interestingly, what makes the majority of "Resurgence" work is its nonstop action that begins immediately and barely lets up for any moment of levity. The action is exhilarating and a sight to behold; world landmarks are obliterated and it was fun to see all the mayhem and destruction come to places I’ve been to before. All the action works to the film’s advantage because if Emmerich had decided to slow down even a little, the nonsensical aspects of the film, of which there are many, would be easier to spot and become soured by.
Regarding the cast, Jeff Goldblum is back as scientist David Levinson, Bill Pullman is back as President Whitmore and Brent Spiner reprises his role and Dr. Brakish Okun. Emmerich will not let you forget these three folks were part of the alien-fighting team in the original film. That’s perhaps "Resurgence’s" biggest problem––Emmerich doesn’t know how much screen time should be allocated to the action heroes of the '90s and the new heroes of the franchise going forward. Regardless, the cast all have good chemistry in their performances, which aren’t Oscar-worthy by any stretch of the imagination, but demonstrate a degree of comfort and confidence that makes you feel for the characters. When you see Goldblum on screen taking on the character that he played two decades ago, it make you feel like you’re seeing an old friend for the first time––the '90s nostalgia is strong with this one!
"Independence Day: Resurgence" is a love letter to blockbusters of the ‘90s, and in many ways, Emmerich is attempting to recapture that outlandish experience for a new generation of moviegoers. While the script is awful and confusing and the story is questionable at best, there’s a ton of heart and fun in "Resurgence" that blockbusters like "Transformers" don’t seem to have anymore. If you’re looking for a substantive and cerebral exploration of the human condition with captivating dialogue and performances, I suggest you either read a book or take several gulps of alcohol and go watch this movie.
