Independence Day Resurgence

If you've seen the first "Independence Day" movie, then you more or less already saw "Independence Day: Resurgence." You would think that this sequel was actually a pseudo-remake of the previous installment, since it attempts to capture the same story beats and visual spectacle from that movie. That wouldn't be too much of an issue if it wasn't for the fact that it didn't really add anything truly noteworthy to this hopeful franchise series of films. 

This movie has that extended montage sequence of mass destruction via an invasive attack from a large alien spacecraft. Just like the first movie. This movie has scenes of humans feeling overly confident in their retaliation against the enemy, but then gets the rug pulled from under them. Just like the first movie. Scenes of significant characters making huge sacrifices. Just like the first movie. It's got a rousing and inspirational speech. Just like the first movie. Odd pairings of characters helping each other out? Just like the first movie. Plot conveniences to help move the story along? Just like the first movie. Jokes that just fall flat? Just like the first movie. 

Despite the obvious retreads, there are a couple of new characters that might be noteworthy to the story, like the ones played by Liam Hemsworth and Maika Monroe. That's me being too generous however, because the better and more interesting characters were from the first movie. Thankfully Jeff Goldblum and Judd Hirsch are back, but this is kinda still a passing-of-the-torch type of movie. I should also mention that there's also an additional significant plot point that is intended to expand on the story and potential future direction for more sequels, but it's reveal doesn't meet it's full potential yet. 

Basically "Independence Day: Resurgence" can be entertaining and enjoyable because it wholeheartedly embraces what worked in the first movie, and accepting the campy nature of it all. However, that could also be the reason why it's not as entertaining and enjoyable as you might have wanted it to be. 

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