Independence Day: Resurgence...eh.
I remember the summer and fall of 1996. My best friend at the time, Jobed, and I watched and quoted Independence Day religiously. I even played the game on my Sega Genesis. #OldSkoolGamer
I was admittedly skeptical about the movie. This was due largely in part to the fact that Will Smith was not involved. Still, the kid in me had to see the film.
The exposition for the 20 year gap was clumsy and felt redundant as it kept getting brought up. I could forgive this, if there had been substantial character development, but, alas, there was no such luck. Its really a shame that while watching the movie, I gave absolutely no feels about any of the characters.
Jessie T. Usher (Dylan Hiller) played the son of fallen pilot, Captain Steven Hiller, as best he could. He lacked the charisma and expertly crafted one-liners that Will Smith's portrayal of CPT Hiller was blessed with.
Jake Morrison, played by Liam Hemsworth, had a relationship with President Whitmore's (Bill Pullman) daughter, Patricia Whitmore (Maika Monroe). Even though I wanted to care about these two characters and their future, I just couldn't. The relationship and these characters fell flat. I don't believe it was all the actors' fault. The writing was not good for anyone.
The film was peppered with the return of original cast members such as Jeff Goldblum (David Levinson), Judd Hirsch as Julius Levinson, and Vivica A. Fox as Jasmine Hiller. Personally, I was most excited for Vivica's appearance. she looked great and was a great example of "show, don't tell" character development. No exposition was needed for her and I understand everything about her life in connection with the previous film. Another great minor character named Dr. Brakish Okun, expertly played by Brent Spiner, stole the show in my opinion. I may have giggled when he said the words "sick bay" because I instantly thought of him on the Starship Enterprise.
The graphics were great. I kept thinking that if the video game had looked half that good on my old Sega, I probably never would have left the house. That being said, great CGI, explosions and lame catchphrases were not enough to save this film.
The film ended in somewhat of a cliffhanger. I hope for all our sakes that this does not lead to a trilogy.
On a scale of 1-5, this is a generous 2.
