Independence Day: Resurgence

Independence Day was one of the biggest, most entertaining 1990s spectacles, with benchmark effects, action and fun that has been endlessly imitated. After two decades, director Roland Emmerich returns with a sequel.

Twenty years since the 1996 invasion, Independence Day: Resurgence sees Earth recovered, prospered and enhanced with alien technology. However this may not be enough to stop a bigger, more threatening oncoming alien invasion. 

Independence Day felt standalone. Its initial impact, iconography and entertaining '90s fun are hard to match. Though franchise is king in modern cinema, and this sequel works through detailed world-building and mythology focus, while not as visually impactful, there is plenty more to experience, particularly the aliens and technological enhancements. Original characters also return in interesting places, along with some intriguing new ones. There's shallow depth (like the original), the plot is convoluted and not all subplots land (Judd Hirsh), but the spectacle, drama and humour remain true.

Many original cast return, bringing their best. Jeff Goldblum is mesmerising as always. Bill Pullman is underused but effectively unhinged. Best of all, Brent Spiner (basically a cameo in the original), fleshes out the eccentric, not-so-dead Dr Okun to great comedic, touching effect. The new cast is mixed, with Liam Hemsworth bringing natural charisma, partially filling Will Smith's void (unlike bland Jessie Usher).

Independence Day: Resurgence is grandiose dumb entertainment that should enthrall cinema-goers.