“They’re back.” That’s the main focal point of the new “Independence Day” movie, “Resurgence”, although it definitely ends with an open door for another possible sequel. Twenty years have passed since the alien invasion of 1996. Now former President Whitmore (Bill Pullman) is still recovering from what the first invasion did to him, as he is cared for by his daughter, Patricia (Maika Monroe). Patricia is engaged to Jake Morrison (Liam Hemsworth), a pilot in a moon mission and a terrific fighter. He will be needed when the aliens return. The former president, Whitmore, works with current President Lanford (Sela Ward), called “Madame President” in the film, to try to keep the situation from escalating when it becomes apparent the bad guys, and girl, have returned.
With strong talent like Jeff Goldblum as David Levinson, and Judd Hirsch who is perfectly cast as his dad, Julius Levinson, the film showcases a lot of talent. The special effects are dazzling and the space ship “dog fights” are amazing. It is learned that the queen of the aliens is America’s newest enemy, and the threat is even greater than the first time around. But it is the human stories, such as will Jake survive to see his fiancé Patricia again, and the death of someone close to Dr. Brakish Okun (Brent Spiner), that truly keep the human emotions and elements alive in the picture. There are tense moments balanced with some humor. For example, when Jake is grounded for disobeying an order that saves lives, he wonders aloud, “Can I still watch TV?” Regrettably, the movie contains very strong language and fairly frequently, so we are not able to award it our Dove “Family-Approved” Seal.
