Parallels to America's battle for independence weren't just a gimmick, they provided a meaningful through-line on which the story could evolve - specifically: the human spirit, not just the American spirit, should prevail in times of adversity. The original Independence Day was both creepy and exhilarating because it was set in a familiar world - allowing Emmerich to deliver a worst-case scenario underdog tale of ill-equipped humanity fighting back against a faceless and over-powered conquerer. Expansion of alien backstory is nonsensical and undermines the simple all-consuming force that ID4's locust-like creatures imposed. The concept of humanity spending two decades co-opting alien tech is an interesting starting line for Resurgence and Emmerich peppers in several intriguing science-fiction ideas yet, very little of the ID4 sequel is developed beyond its flashy outline - not the characters, not the plot, and not the world of this parallel Earth. Instead, Independence Day: Resurgence is B-movie CGI disaster mayhem that is elevated, only slightly, by the few fan-favorite characters who return. Interest in a followup remained high among fans, 20th Century Fox, and Emmerich, alike but, sadly, that sequel, Independence Day: Resurgence, comes fifteen years too late - offering little, aside from familiar characters and bigger set pieces, in its attempt to make the sequel as engaging to modern audiences as the original was twenty years ago. Whitmore (Bill Pullman) and a new generation of young fighter pilots, including the late Captain Steven Hiller's step-son (Jessie Usher), all brace for war with the alien raiders - and, this time, it'll take more than a computer virus to destroy the invading threat.ĭean Devlin and Roland Emmerich's Independence Day remains one of the most beloved summer films of the 1990s, thanks to a quality blend of big budget effects, a clever sci-fi story that borrowed from real-world history, as well as an entertaining ensemble cast - including a breakout blockbuster role for Will Smith. Left with no more time to arm themselves, old allies, such as former U.S. Unfortunately, following two decades of peace, Levinson's prediction comes to pass - as an even larger alien armada appears with sights set firmly on harvesting Earth's resources.