Independence Day: Resurgence *1/2

In an underwhelming and disposable sequel to the highest grossing movie of 1996, Independence Day Resurgence lands like a thud in all its gaudy 3-D glory. I'm not sure if anyone was clamoring for a sequel, but whatever? I liked how the original was a throwback to 1950s alien invasion films and the special effects were quite impressive. Watching the original also created a real sense of doom with some scenery chewing performances from Randy Quaid (movies need him back) among others.  

Set 20 years later, the sequel depicts earth recovering from the initial attack and utilizing the alien technology to build a defense against another attack. And shocker: they come back!  And this time its personal!

The only redeeming feature of the sequel is director Roland Emmerich got back many of the original players to come back including Jeff Goldblum, Judd Hirsch, Brent Spiner, Bill Pullman, and Vivica A Fox.  Their banter distracts from a thrown together script (with five writers on the credits).  Liam Hemsworth and the rest of the new cast add little beyond emoting comic book dialogue. Will Smith wisely passed, but a cameo would've been welcome. Even though everything was supposed to feel and bigger and better, the final effect amounts to boredom.  Not one memorable image or line of dialogue, routine alien invasion shenanigans. 

If brainless popcorn movies are your thing, you might like this one.  In 30 years when its on late night tv, Resurgence will play much better.

The summer of 2016 is shaping up to be one of lackluster sequels and shaky reboots.  Time to buy that box set of Airport movies.