So what was the first thought I had when I saw INDEPENDENCE DAY RESURGENCE? I thought about the PITCH PERFECT movies. No, it’s true. I remember when they announced PITCH PERFECT 2, I couldn’t help but think, “Why are they making a sequel this this movie?”
I mean, I know WHY, the first cost $17 mil, and the movie made bank at the box office. So why not make a sequel? But from a story perspective, why?
But I saw it, and after, I felt like I saw the same movie from the first one. I mean, let’s break it down, first movie elements and if it was in the sequel:
- Issue Becca is dealing with? Check.
- Bellas in trouble? Check.
- Riff-Off? Check.
- Big competition finale? Check.
So essentially the same movie, some new dressing, but basically the same movie. And that’s kinda how I felt INDEPENDENCE DAY RESURGENCE was…
WARNING! POTENTIAL SPOILERS MIGHT BE AHEAD! I mean, I’ll try and avoid it, but just thought I’d thought I’d throw out a warning.
So let’s be honest, you know how this sequel is gonna go: aliens attack, humanity fights back, final battle happens.
But it almost hit every pitch the first movie did, right down to the inspirational speech from Bill Pullman.
The difference here? The cast. Though we have some of the original cast returning, the focus this time is definitely on the kids. And that’s also the problem here. Since it’s literally been 20 years since the first movie, they had to give the kids a backstory. Which is understandable, but the way they went about it? Well, felt a little forced, almost like an afterthought. Which was unfortunate.
But despite all that, the movie is fun! Just don’t get stuck on the details, and you’ll be fine. One of my favorite things about this movie was the tone. When the first movie hit, I was SO excited, cause this was the team that gave us STARGATE, and I was so stoked for another hard-core sci-fi movie from them. Then I got a little bummed that it was more campy than anything.
RESURGENCE definitely has it share of camp. But it definitely has a more serious tone, which I dug.
At the end of the day, the movie has it’s problems. But if you don’t get too stuck on the details, it’s definitely a fun movie!
Enjoy!
OH! One last thing, they did leave it open for a third movie. And if it happens, it’ll most definitely break the “replot-itis”. 😉