Film review: Independence Day: Resurgence (3 out of 5)

It set the bar for portraying mass destruction and started the now familiar and much copied idea of blowing up famous iconic landmarks.

So, 20 years on, how do you better that!

Well you can try to recreate some of the magic that made the movie a success and basically do everything but on a much bigger scale.

And there’s no doubting that Independence Day: Resurgence is much bigger.

The story sees the Earth celebrating giving the aliens a good thrashing 20 years before on America’s Independence Day.

Trouble is, it seems the aliens didn’t take too kindly to being blown up and their pals are coming back for revenge.

So, having learned from the previous attack and now united across the planet, plus using some of the aliens’ own technology, the Earth prepares for war.

Much of the previous cast make an appearance, including Bill Pullman as the former President Whitmore, Brent Spiner as Dr Brakish Okun, and Jeff Goldblum taking the main role again as scientist David Levinson, with Judd Hirsch as his father Julius.

Adding some youth to the cast is Liam Hemsworth and Jessie T Usher as pilots and Maika Monroe as Whitmore’s daughter.

There are a number of sub-plots and new characters to keep things fresh but there’s still an element of deja vu.

However, there’s plenty of action, thrills and spills to keep hold of the attention over the two hours.

Film details: Independence Day: Resurgence (12A) 120mins

Director: Roland Emmerich

Starring: Liam Hemsworth, Jeff Goldblum, Bill Pullman

Screening courtesy of Horsham Capitol