Independence Day Resurgence (10/13/2016)

Rated PG-13 for sequences of sci-fi action and destruction, and for some language.

Starring Liam Hemsworth, Jeff Goldblum, Bill Pullman, Judd Hirsch, Vivica A. Fox and Brent Spiner

Directed by Roland Emmerich (White House Down, 2012, 10,000 BC, The Day After Tomorrow, The Patriot, Godzilla and Independence Day)

The poster reads, “We had twenty years to prepare.” And my question is in 20 years this was the best sequel that Roland Emmerich could make?

We always knew they were coming back. After Independence Day redefined the event movie genre, the next epic chapter delivers global spectacle on an unimaginable scale. Using recovered alien technology, the nations of Earth have collaborated on an immense defense program to protect the planet. But nothing can prepare us for the aliens’ advanced and unprecedented force. Only the ingenuity of a few brave men and women can bring our world back from the brink of extinction.

I have to start with recent comments made by director Roland Emmerich. He accused Marvel Studios and DC films of stealing his ideas. Seriously? Emmerich seems to only have one idea…destroying every landmark on the planet. I mean even Jeff Goldblum makes fun of this cliché in the film when he says, “They like to get the landmarks.” SPOILER ALERT: The aliens destroy a lot of landmarks.

I know what you’re thinking…surely there is a decent plot and plenty of character development. Well, unfortunately you would be wrong…so very wrong. Emmerich is not known for these two essential elements to making a great film. In fact, when I look over his career I see some cool films with intense special effects but only a handful stand out as great films…OK, only The Patriot is great.

With Independence Day Resurgence we get more high quality special effects and intense action sequences. But there is little to no heart in the film at all. It’s not for a lack of trying, in fact every time there was an emotional scene or interaction between characters, my mind drifted off wondering when the next action scene would start. I realized half way through the film that I didn’t care about a single character on the screen. And I do blame Emmerich for not putting any energy into that part of the film.

So if all you want to see if a ridiculous amount of death and destruction then grab your wallet, buy some popcorn and enjoy 2 hours of just that. But if you are looking for any kind of plot or character development…then go check out Finding Dory. But this one is worth seeing “Only If it’s Free.”

SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
There is no sex or nudity and the language in pretty mild for a PG-13 film. Most of the reasons for the rating are the sequences of sci-fi action and destruction…and that can be overwhelming for most younger viewers.

CONVERSATION STARTER:

1. Do you remember when President Whitmore says, “It wasn’t luck last time that saved the human race. It was our resolve.” What do you think he meant by that?


2. When was the last time your resolve helped you overcome a difficult time?

Read Philippians 3:12-14

Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.


3. How do you “press on” when things are difficult?


4. How can you encourage others this week with this verse?