Today on TV: We had to wait 20 years for this sci-fi sequel – Cinema News

In 1996, “Independence Day” grossed a whopping $817 million. A quarter of a century ago, this made it one of the most successful films of all time (behind “Jurassic Park” and “The Lion King”). Despite big plans to continue the fun science fiction alien actioner with Will Smith, the project failed again and again – until it finally happened in 2016. Even without Smith: “Independence Day: Resurgence” was finally released after 20 years!

But there was never much hype about the sequel to the popular 90s cult hit. The reviews were generally rather poor, and the box office was even really disappointing: a full 20 years later, the much more expensive second part only brought in 389 million dollars – less than half of its predecessor. And, of course, “Independence Day 2” can’t keep up with the legendary original, but anyone who has grown fond of the visually powerful orgies of destruction by Germany’s Hollywood export Roland Emmerich over the years will get their money’s worth here too.

We therefore recommend all fans of brain-out-bombast to tune in when “Independence Day 2: The Resurgence” tonight (8 September 2024) at 8.15 p.m. on Sat.1 Running. A repeat will be shown the same night at 0.50 am. Alternatively, the film is of course also available on DVD, (4K) Blu-ray and as paid VoD* and with a subscription to Disney+.

›› “Independence Day: Resurgence” on Disney+*

This is what “Independence Day: Resurgence” is about

The fact that people enjoy a peaceful life on Earth today is mainly thanks to the pilot Steven Hiller (in part 1: Will Smith) and the satellite technician David Levinson (Jeff Goldblum) – because it was they who once played a crucial role in the fight against the alien invaders. When a warning from former President Whitmore (Bill Pullman) makes the rounds many years later, the war threatens to repeat itself.

Because it looks like the aliens didn’t flee back then, but started planning a counterattack, which is now to be followed by action. But humanity has also used the time and researched the advanced alien technology to use it for its own purposes. This is exactly what could help the brave warriors in their renewed fight for their planet. At the forefront: Dylan Hiller (Jessie T. Usher), the son of the deceased war hero Steve Hiller.

Whether part 2 was absolutely necessary and whether a little more might have been possible in terms of script after the long wait is something that remains to be seen. In the end, “Return” is nothing more, but also nothing less, than a classic Emmerich vehicle: As it is in the FILMSTARTS review The German blockbuster expert seized his opportunity “to indulge in his favorite discipline with a mega budget of 165 million dollars and the latest technology and to lustfully unleash a gigantic orgy of destruction.”

He does this with almost habitual narrative nonchalance and with a big, disarming wink.” In the end, we give it a solid 3 out of 5 possible stars.

Streaming tip: This 3.5-hour masterpiece is one of the best sci-fi films of all time – and yet it is hardly known!

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This is an updated re-publication of an article that previously appeared on FILMSTARTS.