This week’s episode of our podcast WE ARE MOVIE GEEKS The Show is up! Hear WAMG’s Jim Batts, and Tom Stockman and their special guest Lynn Venhaus from The Belleville New Democrat talk movies. We’ll discuss the weekend box office and we’ll review THE BFG, NEON DEMON,THE SHALLOWS, INDEPENDENCE DAY: RESURGENCE, ART BASTARD, FREE STATE OF JONES, and OUR KIND OF TRAITOR. Also, we’ll preview LEGEND OF TARZAN and PURGE ELECTION YEAR. We’ll then discuss the new documentary DEPALMA and choose our favorite Brian DePalma films. We’ll also wish a happy 90th birthday to Mel Brooks!
Roland Emmerich. This guy has been working his butt off making predominantly intense and pretty good fare out of screenplays that were either flat-out bad or at least flawed in a way that actually mattered. The Day After Tomorrow, 2012and White House Down are all bad screenplays full of unsubtle and sometimes offensive stereotypes and material, but all move over into the realm of fun, at least because Emmerich is too talented of a director to let us criticize them. He knows what he’s doing and intelligently plays on the emotions instead of bombarding them. This is the case with Independence Day: Resurgence.
Resurgence picks up twenty years after the first Independence Day and follows many of the same characters as they, yet again, attempt to stop and survive an alien invasion. The plotting on display here is sloppy and doesn’t feel quite as epic or uplifting as the original film. Then again, not too much in this genre has. This most likely also comes down to the fact that Independence Day didn’t need a sequel because the central driving theme had already come to a close, and Resurgence doesn’t actually have anywhere else to go with it. The coming together of all the countries already happened in the first one, and now that this is the case, there is nowhere else to go with these characters and this world other than to just have a boilerplate alien invasion featuring characters from Independence Day.
The characters of this franchise were never that deep, but here, some of them lack any sense of personality. That actually seems to fall more on the actors, though. Take, for example, Maika Monroe as Patricia Whitmore. While her track record may be grossly overrated (It Follows), Monroe is a truly dedicated actress who knows how to strike the campy balance necessary for this movie. Liam Hemsworth, on the other hand, just reads out the dialogue he’s given while giving a tough guy face, and while that type of performance is ok and even necessary for a movie like this, it doesn’t give him any nuance to speak of. Not to mention Jeff Goldblum’s pitch perfect affectation for this material would be a crime. Goldblum was simply made for this stuff and his 90’s charm carries over easily from the first one.
In a full spectacle sense, despite the middling efforts of the plot, Independence Day: Resurgence succeeds with the type of speed and efficiency that most blockbusters can’t even begin to grasp, and the reason is undoubtedly Roland Emmerich. He never jumped on board with the overexposed and dynamic shot action that dominates the market, and the film benefits wholeheartedly from this. Aerial dogfights carry speed and weight, and as the fighters zip past each other only barely missing a collision, the excitement is wonderful. Large sweeping shots of a landing alien spacecraft inspire awe and, at best, giddiness. Again, Emmerich is the type of director that plays to the emotions, and in doing so, one can almost forgive the otherwise small seeming stakes and almost lifeless characters.
Independence Day: Resurgence is not really the best sequel we could have gotten for such a classic, but it’s certainly worth a look on the grounds that, unlike the collective of action movies that inspire depression, this one inspires happiness and prompts laughter.
Opening on June 24th is director Roland Emmerich’s INDEPENDENCE DAY: RESURGENCE.
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.
The film stars Liam Hemsworth, Jeff Goldblum, Bill Pullman, Judd Hirsch, Vivica A. Fox, Brent Spiner, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Jessie Usher, Maika Monroe, and Sela Ward.
Looking for some otherworldly films to check out before you head out to the cinemas on Friday? Have a look at WAMG’s list for Alien Invasion Movies To See Before INDEPENDENCE DAY: RESURGENCE!
EARTH VS THE FLYING SAUCERS
Aliens are everywhere, and they’re attacking planet Earth in one of Ray Harryhausen’s most amazing stop-motion sci-fi classics. Dr. Russell Marvin (Hugh Marlowe) works for Operation Skyhook, a government task force sending rockets into space to probe for future space flights. But when the rockets begin mysteriously disappearing, Dr. Marvin investigates along with his wife Carol (Joan Taylor), only to find the rockets are being intercepted by an army of space aliens who give humanity an ultimatum: Loyalty or death! As the aliens begin attacking cities and landmarks across the Earth – including an unforgettable assault on Washington, D.C – its up to Dr.Marvin and his wife to figure out how to stop these diabolical creatures before its too late.
SIGNS
From writer/director M. Night Shyamalan, comes the story of the Hess family in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, who wake up one morning to find a 500-foot crop circle in their backyard. Graham Hess (Mel Gibson) and his family are told extraterrestrials are responsible for the sign in their field. They watch, with growing dread, the news of crop circles being found all over the world. SIGNS is the emotional story of one family on one farm as they encounter the terrifying last moments of life as the world is being invaded.
IT CAME FROM OUTER SPACE
Amateur astronomer John Putnam (Richard Carlson) and his fiancée Ellen Fields (Barbara Rush) are stargazing in the desert when a spaceship bursts from the sky and crashes to the ground. Just before a landslide buries the ship, a mysterious creature emerges and disappears into the darkness. Of course, when he tells his story to the sheriff (Charles Drake), John is branded a crackpot; but before long, strange things begin to happen, and the tide of disbelief turns…Based on a story by acclaimed writer Ray Bradbury, “It Came From Outer Space” is a science fiction classic that is as thought-provoking and tantalizing today as it was when it first “landed” on the sliver screen.
SKYLINE
Strange lights descend on the city of Los Angeles, drawing people outside like moths to a flame, where an extraterrestrial force threatens to swallow the entire human population off the face of the Earth.
WAR OF THE WORLDS (1953)
Gene Barry (TV’s Bat Masterson) and Ann Robinson (TV’s Fury) are among the humans intrigued when a meteor-like object crashes to Earth … but its occupants are definitely not friendly. The assault on Earth is underway, and the Martian machines — hovering “swan”-shaped vehicles of destruction — are both beautiful and terrifying as they cut a relentless path of annihilation.
WAR OF THE WORLDS (2005)
Equally, if not more, frightening is director Steven Spielberg’s new take on the sci-fi classic. A contemporary retelling of H.G.Wells’ classic, the sci-fi thriller reveals the extraordinary battle for the future of humankind through the eyes of one American family. Fleeing from an extraterrestrial army of killer Tripods that annihilate everything in their path, Ray Ferrier (Cruise) races to keep his family safe.
BATTLE LOS ANGELES
Witness the end of civilization unfold as hostile alien invaders attack the planet. As people everywhere watch the world’s great cities fall, Los Angeles becomes the last stand for mankind in a battle no one expected. Now it’s up to a Marine staff sergeant (Aaron Eckhart) and his platoon to draw a line in the sand as they take on an enemy unlike any they’ve ever encountered in Jonathan Liebesman’s epic sci-fi action film.
EDGE OF TOMORROW
An alien race, undefeatable by any existing military unit, has launched a relentless attack on Earth, and Major William Cage (Tom Cruise) finds himself dropped into a suicide mission. Killed within minutes, Cage is thrown into a time loop, forced to live out the same brutal combat over and over, fighting and dying again and again. Training alongside warrior Rita Vrataski (Emily Blunt), his skills slowly evolve, and each battle moves them one step closer to defeating the enemy in this fun action thriller.
Discover Las Vegas reborn from its’ ruins!
On July 4th, 1996, aliens attacked our planet, destroying our cities. But what happened in Vegas will never be forgotten. The Las Vegas Ruins Tourism Board welcomes you to come to Vegas and experience a vacation like no other.
Check out the Visit the Ruins of Las Vegas video
Sony Classical proudly announces the release of Independence Day: Resurgence Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, featuring music by Thomas Wander and Harald Kloser. The soundtrack will be available digitally on June 17 and on CD July 1.
INDEPENDENCE DAY: RESURGENCE in theaters everywhere June 24, 2016.
Today Earth Space Defense director David Levinson is finally debunking a long-standing conspiracy theory that has persisted since the War of 1996. In this video – which provides irrefutable proof – he and famous Hollywood actor Jeff Goldblum prove once and for all that they are not the same person – despite their uncanny resemblance. Learn the truth now. Check out this video:
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.
INDEPENDENCE DAY RESURGENCE hits theaters everywhere June 24, 2016!
SYNOPSIS
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 bra
If you ventured out this past weekend to see any of the many films playing in theaters now, you may have wandered past some cool new banners and stand-ups for director Roland Emmerich’s INDEPENDENCE DAY: RESURGENCE.
Being a fan of the 1996 summer blockbuster, I can’t wait to see what the aliens have in store for us this time.
The world has changed, and so have we. See how far Earth has come since the War of 1996, in this special report from UWN.
20th Century Fox has also released a brand new video entitled “United We Stand” in celebration of their upcoming film INDEPENDENCE DAY: RESURGENCE. See the new video below.
Defend tomorrow. Enlist Today. Join the Earth Space Defense today at JoinESD.com
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.
The film stars Liam Hemsworth, Jeff Goldblum, Bill Pullman, Judd Hirsch, Vivica A. Fox, Brent Spiner, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Jessie Usher, Maika Monroe and Sela Ward.
INDEPENDENCE DAY RESURGENCE hits theaters everywhere June 24, 2016.
Just in time for Earth Day, a new INDEPENDENCE DAY: RESURGENCE trailer has arrived.
To help us all defend our planet, for a limited time, the original INDEPENDENCE DAY (1996) movie will be available for only $0.99, with all of Fox’s net proceeds being donated to Earth Day Network! Get your $0.99 download of ID4 here: http://bitly.com/1qWSDvc.
Fans can also participate in a global #IndependenceDayLive Earth Day Watch Party, starting at 4pm PT by following #IndependenceDayLive and @IndependenceDay.
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.
Brent Spiner is the focus of the new TV spot for 20th Century Fox’s upcoming sci-fi INDEPENDENCE DAY: RESURGENCE. The studio released this first commercial for the film during the season finale of AMC-TV’s “The Walking Dead.”
Check it out below.
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.
The movie stars Liam Hemsworth, Jeff Goldblum, Bill Pullman, Judd Hirsch, Vivica A. Fox, Brent Spiner, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Jessie Usher, Maika Monroe and Sela Ward.
From director Roland Emmerich, INDEPENDENCE DAY RESURGENCE hits theaters everywhere June 24, 2016.
20th Century Fox has debuted a Big Game TV spot for director Roland Emmerich’s INDEPENDENCE DAY: RESURGENCE.
The film opens in theaters on June 24th.
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.
The movie stars Liam Hemsworth, Jeff Goldblum, Bill Pullman, Judd Hirsch, Maika Monroe, Jessie Usher, William Fichtner, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Travis Tope, Sela Ward, Brent Spiner, Vivica A. Fox, Angelababy.
Here’s the first trailer for INDEPENDENCE DAY: RESURGENCE.
Directed by Roland Emmerich, the next chapter stars Liam Hemsworth, Jeff Goldblum, Bill Pullman, Judd Hirsch, Vivica A. Fox, Brent Spiner, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Jessie Usher, Maika Monroe, Angelababy, William Fichtner and Sela Ward.
Check out the trailer and then head to Warof1996.com for an interactive look back on the key developments and important moments since humanity’s greatest victory, from the rebuilding of our cities to the establishment of the Moon base.
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.
The movie is produced by Dean Devlin, Roland Emmerich and Harald Kloser.
INDEPENDENCE DAY RESURGENCE hits theaters everywhere June 24, 2016
With the July 4th holiday days away, 20th Century Fox Films and INDEPENDENCE DAY RESURGENCE are celebrating with the following events.
To kickoff the holiday weekend, Jeff Goldblum has joined Facebook and Instagram.
The famous speech from Independence Day is now on Dubsmash. Fans can now record their best impression of President Whitmore’s speech and share using #IndependenceDubs for the chance to featured in the official Independence Day Dubsmash remix.
Listen to Bill Pullman’s speech:
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.
In case you missed the IDR livestream with the cast in June, watch the highlights.
Directed by Roland Emmerich and produced by Dean Devlin, Roland Emmerich, and Harald Kloser, the film stars Liam Hemsworth, Jeff Goldblum, Bill Pullman, Judd Hirsch, Vivica A. Fox, Brent Spiner, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Jessie Usher, Maika Monroe, and Sela Ward.
