The 4th of July is coming early this year. “Independence Day: Resurgence” is mere hours from its U.S. release, and as it looms nearer, the sequel is inspiring a healthy amount of chatter online — particularly from Roland Emmerich, the director of both films. Although it remains to be seen if the revamp of his 20-year-old blockbuster smash will become the same cultural phenomenon, Emmerich is certainly seeing dollar signs. Even before a potential third film is officially greenlit by the studio, he’s already quick to chat about what’s set to come.
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Speaking with Empire, Emmerich revealed that his theoretical “Independence Day 3” would be “an intergalactic journey” and would center more on the younger characters introduced in this new movie — although, of course, carryover stars Jeff Goldblum and Brent Spiner are more than welcome to return. “It’ll be fun to keep the group together,” Emmerich noted. Additionally, the promised film would take place “maybe a year or two later,” and not feature the 20-year gap found between the first and second films, because why would it? And don’t worry, ID4 fans, Emmerich is not handing the directing reins over anytime soon. “Will I definitely direct it? Oh yes. I’d never, ever let someone else do it,” the filmmaker confirmed.
But let’s not get ahead of yourselves just yet. We still have to get through the second film first, and that wouldn’t exist if it weren’t for the love shared for the original. While multiple moviegoers appear heavily nostalgic for the 1996 film, for those of us who haven’t revisited the first in some time, the big question remains: Is it really all that good? I guess it depends on the person, but if you’re asking YouTuber Lessons From the Screenplay, it’s not merely good; it’s practically great. This argument is the basis behind his newest video essay, “Independence Day — What Makes It So Great.”
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The eight-minute video finds the videomaker returning back to the ’90s special-effects extravaganza he loved as a child but hasn’t seen in ages. Now with a film degree in hand and a better understanding of film earned, he worried “Independence Day” wouldn’t live up to its initial standards. And he didn’t just rewatch the film; he read its initial script. In doing so, the editor not only found Emmerich and Dean Devlin’s script surprisingly compelling; it made him “kinda feel like a kid again.” Not only that, it remains memorable in ways most other sci-fi disaster films feel forgettable.
“Independence Day” engages the audience because it feeds them, keeps them on the edge of their seat suspenseful and ponderous. He even notes Emmerich’s calling card plays more like “Jaws” than some of its future copycats, and these are only a few reasons why the video essay suggests this film is so unusually impactful. This weekend will determine if the same fate befalls this new sequel, but if you’re looking for a celebration of the past before the holiday weekend, check out the video below.
