Independence Day: Resurgence

Independence Day: Resurgence

movie

PG-13, 2016

WISE
38%

WISE Score

28

Avg. Tomatometer

A forgettable alien-invasion sequel that trades the original's charm for bland CGI spectacle and underdeveloped characters nobody cares about.

IMDb5.2
RT Critics28%
MC32
Common Sense Media
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Screenwise Verdict

Look, I'll be straight with you: this movie is bad. Not 'so bad it's good' bad, just boring bad.

The original Independence Day (1996) was campy fun with memorable characters and genuine stakes. This 2016 sequel is a soulless CGI fest that forgot to include a reason to care. Critics savaged it (28% on Rotten Tomatoes), audiences rejected it (30% audience score), and even sci-fi fans on Letterboxd gave it a dismal 2.1/5.

Content-wise, it's fine for ages 12-13+. The PG-13 violence is standard alien-invasion fare (cities destroyed, people threatened but deaths mostly implied), and there's some profanity and one brief revealing-nightgown scene. Nothing shocking for middle schoolers.

But here's the thing: even if your kid loves alien movies, they'll probably be bored. The characters are cardboard, the plot is paint-by-numbers, and the whole thing feels like a cash-grab trading on nostalgia. If you want a family sci-fi night, rewatch the 1996 original or pick literally any other recent blockbuster. This one's a skip.

Age Fit

Best for ages 12-13+ who can handle PG-13 violence and language. That said, even teens might find this dull—the poor critical reception (28% RT, 5.2 IMDb) reflects a movie that's hard to sit through regardless of age. Adults will likely hate it.

WISE Breakdown
Wholesome
55

PG-13 for sci-fi action violence and language. Moderate destruction scenes (cities razed, people threatened by alien tentacles) with implied deaths. Includes profanity like 'shit,' 'bitch,' 'ass,' and blasphemies. One brief scene with revealing nightgown/underwear. The tone is relentlessly chaotic with large-scale disaster spectacle prioritized over character development. Not emotionally grounding, but violence is mostly implied rather than graphic.

Imaginative
42

A sequel that leans heavily on nostalgia rather than fresh ideas. Critics and audiences universally panned it as 'bland' with under-developed characters and a story that prioritizes spectacle over substance. The premise of humanity using recovered alien tech for defense has potential, but execution is derivative. Letterboxd 2.1/5, RT 28% critic/30% audience, and Metacritic 32 all signal a creatively bankrupt effort that doesn't inspire curiosity or wonder.

Safe
68

Appropriate for the PG-13 rating with no surprise extreme content. Violence is sci-fi action without gore, language is occasional profanity (expected in this genre), and the brief sexual content is mild. Common Sense Media age 12+ aligns well. The intense destruction scenes (London being destroyed, lunar battles) may frighten younger viewers but are standard for disaster movies. No toxic messaging or manipulative elements.

Enriching
35

Minimal educational or emotional value. The film offers basic themes of human cooperation against external threats, but critics note it lacks character depth and meaningful storytelling. It's pure spectacle without substance—no real skill-building, ethical complexity, or insight. The original 1996 film had cultural impact; this sequel is a forgettable cash-grab that teaches nothing beyond 'aliens bad, humans unite.' Entertainment value is also low given the poor reception.

Parent Info
✓

Why It Might Be Great

  • Large-scale visual effects and global disaster sequences for kids who love pure spectacle
  • Jeff Goldblum returns, bringing some of the original's nostalgic energy
  • Themes of international cooperation and humanity uniting against a common threat
  • Fast-paced action keeps younger teens engaged even if the story doesn't
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What to Watch For

  • Intense city-wide destruction (London razed, buildings collapsing) may frighten pre-teens
  • Occasional strong profanity: 'shit,' 'bitch,' 'ass,' and some blasphemies
  • Brief scene with revealing nightgown/sheer underwear (mild but worth noting)
  • The film is genuinely boring—even kids who love action movies might check out due to weak characters and derivative plot

Conversation Starters

  • "If aliens invaded tomorrow, what's the first thing you'd want humanity to do together?"
  • "The movie shows countries working together—do you think that would really happen or would we fight over who's in charge?"
  • "How would you redesign Earth's defenses if you knew aliens were coming back in 20 years?"
Stills
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