Independence Day Part II (*Vague spoilers*)

Rating: Null/10 (3 June 2004)

So - we saved the world from aliens only to wreck it ourselves (joke). My Independence day reference is actually about the sub-plot architecture, the main plot is basic and would be boring if not for the sub plots involving a central family - exactly what Emmerich did with will smith. Graphics are hard and fast with impressive 'world' graphics like glaciers & an oil tanker in Manhattan. Some CGI lacks - it seems to be a current Hollywood ploy to draw 4 legged animals badly and then zoom in on them. The central and some of the outer characters have a depth and clear change that gives emotion to the film and absorbs the viewer as the plot absorbs its characters. The casting is quite similar to Independence day too - Donny Darko star Jake Gyllenhaal co-starring when he still feels un-proven as an actor to me (like elijah wood in deep impact (pre lotr) & will smith in ID4 - first serious acting role since prince of bellair) and a nice cameo from Bilbo Baggins. Its incredibly interesting how emmerich portrays the characters obvious perception of the situation but lack of discussion - like talking about it will take away a surrealism.