Independence Day 3: New Beginning arrives nearly three decades after the original 1996 blockbuster that redefined the disaster-movie genre and introduced audiences to large-scale alien invasions. Directed by Roland Emmerich, who helmed the first two films, this third installment attempts to recapture the magic of the original while introducing a new generation of heroes. However, while the film delivers on spectacle and nostalgia, it struggles with pacing issues, underdeveloped characters, and a reliance on familiar tropes that prevent it from standing on its own as a worthy successor.
Plot Overview
Set 25 years after Independence Day: Resurgence (2016), New Beginning follows a world that has largely rebuilt after the devastating alien wars. Humanity has reverse-engineered alien technology, leading to advanced defenses and a tentative peace—until a new, more sinister threat emerges.
The story centers on Jake Morrison (played by a returning Liam Hemsworth), the son of the late President Whitmore, who now leads Earth’s defense forces. Alongside him is Patricia Whitmore (Maika Monroe), the former president’s daughter, who has taken a political role in the new world order. When strange signals from deep space suggest another invasion, Jake and Patricia must reunite with surviving veterans—including David Levinson (Jeff Goldblum) and Dr. Brakish Okun (Brent Spiner)—to uncover the truth.
This time, the aliens are not just returning for revenge; they’re harboring a secret that could doom humanity forever. The discovery of a hidden alien colony on Mars sets the stage for an interplanetary battle, forcing Earth’s survivors to fight on two fronts.
Strengths: Spectacle and Nostalgia
1. Visual Effects and Action Sequences
As expected from an Emmerich film, New Beginning delivers jaw-dropping visual effects. The destruction scenes—cities crumbling under alien fire, massive spacecraft descending, and dogfights in zero gravity—are executed with modern CGI that surpasses the previous films. The Mars sequence, in particular, is a standout, blending The Martian’s survival tension with Independence Day’s signature chaos.
2. Jeff Goldblum’s Return
Jeff Goldblum remains the heart of the franchise. His dry humor and eccentric charm as David Levinson provide much-needed levity amid the destruction. His dynamic with new characters, particularly a young scientist (played by Stranger Things’ Caleb McLaughlin), adds freshness to his role.
3. Homages to the Original
Fans of the 1996 film will appreciate the callbacks—the return of Area 51, a revamped version of Randy Quaid’s “crazy pilot” archetype, and even a subtle reference to Will Smith’s Steven Hiller. The score, incorporating the original’s triumphant themes, enhances the nostalgia factor.
Weaknesses: Pacing and Character Development
1. Overstuffed Plot
New Beginning tries to juggle too many storylines—political intrigue, alien conspiracies, personal dramas, and interplanetary warfare—resulting in a messy narrative. The first act drags with exposition, while the final battle feels rushed. The Mars subplot, while interesting, detracts from the Earth-based tension that made the original so gripping.
2. Underdeveloped New Characters
While Jake and Patricia are serviceable leads, they lack the charisma of Will Smith’s Hiller or Bill Pullman’s Whitmore. The film introduces a diverse cast of young fighters, but most are given little depth beyond their roles in the action scenes. A standout newcomer, a rogue alien ally, is intriguing but underutilized.
3. Predictable Story Beats
The film follows the Independence Day formula too closely: aliens attack, humanity struggles, a last-minute plan saves the day. While this structure worked in 1996, modern audiences expect more innovation. The lack of genuine surprises makes the stakes feel lower than they should.
Themes and Missed Opportunities
New Beginning touches on themes of unity and resilience but doesn’t explore them as deeply as it could. The original’s iconic presidential speech (“We will not go quietly into the night!”) is echoed here, but the new version lacks the same emotional punch.
A major missed opportunity is the film’s refusal to fully embrace its sci-fi potential. The idea of humans and aliens coexisting—or even a deeper dive into the aliens’ motives—could have added complexity. Instead, the villains remain one-dimensional destroyers.
Final Verdict: A Fun but Flawed Sequel
Independence Day 3: New Beginning is a mixed bag. It delivers the explosive, large-scale action fans expect, and Jeff Goldblum’s presence ensures some enjoyable moments. However, its weak character arcs, overcomplicated plot, and reliance on nostalgia prevent it from reaching the heights of the original.
For die-hard fans of the franchise, it’s a worthwhile watch—especially for the spectacle. But for those hoping for a true revival of Independence Day’s magic, New Beginning falls short of being the grand return it could have been.
Rating: 6.5/10
Pros:
- Stunning visual effects and action
- Jeff Goldblum’s charismatic performance
- Nostalgic callbacks to the original
Cons:
- Underdeveloped new characters
- Overstuffed and uneven pacing
- Predictable storyline with few surprises
If you’re in the mood for a big, dumb, fun alien invasion movie, New Beginning delivers. But don’t expect it to redefine the genre like its predecessor once did.
