Independence Day: Resurgence (2016)

Genre: Sci-fi
Certification: 12A
Duration: 120 minutes
Directed by: Roland Emmerich
Starring: Liam Hemsworth, Jeff Goldblum, Bill Pullman, Vivica A.Fox, William Fichtner, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Sela Ward
KRS Releasing Ltd

Twenty years after the blockbuster Independence Day hit the screens, comes a follow-up film in which the world is once again under attack by aliens. However, this film is not meant to be a sequel to the first movie, but rather “a continuation”, as director Roland Emmerich explained.

“It is rather a continuation than a sequel because sequels you do after two or three years, and often it is not that different. I think this film is very different from the first,” the director said.

“It is now 20 years since the world has been rebuilt and it has tried to get prepared for a new attack; there is a new generation, however, many of the old guard are back as well.”

While most of the original gang from the first film feature in this one too, including Jeff Goldblum and Bill Pullman, there is one star whose absence will be felt: Will Smith, whose character of Captain Steven Hiller was the main protagonist of the 1996 hit film. And not only is the actor not present, but his character has already been killed off screen, making it impossible for him to return in future sequels.

When the actor was asked why he was not featuring in the movie, he insisted that it was because of scheduling conflicts which forced him to make a decision between one high-profile film and another.

The main protagonist this time round is Liam Hemsworth’s character of Jake Morrison.

Independence Day: Resurgence, which had an estimated budget of $200 million, will be opening in cinemas worldwide tomorrow.

The technology and graphics are said to be more realistic than in the first film and the 3D format makes sure the spaceships look bigger and the aliens scarier and more bloodthirsty.

Forbes film critic Scott Mendelson expects this film to generate a lot of interest among different generations.

He wrote: “Independence Day is as much a quintessential 1990s blockbuster as Jurassic Park is, and this time, you have most of the old cast returning to fight off the aliens.

“I imagine a remotely decent/ crowd-pleasing Independence Day: Resurgence will pack in the crowds of adults who grew up with the first film, older kids who caught the movie on cable over the years, and kids who just want to see giant spaceships and cities blowing up.”

Race (2016)

Genre: Biopic
Certification: 15
Duration: 108 minutes
Directed by: Stephen Hopkins
Starring: Stephan James, Jason Sudeikis, Carice van Houten, Jeremy Irons, William Hurt, David Kross
KRS Releasing Ltd

Race is based on the true story of Jesse Owens, an African American athlete who became the greatest track and field athlete in history. He won a record-breaking four gold medals at the 1936 Berlin Olympic Games, where he faced off against Adolf Hitler’s vision of Aryan supremacy.

Directed by Stephen Hopkins, this biographical sports drama film shows how Owens (played by Stephan James) is the first in his family to go to college. While attending Ohio State University he trains under his track and field coach, Larry Snyder (Jason Sudeikis), whom he impresses very quickly . However, as Owens struggles both with the obligations of his life and the virulent racism against him, the question of whether the US would compete at all at the 1936 Olympics in Nazi Germany is debated vigorously.

After a few twists and turns along the way, Owens participates in the competition which earns him the title of one of America’s greatest Olympians.

The bond between Owens and European champion Carl Luz Long (David Kross) is a crucial element of his Olympic experience and brings an emotional pull to the movie.

With a budget of $5 million, the film made around $22 million in box office sales so far.

The film has received mixed reviews. Henry Fitzherbert of the Daily Express said: “It may not be Oscar-worthy but the picture tells Owens’ remarkable story effectively and with increasing tension, especially once the action shifts to the Games themselves.”

And Empire Magazine’s Nick De Semlyen wrote: “A great true-life story is hobbled by some hoary screenwriting, but the tense second half makes going the distance just about worth it.”

Sing Street (2016)

Genre: Comedy
Certification: 12A
Duration: 102 minutes
Directed by: John Carney
Starring: Ferdia Walsh-Peelo, Lucy Boynton, Maria Doyle Kennedy, Aidan Gillen, Jack Reynor, Mark McKenna
KRS Releasing Ltd

Sing Street takes viewers back to 1980s Dublin as seen through the eyes of a 14-year-old boy named Conor (Ferdia Walsh-Peelo) who is searching for a break away from a home strained by his parents’ relationship and money troubles.

He is forced to move from private school to the inner-city public school where he has to get used to the kids being rough and teachers being rougher. He finds a glimmer of hope in the mysterious and beautiful Raphina (Lucy Boynton) and, with the aim of winning her heart, he invites her to star in his band’s music video. The only problem is he is not part of the band... yet.

Inspired by writer/director John Carney’s life and love for music, Sing Street is a feel-good musical which has received very postive reviews. The critics’ consensus on Rotten Tomatos reads: “A delightful film that is almost impossible to watch without a smile on your face.”

Guy Lodge of Variety described the film as “a heart-melting adolescent romance that gives teenage garage bands everywhere a better name”, while Rolling Stones film critic Peter Travers said: “Sing Street is the most romantic movie you'll find anywhere these days, brimming over with music, fun and the thrill of first love.”