Synopsis: We always knew they were coming back. After 'Independence Day' redefined the event movie genre, the next epic chapter delivers global spectacle on an unimaginable scale. Using recovered alien technology, the nations of Earth have collaborated on an immense defense program to protect the planet. But nothing can prepare us for the aliens' advanced and unprecedented force. Only the ingenuity of a few brave men and women can bring our world back from the brink of extinction.
My thoughts: Visually ID:R is impressive, but that's about all it's got going for it. Inferior to the original is basically every way no amount of Jeff Goldblum could save this flick. Liam Hemsworth is not Will Smith therefore he should not be written witty one-liners. Unlike it's predecessor, I maybe laughed at this flick 3 times, and that's being nice. If it wasn't for the actors and characters I could've easily believed this was a sequel to Battleship. It's unfortunate they killed Will Smith's character off since now we can't hope to see the elder Hiller come back and punch an alien in the face to save ID:3 if we ever get one given the early box office numbers.
Final verdict: 3 urine soaked space suits out of 5
The Purge: Election Year:Synopsis: It's been two years since Leo Barnes (Frank Grillo) stopped himself from a regrettable act of revenge on Purge Night. Now serving as head of security for Senator Charlie Roan (Elizabeth Mitchell), his mission is to protect her in a run for president and survive the annual ritual that targets the poor and innocent. But when a betrayal forces them onto the streets of D.C. on the one night when no help is available, they must stay alive until dawn...or both be sacrificed for their sins against the state.
My thoughts: I was a big fan of Anarchy and luckily Election Year picks up right where it left off. Although the former had more twists and turns to keep you constantly guessing, Election Year conveys a more linear path and you have a decent idea what's going to happen but it remains a fun romp with the best production values we've seen from the series thus far making this a must see.
Final verdict: 5 New Founding Fathers out of 5
Synopsis: When his new album fails to sell records, pop/rap superstar conner4real goes into a major tailspin and watches his celebrity high life begin to collapse. He'll try anything to bounce back, anything except reuniting with his old rap group The Style Boyz.
My thoughts: The world has been clamoring for a 21st century update on the rock mockumentary and Popstar delivers even if it wasn't widely seen. Andy Samberg launches another starring vehicle which is full of laughs but barely seen thus likely gaining cult status in the coming years (see: Hot Rod). Popstar pulls no punches making fun of the Pop, Rap and EDM music scene as well as some well known stars. Not often can an SNL concept play this well on the big screen but Samberg and co. handle all the zanyness of the film perfectly which keeps the schtick enjoyable even when you're listening to a song about getting fucked like Bin Laden.
Final verdict: 4 autographed penises out of 5
