Movie Review: Independence Day 3: A New Beginning – Earth Strikes Back

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

Just when you thought the alien threat was over, Independence Day 3: A New Beginning reignites the iconic sci-fi franchise with a vengeance — and thankfully, the original dream team is back. Jeff Goldblum returns as the ever-brilliant David Levinson, joined by Will Smith (miraculously revived as Col. Steven Hiller) and Bill Pullman as the once-again-inspirational President Whitmore.

Set 20 years after the events of Resurgence, Earth has rebuilt using alien technology—but peace doesn’t last long. A mysterious signal from deep space triggers a third wave of invasion, this time with more evolved, strategic extraterrestrials. But humanity has evolved too, and this time, we’re not just surviving — we’re fighting to win.

The film is surprisingly self-aware, combining large-scale destruction with human moments and even a dose of humor. Smith slips back into his charismatic, wise-cracking role effortlessly, while Goldblum once again delivers the franchise’s intellectual backbone with deadpan brilliance. Pullman, though older and haunted, delivers one final rousing speech that’ll bring chills.

Director Roland Emmerich returns to form with jaw-dropping visuals—city-sized mother ships, lunar battles, and an unforgettable aerial dogfight over Saturn’s rings. Sure, the science is shaky and the logic takes a few creative liberties, but let’s be honest: you came for aliens, explosions, and hero moments. And on that front, A New Beginning delivers in spades.

This is summer blockbuster filmmaking at its most unapologetically fun.