Mankind faces its darkest hour as hostile aliens attack once more in the world-shattering sequel to Independence Day, Independence Day: Resurgence.

Twenty years after the events of the first film, Earth has strengthened its defenses by adapting the aliens’ technology, forming the Earth Space Defense (ESD). But when the aliens return due to a distress signal sent during the original invasion, it is up to ESD Director David Levinson and a small team of brave men and women to save the world once again from extinction.

This film sees the return of characters from the first film, such as David Levinson (Jeff Goldblum), Thomas Whitmore (Bill Pullman), Dylan Dubrow-Hiller (Jessie Usher), Patricia Whitmore (Maika Monroe), Jasmine Dubrow-Hiller (Vivica A. Fox), Julius Levinson (Judd Hirsch), and Dr. Brackish Okun (Brent Spiner) alongside new characters like Jake Morrison (Liam Hemsworth), General Adams (William Fichtner), President Lanford (Sela Ward), Rain Lao (Angelababy), Dr. Cathrine Marceaux (Charlotte Rainsbourg), and Charlie Miller (Travis Tope).

The visual effects were stunning. Given that the first movie was made in 1996, this doesn’t come as a surprise, but it was still amazing to see new, modern-looking ships as well as better views of the aliens themselves.

Going into the theater, I wanted to see/hear two things in general: a land battle between the aliens and humans and the original Independence Day theme. I can assure viewers that you will see both used within this sequel.

I give this movie a 9/10, or A- for its stunning effects and intriguing storyline. Though I count it down because of its lack of Will Smith and planet-wide destruction, you will not leave the theater with a dissatisfied feeling. Independence Day: Resurgence proves that an effective sequel/reboot can be made, even after 20 years.