SPECIES II (1998)
A Film Review
Copyright Dragan Antulov 2004
In 1995 the author of this review had met SPECIES with great
expectations. I looked forward to a science fiction classic in the same
category with ALIEN. And, just like in many similar occasions, I was
utterly disappointed. When SPECIES II, its 1998 sequel directed by
Peter Medak, appeared in my country's video stores, I didn't expect
much. Because of that I wasn't disappointed with the film. Actually,
it proved to be one of those rare occasions when sequels turn out to
be better than original. Considering the poor quality of SPECIES, this
wasn't a great accomplishment, though.
The plot takes few years after the mysterious aliens tried to take over
the Earth with the seductive abilities of alien/human hybrids. Aliens
have adopted new strategy of infiltration and their first victim is
Patrick Ross (played by Justin Lazard), first astronaut to land on
Mars. While trying to collect souvenirs from Mars' surface he gets
infected. The effects of the infections would become noticeable only
after his successful return on Earth. There he, as a hero and son of
powerful US Senator Judson Ross (played by James Cromwell),
enjoys many privileges, including ability to sleep with any woman he
wants. This is useful for aliens because every ***ual act almost
immediately results with small alien/human hybrids making their
way from exploding women's bellies. When US government learns
what is going on, two professionals - survivors from the team that
had dealt with similar problem in the past - are called in to deal with
the problem. Professional assassin Press Lenox (played by Michael
Madsen) rejoins Dr. Laura Baker (played by Marg Helgenberger),
biologist who had been busy creating alien hybrid of her own. This
new alien called "Eve" (played by Natasha Henstridge) looks almost
exactly like the deadly "Sil", but she is genetically programmed to be
more docile and humane. Her telepathic connection with fellow alien
could prove useful, though, and she starts helping team to locate
Ross.
SPECIES II isn't good film, but in many areas it is better than its
overrated predecessor. First of all, Peter Medak directed it with more
discipline than Donaldson in the original. SPECIES II enjoys much
better ensemble of character actors; although most of them are unable
to breathe life into paper-thin characters they play, their presence
alone can provide humour. Probably the best example is Richard
Belzer in the role of US President. On the other hand, Mykelti
Williamson went too far in his attempt to become this film's comic
relief - his ****trayal of black astronaut who is genetically immune to
alien infection is very close to racial stereotype. On the other hand,
sensitive viewers are going to be more annoyed with the combination
blood, gore and female ****ity, rarely seen in mainstream Hollywood
films since 1980s. Natasha Henstridge, whose ****ity was main
attraction of the first film, barely undresses in this film but this is
compensated with somewhat better acting. However, her efforts, like
the efforts of almost everyone in this film, aren't enough to turn this
into anything more than merely watchable film.
RATING: 4/10 (+)
Review written on June 1st 2004
Dragan Antulov a.k.a. Drax
http://film.purger.com
- Filmske recenzije na hrvatskom/Movie Reviews in
Croatian
http://www.ofcs.org
- Online Film Critics Society
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X-RT-AuthorID: 1307
X-RT-RatingText: 4/10
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