the fresh films reviews

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Species (1995)

Director:
Roger Donaldson

COUNTRY
USA

Genre
Sci-Fi/Horror

NORWEGIAN TITLE
Farlig Rase

RUNNING TIME
108 minutes

Producers:
Frank Mancuso, Jr.
Dennis Feldman
Screenwriter:
Dennis Feldman


Cast includes:

CHARACTER ACTOR/ACTRESS RATING
Fitch Ben Kingsley ½
Press Michael Madsen
Arden Alfred Molina ½
Dan Forest Whitaker ½
Laura Marg Helgenberger
Sil Natasha Henstridge
Young Sil Michelle Williams -

 

Review

Roger Donaldson's Species is another entry in the subgenre of sci-fi-horror which doesn't pose more of a conundrum than "aliens are here – watch out!". Here are no existential reflections, no nuances regarding intelligent life. This time, the "creature" is half human and half something else, "played" by model-beautiful newcomer Natasha Henstridge. The concept is that the creature was made by scientists based on alien DNA, a basis which the filmmakers believe enables them to disregard all logic. Naturally, it's all about instincts and reproduction for the creature. And since it's all about ostensible horror for Donaldson, the thematic depth stops right there. The laws of physics are suspended and the laws of Hollywood clichés reign supreme: Four guys are given the task to hunt down the creature and save the day. Not surprisingly, they also have time to fall in love with each other. Whereas the creature somehow is able to learn how to drive a car without any prior knowledge. The sci-fi silliness reaches a new low in Species; it's like Alien's mentally disabled brother. Some jump-scares and CGI effects are everything this film has to offer.

Copyright © 25.10.1997 Fredrik Gunerius Fevang
(English version: © 12.04.2021 Fredrik Gunerius Fevang)