PROJECT VIPER (2002)
There is a car chase in Project Viper where a character is being pursued by a helicopter. I thought it looked pretty upscale for a Jim Wynorski joint, and after doing some research, I found that I was correct. Apparently, the footage was lifted from Species. Why Species? No earthly idea, but man, I can't get that movie out of my hair. Ol' Jim was aiming at the moon with this sci-fi dive bomb. Ostensibly, it was made for the tube (Syfy Channel, I'm assuming), but instances of heavy profanity say otherwise. I don't actually know why this b-venture was produced or where it was supposed to premiere. I do know that it's not too shabby, all things considered. The plot deals with a rocketship to Mars. Ground communication is disrupted by an unseen force, and the astronauts are feared dead. What happened??? Well, it may have something to do with Viper, an experimental bio-weapon comprised of human DNA and computer chips (because of course). There are two prototypes. One of them is in outer space, while the other has been stolen.
Can the FBI track Viper down before it releases...hmm, what should I call it? The Temu Mind-Flayer? That's a Stranger Things reference, but in all honesty, it looks like the aliens in Pitch Black, only larger and amorphous. Hey, I wasn't asking much from Project Viper, and it met my expectations. I just needed a teensy bit of action, moderate bloodshed, and plenty of quality time with the monster. The CGI is so pitiful, that it makes a full revolution and becomes incredible. I'm not fond of the phrase "so bad, it's good." However, I concede that it describes this flick with punctilious precision. Patrick Muldoon and Theresa Russell are solid as the lead experts (or whatever they are). By that, I mean they don't look too embarrassed. Again, I wasn't asking for much, so I don't feel guilty giving Project Viper my hearty endorsement. Recommended to fans of the first ten minutes of Species II.
