SPECIES II (1998)
Has it been seven years since I reviewed Species already? I can't stand reading my old reviews, but I'm assuming that I spoke highly of it. It was made during a magical time called the "mid-90's." I keep threatening to write a book about my favorite decade, and maybe one day, I will. There was a juncture where big-budget b-movies were squirming their way into wide theatrical releases. This flick was the last of its kind (for awhile anyway). Speaking of budgets, Species II commanded expenses north of $35 million, the same amount of money that was spent on Species. Unlike its predecessor, however, it didn't recoup that money. Horror was booming at the time, but moviegoers were more interested in killers wearing masks. Of course, Teenaged Dom had fun with this sci-fi/horror mongrel, and I'm happy to report that for the most part, the years have been kind to Sil/Eve.
Astronauts have returned from Mars. Unfortunately, they have brought something back with them, something with tentacles. In terms of monsters, Species II is a double whammy, as Eve (Sil's clone) sees her vitals go haywire when she is clairvoyantly connected to Patrick. I must admit, I dug the design of our male counterpart, even if the CGI is erratic. The R rating is pushed to its limits. Species II outstrips the original where blood and boobs are concerned...quite literally! It's hard not to be entertained by the sheer audacity of it all. On the downside, the film is visually plain. And we don't have many core protagonists to anchor the conflict. Michael Madsen practically sleepwalks through this thing, although you can't blame him. I could have used more Natasha Henstridge. As a general rule, I could always use more Natasha Henstridge. Two sequels followed, both premiering on television. I don't comprehend MGM's intentions here. I mean, why bother?
Recommended to fans of Phantoms, The Faculty, and Ghosts of Mars. Because Natasha Henstridge.
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