SPECIES 2 sucks is pretty much the decree I'm getting. Lots of people agree! But who knows, maybe you'll be hypnotized by the gorgeous lenticular poster and stumble in to see alien t&a!!!!!
Agent U-7 Reporting in...
I had the opportunity to see a screening of "Species 2" somewhere in the United States today (I'm a secret agent, damn me if I report my current location!) and have barely survived the mission to report back to you. My objective of getting into the special showing was NOT the problem (my tactics shall, as always, remain my secret), it was SURVIVING this terrible, TERRIBLE movie that was the challenge.
In keeping with tradition, I won't dare give away any plot points. Of course, in doing so I might actually make this film sound GOOD. Let's just say that this film is filled with bad horror movie cliches: Bad Acting, Bad Special Effects, Bad Plot, and Bad Editing. The first "Species," although by far not a classic, was still an enjoyable film. It had a decent cast (Ben Kingsley for Christ's sake!), terrific Visual Effects (by Boss Film, RIP), and a nice score by Christopher Young. It "felt" like a relatively Big Budget film. What we have with this sequel is the exact opposite. This one screams "Direct-to-Video!"
It saddens me to report to this to you, because I did have somewhat high hopes for this film. I wasn't expecting it to be what "Alien Resurrection" was not (sorry, I didn't care for that either), but I was hoping that they would take the decent start they made with the first film and run with it!
I will say this for "Species 2" though, it made me laugh. Not at the parts it wanted me to, but at scenes that I think were supposed to be "high tension." If you or any of your readers see this film, you'll know what I mean, such as a scene in a supermarket:
"Where is he now!??!?!"
"Aisle One, Produce!!!!!"
And of course, be sure to watch for the DISAPPEARING character (Peter Boyle, where did you go?)
The film is "open ended," leaving room for another "Species." At this rate, I'd say the Human Race is better off dealing with a real alien invasion as opposed to enduring another sequel.
Agent U-7, signing off...
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SPECIES 2
"Species 2" 1:85 90 Minutes
Another reason to not go to the movies. The laziest, and most unimaginative sequel in some time. The plot of the film takes about 20 minutes to set up and then it just sits there. After that setup the film suddenly seems like a countdown to when Henstridge will take off her top. Speaking of Natasha, I am shocked at how little screen time she has. Considering she IS on all of the promo materials, she is not in the film for very long. Justin Lazard, who plays the astronaut, is a dull actor if you can call him one. The film has a very big mean streak and a high ugliness count. The fun includes a attempted rape, various wombs bursting open and the shoddiest CG since the disaterous "Spawn". The first "Species" was a bad film, but at least it was a production!!! They took time to give us characters and events. This film doesn't have that finesse. they use some animatronic creatures at the end of the film, but they shoot them in such low light that the entire climax is one big dark blur! I also know everybody was paid hansomely to return but Michael Madsen could not look more bored. He sleeps through this entire picture. Recently arrested Mykelti Williamson has the job of putting some humor in this with his wild african-american sass!! "Can't nobody get some booty 'round here?"
This movie is bad, nasty, and the worst film since "Burn, Hollywood, Burn".
Abe Froman
