Evolution (2001)

Based on the evidence in Evolution, one thing is perfectly clear: special effects have evolved, but director Ivan Reitman has reverted to primitive pandering. Equally obvious is the fact that Evolution is a de facto rip-off of Reitman's 1984 classic Ghostbusters, but this time there's no Bill Murray to deliver the best punch lines (we have to settle for fellow ghostbuster Dan Aykroyd in a broad supporting role), and the comedy has devolved into a grossfest including deep-rectal extraction of alien insects, fire-hose enemas into a giant alien sphincter, and a full-moon display of David Duchovny's naked posterior. Whereas Ghostbusters was a shrewd, irreverent mainstream comedy that combined gooey spectral ectoplasm with something resembling genuine wit, Evolution is a crude, juvenile romp in which all things slimy are elevated to comedic supremacy.

Granted, that's not always a bad thing. As latter-day ghostbuster equivalents, Duchovny, Orlando Jones, and Seann William Scott make a fine comedic trio, and Julianne Moore is equally amusing as a clumsy scientist and Duchovny's obligatory love interest. Despite the meddling of clueless military buffoons, they join forces to eradicate a wild variety of rapidly evolving alien creatures that arrived on Earth via meteor impact, and the extraterrestrial beasties (courtesy of effects wizard Phil Tippet and crew) are outrageously designed and marvelously convincing. For anyone who prefers lowbrow humor, Evolution will prove as entertaining as Ghostbusters (or at least Galaxy Quest), while others may lament Reitman's shameless embrace of crudeness. One thing's for certain: after seeing this movie, you'll gain a whole new appreciation for Head & Shoulders shampoo. --Jeff Shannon Amazon.com

Play that Funky Music, White Boy!!

"Great science-fiction with plenty of tongue in cheek. Starring Stiffler, Mulder and Miss firebox Moore. Oh yeah, and there's lot's of aliens, end of the world stuff, too!"PILATE: A Brutal Bible Tale June 14, 2008

Man I love this movie!

Great Googlie-Mooglie this is a good movie.

Damn it just buy it already! May 20, 2008

Fun flick

Back in 1999 I read the spec script when Evolution was originally written as a serious horror science fiction film, two years later the film was released and was totally changed.Evolution is meant to be nothing but a fun flick and that what is. The film is in the vein of Ghostbusters and has very funny moments. Seann William Scott makes this movie for me though and it's a shame he still hasn't got that break through role. The action sequences and direction also make this a good film. Check it out for a good time. April 2, 2008

Better than I thought I would be.

Not that I would call it great science fiction, but I would call it a pretty good movie. As far as creepy monster movies are concerned, Evolution does offer a unique spin on invaders from outer space. Though not an instant classic by any means, it does satisfy that need for something new in the sci-fi movie world.

Evolution is your standard, "kill the aliens before they destroy the Earth" kind of movie. Though the plot has been done to death the concept is fresh and inventive. The whole idea of an alien ecosystem spawning from a meteor is definitely different. The characters are enjoyable with some decent if not simple personality development. What's annoying is that the characters that are tagged as the villains are pretty much one-dimensional and do the mind numbingly predictable things stupid villains do to move the plot. Also the military and other gun toting people seem to be stupid as they would rather wait and see what the alien creatures will do instead of actually using their guns.

The special effects are a mixed bag. When they are good they are really good with the CG animation very lifelike and dynamic. When they are bad it's pretty obvious. Lighting and movement seem to be the two hurdles that many CG animators still haven't yet jumped over yet. Some of the creatures show that limitation. Then again other creatures fit in the live backdrop perfectly. Like I said... a mixed bag.

Evolution is what I would call a "lite" sci-fi movie. Meaning the plot and other details of the movie don't have a lot of depth. Then again I doubt the movie was meant to be deep. Some of you will love it for that reason alone. Others will probably wish for a little more plot development. Either way Evolution is an interesting comedy that lends itself to the classic science fiction themes of the 50's.
February 27, 2008

really bad movie

Ever see that movie The Pest? This movie is WAY worse! My husband convinced me to watch this terrible, unfunny movie and all I've got to say is that I am glad he inherited some good taste along with the bad taste that liked this dumb film. November 26, 2007

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