Customer Reviews

Evolution [VHS]

5 star:		(85)
4 star:		(60)
3 star:		(42)
2 star:		(22)
1 star:		(28)

 

 

Let's be entirely honest here, "Evolution" is a silly movie based upon a barely palpable grasp on science. However, it doesn't matter because it is genuinely entertaining. The plot is just plausible enough to allow the viewer to enjoy a great cast offering up some genuinely funny lines amidst some very good CGI (and I write this two years after the film was released).

The story revolves around rapidly evolving alien life forms that arrive in Arizona via a meteorite. This nod to the theory of Panspermia shows that while the link to real science may be tenuous, it won't be severed altogether. This is an element that the viewer comes to appreciate as it allows a reasonable suspension of disbelief, which adds to the movie's appeal.

As these "aliens" become more sophisticated they wreak a rapidly escalating amount of havoc on a nearby medium sized city. It is here that our rag-tag band of heroes, David Duchovny as a disgraced biologist, Orlando Jones as a geologist who is more interested in anatomy than rocks, Julianne Moore as a hard driving CDC researcher and Seann William Scott as...well, Seann William Scott, come to the rescue. OF course, along the way they face the requisite bone-headed general, not to mention the rigors of a Division III women's volleyball schedule. Nonetheless, they rally together and triumph in fine style. The reason why this journey is fun to watch is simple: while each one of these actors offers up an excellent performance (particularly impressive given Moore and Duchovny aren't known for comedy), it is as an ensemble that they really shine. In particular, the exchanges between the three men are always hilarious as Duchovny plays a perfect straight-man for Jones and Scott. Moreover, Moore shows a remarkable ability for prat-falls that are the highlight of some strong physical acting.

As the film progresses to an inevitable showdown with the aliens, the viewer is treated to more great performances from the supporting cast, including a cameo from Dan Akroyd that is perfectly delivered. At the same time, the effects, which are contemporaneous with "Jurassic Park II" still view well, even if they aren't cutting edge. In particular, there is a dragon -type creature that ranks among the best CGI creations I have encountered (pre-Gollum of LOTR, of course).

Finally, unlike far too many DVD's, "Evolution" offers a great value in terms of quality and extras. The sound and picture are both excellent, but that is becoming more of the norm than the exception. Where the disc really shines is in the bonus features. The deleted scenes are well chosen and include commentary that offers an interesting look at the film making process. Moreover, storyboards, commentary and visual effects features all make for an entertaining, interesting viewing experience.

What this review really comes down to is this: if you don't appreciate silly humor, if you pick apart movies for the slightest flaws, skip "Evolution", you won't like it. Conversely, if you enjoy the give and take that comes from a cast that obviously enjoys working together, if you appreciate good special effects, and if a good "popcorn" movie is what you crave, "Evolution" is right up your alley. I've watched it literally dozens of times and I never get tired of it. It's eminently quotable, fun to watch, and makes great use of its cast, and silly or not, is a movie I never get tired of.

Enjoy!

Jake Mohlman

I was able to catch a preview screening for this movie the other day, and I have hardly laughed so hard in all my life! The plot is as follows:

A giant meteor crashes into a cave in Arizona and two sceintists (David Duchovney and Orlando Jones) are called in to have a look at it. They manage to find, that alien creatures are quickly evolving from the meteorite and spreading out of the cave.

I don't want to say to much more as not to wreck the story, so I'll just give you the bottom line. This movie is truly funny, espicially Orlando Jones' and Seann Scott's performances. I gurantee, you'll bust a gut.

Did you like Ghostbusters? If yes, then go see Evolution. It takes the classic Ghostbusters comedic formula, updates it, and gives it a spiffy new context. (To you purists, no: the films are not exact parallels.) They do, however, share several key plot devices and the fast-paced, subtle wit for which Reitman has become justifiably recognized. Before this review starts sounding too pretentious, I'm going to cut it off and hit the highlights:

1) This movie is extremely funny. True, David Duchovny isn't Bill Murray, but then again, we can't go rating movies based on their Bill Murray content (That would put Wild Things higher than some of Kevin Bacon's more refined work--something that simply cannot be done.)

2) It's entertaining! Unlike most movies, I actually walked out of this one having had a thourougly good time. Sure, it had failings, but those couldn't detract from the sheer entertainment value.

3) Sure, the special effects are kinda transparent. The plot and cast manage to hold up just fine, and actually carry the show themselves--instead of falling back on crowd-pleasing effects shots.

Go see it. If it's already out of theaters, rent it or buy it.

To put it simply, there are worse SciFi flicks out there, and call me crazy but I can't help but enjoy myself immensely whenver I watch this movie. David Duchoveny, Julienna Moore, Orlando Jones and the often ommitted but wonderful Ted Levine are wonderful and keep the pace of the movie moving. Even Dan Ackroyd has a brief stint as the governer. Evolution is a movie that while lacks in earthly and alien intelligence, it does not however lack in either laughs or keeping you interested.

If you are however looking for something a bit more intellectual like say "The Hitchikers guide to the galaxy," or maybe ET, this is not the way to go. (Obviously,) but if not, definatly try this movie.

I went into Evolution expecting another MiB. By that standard, I was severely disappointed. Despite that, I did laugh through much of the movie. Between the dumb-but-servicable humor and the superb special effects, I'd have to say that my 8 bucks were money well spent.

Much of the dialog appears to have been written as a Jr. High drama class project. Sorry, but bathroom humor just doesn't do much for me anymore. Orlando Jones's character was simply too stupid for belief and David Duchovny looked as if he didn't expect half the audience to get the joke.

That said, there were some fine moments. I particularly enjoyed the sly poke at films contrived for product placement purposes. Despite the cardboard character, Orlando does have some fine one-liners and, as I've come to expect, he makes the most of them.

Then, there are the special effects. I can't say enough, so I won't even try. Much. I've become jaded in the past couple of years, but these really do stand out. The sequence in the shopping mall alone was worth the price of admission (I won't spoil it for you with details).

Overall, I'd call it worth the trip . . . so long as you don't expect too much.

I saw evolution today, and really liked it alot. This movie kept me laughing throughout. The special effects were awesome. I especially liked that there were some new faces, not the same old people that are making movies all the time. I would recommend this movie to all my friends. David Ducovhny was really good as the straight man and part of a team of heroes. I would love to see it again.

This is just a silly farce so don't get all excited about the lack of science in the science fiction.

For me and many of my friends, this movie is worth the price just for the tag line in my title. It's a sub-reference we often use at work when it is apparent that we are going to get the short end of the stick.

In any case, this isn't sophisticated humor, so if you are not in the mood for a long comic skit you might as well skip this, but if you are in the mood for something silly, this might just fit the bill!

I am a huge fan of the X-files and silly movies; this completely appeals to both sides! David Duchovny takes his Fox Mulder role and, according to interviews when this movie was filmed, did things that Mulder 'wouldn't have been allowed to do on television.' (nothing obscene of course)

This is a great movie to rent when you have a bunch of people who want to watch a funny movie. :) The facial expressions of Orlando Jones alone are worth the price of admission! ("Ira! Don't ever tell anyone where I've been!")

This is the first movie (that I've seen anyway) that Orlando Jones has been in since he left Mad TV. Also look for other Mad TV cast members in cameo roles (Pat Kilbane and Andrew Bowen).
Of course, Seann William Scott was funny as always.
This movie made me laugh because of the great premise. It takes a awidely accepted "scientific" theory, and makes it into a sci-fi/comedy. I found that particularly amusing because the theory of evolution, in itself, sounds like a sci-fi flick. As the creature evolve and get stronger, the suspense builds, so it makes it more fun as it goes along.
This is a must see, even if it does get serious at points.

When I saw this in the theater I was rather bored to tears. I remember that I saw it with my sister and her boyfriend and we were the only three in the theater and they got so bored that they started running through the theater pretending to be aliens and attacking the chairs and screaming like dinosaurs and I remember that that was the most entertaining part of the whole experience. I have since seen the film again (on cable) and it certainly has its moments, but this film does seem rather cheap in comparison to many other comedies out there. The jokes seem almost too obvious and in the end too `gross' for their own good. I love Julianne Moore and find Orlando Jones to be a gifted comedian, but this material fails them in many ways. The special effects are nice (for the time) but there really isn't enough substance here to validate repeated viewings.