Alien Species (1996/I)

User Rating:

2.6/10   

Director:

Peter Maris

Writer:

Nancy Newhauer (writer)

Genre:

Sci-Fi

Plot Keywords:

Alien | Alien Invasion | Independent Film

Cast

Charles Napier	...	Sheriff Nate Bridges
Hoke Howell	...	Dr. Chambers
David Homb	...	Aaron Doyle
Jodi Seronick	...	Carol Nelson
Marc Robinson	...	Paul Towers
Robert Thompson	...	Deputy Ty Larsen
Kurt Paul	...	Harlan Banks
Ashley Semrick	...	Stacy Chambers
Aaron Jettleson	...	Max Poindexter
Barbara Fierentino	...	Holly Capers
Master Dave Johnson	...	Deputy David Stevens (as David Johnson)
Roger Glugston	...	Mr. Justice
Lisa Donette May	...	Denise Justice
Michael Tremont	...	Tommy
Michael Reed	...	Farmer

Runtime:

Germany:92 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Filming Locations:

Clovis, California, USA

Company:

American Interactive Pictures

Movie Connections:

Referenced in Bareback Twink Pack (2005) (V)

Soundtrack:

HOLD ON

Exactly what it claims to be

This movie is summed up by the most intelligent line uttered by one of its principal characters...

"I feel like I am in a bad episode of The X-Files"

...Alien Species is a schlocky formulaic alien invasion film with decent special effects, a lot of mediocre action and decent acting, which is so poorly shot, and so uninspiringly written, that it reaches new lows. And don't get me started on the hideous sound track! This film could easily be lost among many of the early Sci-Fi Channel fiascoes. There are a number of CGI shots involving space ships, an impossibly globe-like earth and urban explosions straight out of Missile Command (complete with disappearing flame and temporary damage).

Before I waste what little energy this film's review warrants I'll let you in on the plot. Aliens are invading the earth for no particular reason and everybody on earth is so freaked out and terrified that there is no military response and general panic and desperation predominate. A couple of prisoners are being transported to jail and a flying saucer knocks them off the road, after they pick up a few stranded victims of an automobile accident (including a famous astronomer and UFO expert of course!). One of the criminals turns out to be an innocent man and easily the worst actor in the film, but fortunately he doesn't speak until about half-way through (the X-Files comment being one of his first multi-word lines). Anyway, you get the picture.

As usual, I handed this a 2 because its harmless - since I reserve single star ratings for bigger productions which pose serious mental health risks such as "Tin Cup" and "Runaway Bride". My advice - enjoy this if you're like me and have to see every bad sci fi film ever made. Otherwise, don't waste your time.