Species III
Official Synopsis:
“In the ongoing fight for supremacy between mankind and human-alien hybrids, a fatal weakness among the hybrids has given humans the advantage… until now. When Sara (Sunny Mabrey, Snakes On A Plane), the daughter of Eve (Natasha Henstridge, Species), is born, she develops into the most genetically perfect alien form yet! Seeking to repopulate Earth with her kind, this dangerously beautiful femme fatale heeds an overwhelming drive to mate… while a crack military team trails her in an attempt to end the war between the two species forever!”
Species III starts immediately where Species II left off, and we are introduced to one of our new characters, Dr. Abbot (Robert Knepper), driving the truck that is carrying Eve’s body, dressed in military uniform. Through narration, we learn he intends to steal her body to create something more pure. After he discovers that she has just given birth, Dr. Abbot steals the infant and runs off into the night. Say good-bye to Natasha Henstridge, though, as she is only here to pass the torch.
Although he may be a grunt military driver by night, by day he is a professor at a university. The connection as to why or how this happened is never explained, and is a pretty significant plot hole that leaves the viewer confused as to what is going on. In fact, although being one of the main characters of the film, Dr. Abbot is a horribly written, one dimensional character that one can only imagine is as dull on screen as he is on paper. He’s the type of professor who you’d rather swim across lava than have to sit an entire hour and listen to. The type of character who names his cat: Cat.
This is such a shame, because Robert Knepper has proven to be an amazing actor, really flexing his acting muscles in roles such as Prison Break. With nothing to work with, he basically phones in the role and leaves those who know what he is capable of disappointed. Unfortunately, this is a trend that extends to each character, leaving no dimension or development.
The film follows a similar structure to the first two. Alien is created, alien escapes, alien kills. This time around, Sara, who is the perfect form of the species, is sought after by humans and hybrid aliens alike. This added obstacle does add a welcome variation to the formula, and it is particularly interesting seeing the different aliens coming into contact with her and ultimately dying horrible deaths. One of the better moments of the film is the introduction of the final hybrid, Amelia (Amelia Cooke). She fits the definition of the ‘Species Alien’ more so than Sara, using sex to get what she wants and is as violent as she is beautiful.
Although she makes a good antagonist, she isn’t introduced until close to the third act, which takes focus away from what little story there is to give Amelia a backstory with only twenty minutes left in the film. As I said, this is a welcome change from the first two, but the execution of almost every aspect in Species III just isn’t there.
Where the first two Species films excelled, the third fails horribly. The writing is sub-par at best, characters, as I’ve mentioned, have no dimension and thanks to a paper-thin plot with no substance whatsoever, it fails to achieve any sense of entertainment. Species III takes the ‘Science’ out of Science Fiction and leaves an unrecognizable mess that only the most patient fans of the series might see fit to sift through.
Video
Species III is presented in 1080p High Definition Widescreen 1.78:1. The transfer is free of any defects, scratches or blemishes. Colors are rather muted, which gives the overall film a very washed-out look.
Audio
The audio is presented in DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1. There are no noticeable defects in the audio, and levels are consistent throughout. The score itself sounds more like a Lifetime movie of the week and only seems to drag down the production value even more if that is possible.
Special Features
Audio Commentary With Director Brad Turner, Writer Ben Ripley And Actor Robin Dunne
Alien Odyssey: Evolution Featurette
Alien Odyssey: Species DNA – Production Design Featurette
Alien Odyssey: Alien Technology Featurette
Alien Odyssey: Intelligent Lifeforms – Creature Design Featurette
Species III: Genesis Featurette
Trailer
Species: The Awakening
Official Synopsis:
“When brilliant college professor Miranda Hollander (Helena Mattsson, American Horror Story) suffers a mysterious blackout and awakens amid the bloody aftermath of a mass slaughter, she turns to her uncle for answers. But when he reveals the shocking truth… that she’s only half human, a clone from a hybrid of human and alien DNA, they must flee to Mexico to locate the scientist who created her. Soon they find themselves locked in battle with a horde of rampaging, unstoppable hybrids… and time is running out before Miranda will inevitably surrender to the killer instinct that lurks inside her own body!”
Species: The Awakening ends the trend of numbered sequels, setting itself apart from its predecessors in more ways than one. Here we get back to the roots of the original in several aspects, including the original alien design which was abandoned in the third film.
This film has a much smaller scale to it, both in scope and financially. Almost immediately the scene changes from the United States to the seedy underground in Mexico City, where alien biology is traded and sold for personal gain. It’s a smaller world to explore, without the burden of government involvement, or worrying about the fate of the entire human race. Because of this, we can sit back and enjoy the ride as weird alien hybrids wreak havoc on the streets of Mexico. Bigger isn’t always better, and in the case of Species: The Awakening I believe that to be true, and the best possible direction the series could take.
This film is better written, better acted, and overall better made. Ben Cross gives a great performance as Tom, a scientist and guardian of Miranda who is really put through the wringer as he is in almost constant danger of being ripped apart. Dominic Keating as Forbes is one of the better performances of the film. He’s over the top, eccentric, and just a lot of fun to watch. Helena Mattsson rounds out the trio as the beautiful Miranda. Her portrayal of the new female alien is much more enjoyable than her predecessor. The character is more dimensional, more relatable and more human.
While this film has its flaws, it is a step back in the right direction toward something that can be considered entertaining.
Video
Species: The Awakening is presented in 1080p High Definition Widescreen 1.78:1. The transfer is free of any defects, scratches or blemishes and looks really good. The majority of the film takes place at night, but there is a great use of different filters throughout the film that give it a unique look.
Audio
The audio is presented in DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1. The levels are good throughout the film. Good use of the surrounds in the action scenes, and the score comes through nicely.
Special Features
Alien Awakenings – An Interview With Director Nick Lyon
Miranda’s Memories – Interview With Actress Helena Mattsson
Fans of the series will enjoy this double feature, as it gets a good treatment from Scream Factory. For the casual viewer, if you can sit through the third film, the fourth redeems the series in a small way.
