Evolution (2001)

43% of critics liked it
(134 reviews)
50% of users liked it
(240,050 ratings)

The spirit of the mega-hit Ghostbusters (1984) is intentionally recalled with this effects-heavy sci-fi comedy from the same director, Ivan Reitman, co-starring Dan Aykroyd and debuting on the 17th anniversary of the earlier film's release. When a meteor bearing single-celled organisms crashes to… More The spirit of the mega-hit Ghostbusters (1984) is intentionally recalled with this effects-heavy sci-fi comedy from the same director, Ivan Reitman, co-starring Dan Aykroyd and debuting on the 17th anniversary of the earlier film's release. When a meteor bearing single-celled organisms crashes to the Earth, the life forms are initially confined to a cave. Before long the creatures are evolving at an exponentially rapid rate, resulting in fearsome aliens running amok and possibly spelling mankind's doom, or at least the end of man's domination over life on Earth. Investigating the phenomenon is a community college professor, Ira Kane (David Duchovny), his geologist friend Harry Block (Orlando Jones), wannabe fireman Wayne Green (Seann William Scott), and government scientist Allison Reed (Julianne Moore). Evolution also stars Ted Levine, Ethan Suplee, and Katharine Towne. ~ Karl Williams, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: PG-13, 1 hr. 42 min.
Directed By: Ivan Reitman
Written By: David Weissman, David Diamond
Genres: Science Fiction & Fantasy, Comedy

In Theaters: Jun 8, 2001 Wide
On DVD: Dec 26, 2001
Studio: Dreamworks Pictures

Critic Reviews

J. Hoberman, Village Voice
Seems to have been made without a writer.
Peter Howell, Toronto Star
Has more rear-end gags than a toga party at a proctology convention.
David Edelstein, Slate
I laughed -- but mostly to keep from getting depressed about the devolution of mainstream movies.
Edward Guthmann, San Francisco Chronicle
Flat, rickety and enervated.
Andrew O'Hehir, Salon.com
Feels like [the script] was cranked out to meet a deadline.
Joe Baltake, Sacramento Bee
Evolution has just the right kind of mild hilarity for a warm summer afternoon at the movies.
John A. Nesbit, Old School Reviews
perhaps a creative film distributor could employ a brain surgeon who can perform temporary lobotomies in order to endure films like this
David Nusair, Reel Film Reviews
...an ideal example of how to do a summer movie right...
Nell Minow, Common Sense Media
Uneven, unfocused with some inspired silliness.
Rob Gonsalves, eFilmCritic.com
Part of the problem with Evolution -- aside from the fact that it isn't really very funny -- is that it's mostly jaded; there's very little gee-whiz, almost no awe.
Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com
Paying homage to his previous and better work, Reitman's new comedy is marked by one-idea story, sporadic humor that lacks wit, and cheesy special effects.
Brian Mckay, eFilmCritic.com
EVOLUTION is like a chemistry set experiment that could have gone horribly awry, but turns out just right . . . Duchovny and Jones have great buddy movie chemistry
Wesley Lovell, Oscar Guy
Funny, but predictable and dumb.

Read all 13 critic reviews

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

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Featured Audience Ratings

Shawn E

A fun sci-fi movie that although quite unrealistic, still provides some cool effects and plenty of laughter.
Cameron S

Out of all the popcorn films I have seen recently Evolution has to be my favourite, It is by no means a completely original brilliant piece of cinema but it is a good fast paced comedy to sit back into and enjoy. Duchovny and Jones work well together and the film keeps you laughing… More
Out of all the popcorn films I have seen recently Evolution has to be my favourite, It is by no means a completely original brilliant piece of cinema but it is a good fast paced comedy to sit back into and enjoy. Duchovny and Jones work well together and the film keeps you laughing throughout.
Lucas M

A terrible attempt to make a new Ghostbusters. Sometimes fun, but nothing good, silly gags, awful screenplay, Evolution is a weak try to do sucess again with comedy and sci-fi of Reitman. Rotten.
Chris W

This isn't great, but it's a few degrees above better than average, and the effects are cool. It's also pretty funny and clever, and I like the cast. Too bad it's not as good as Reitman's earlier works. He needs to make some more movies. I miss him.
Conner R

Even though it's the poor man's MIB, this is still pretty funny and bizarre. Being directed by Ivan Rietman, there's a lot of similar elements to Ghostbusters and the feeling of a team which I really liked. It doesn't go too far overboard with showing aliens, you… More
Even though it's the poor man's MIB, this is still pretty funny and bizarre. Being directed by Ivan Rietman, there's a lot of similar elements to Ghostbusters and the feeling of a team which I really liked. It doesn't go too far overboard with showing aliens, you have the general idea and that's it. I think all the performances are good, especially from David Duchovny, Julianne Moore and Seann William Scott.
Film C

i liked its funny, quirky and fun i like the cast an enjoyable movie!!
Arash X

Dumb sci-fi flick which was quite fun & funny at times
Anthony L

15 years too late. Not one of Ivan Reitman?s best.
Lenny M

Dumb and fun with random casting. Has some good moments and is an interesting comedy but probably isn't funny after watching it multiple times.
Leigh R

We have already established that cakaw cakaw and touki-touki don't work.
Tim S

Another great comfort food flick.
Dean M

Director Ivan Reitman makes every laugh and special effect count, as if he'd made the film before. Well, in fact, he did - as Ghostbusters. But this in no way takes away from the fun of watching this silly, inventive romp.
Drew S

A breezy, perfectly mediocre sorta-comedy. Makes a great movie for you and your friends to talk over 90% of the time and then tune in during some of the ridiculously stupid gags. Which is what I did.
Curtis L

okay
Rachel F

God, this movie is freakin' hilarious.
Dean L

What a great cast! Too bad the movie stunk!
Candy R

Really naf movie. Why would David want to do this after the X files?!
Justin Y

Most people will find this movie stupid and idiotic, but if you were expecting that before actually watching this, it is a really funny movie. I mean, look at the title. There is a happy face with three eyes. It is screaming at you to not take this seriously. So, I didn't. I… More
Most people will find this movie stupid and idiotic, but if you were expecting that before actually watching this, it is a really funny movie. I mean, look at the title. There is a happy face with three eyes. It is screaming at you to not take this seriously. So, I didn't. I didn't expect an Independence Day and I didn't get one. No disappointments.The story is nothing original, but it is highly entertaining. You put that together with the slapstick comedy acting and extremely funny dialogue and you're in for a night of laughter. They actually use the word "crapola" in this film. Tell me that isn't funny.The acting isn't anything spectacular, but all the actors fit in well. David Duchovny with his usual dullness worked well with his character. Most likely because it seemed similar to his Mulder character from The X-Files. Sean William Scott and Orlando Jones' comedic performances also blend in well with this film. They even managed to give Julianne Moore a funny character with her clumsiness. You can't help but laugh when she falls while getting out of the firetruck. The CG effects are pretty cheesy, although at times look pretty good. Like I mentioned earlier though, if you don't take this movie seriously then the cheesy CG fits right in with no problem.What more can I say? If your in the mood for a funny comedy with a sci-fi type of story then this will be the movie for you. In fact, I'll watch this again right now. "I'll take a pair of spy glasses and a hot chocolate."
Flutie A

This was a surprise, but I still remember laughing a lot more than I thought I would....Many quotes also.
Dean !

A funny alien invasion film with cool SFX.