Species (1995)
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36% of critics liked it
(33 reviews) -
36% of users liked it
(48,824 ratings)
Fine special effects, eclectic casting, and the freeze-frame-worthy, clothing-free debut of a blonde bombshell made this cheesy science fiction/horror hybrid a cut above its B-grade roots. At a top-secret Utah facility headed up by Dr. Xavier Fitch (Ben Kingsley), scientists have created… More Fine special effects, eclectic casting, and the freeze-frame-worthy, clothing-free debut of a blonde bombshell made this cheesy science fiction/horror hybrid a cut above its B-grade roots. At a top-secret Utah facility headed up by Dr. Xavier Fitch (Ben Kingsley), scientists have created "Sil" (Natasha Henstridge), a half-human, half-alien product of experiments with DNA codes obtained from beyond the stars. Unfortunately, Sil has escaped. Her primary objective is to mate, and, with the ability to transform herself into an incredibly powerful alien creature, puny humans can't stop her. So Dr. Fitch calls in a quartet of specialists (Forest Whitaker, Michael Madsen, Marg Helgenberger, and Alfred Molina), to attempt Sil's capture. At the same time, Sil is leaving a trail of mostly male corpses in her hormonal wake. The organic-flavored alien designs for Species were provided by H.R. Giger, the artist responsible for the memorable creatures and spaceships of Alien (1979). When MGM decided to cut the spectacular "train birth" sequence in the interest of budget-trimming, Giger personally financed this $100,000 showcase of his work. Those who look closely will notice that "Young Sil" is played by future Dawson's Creek star Michelle Williams. ~ Karl Williams, Rovi
- Directed By
- Roger Donaldson
- Written By
- Dennis Feldman
- Genres
- Science Fiction & Fantasy
- In Theaters
- Jul 7, 1995 Wide
- Studio
- MGM Home Entertainment
Critic Reviews
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Felix Vasquez Jr., Cinema Crazed
Takes a clever premise and turns it in to soft core porn with a clunky ending.
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Steve Biodrowski, ESplatter
It is no masterpiece, but after some of the schlock seen this year, it is nice to see a science-fiction horror film that delivers.
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Chuck O'Leary, FulvueDrive-in.com
An enjoyable creature feature where the creature just happens to mask itself as a beautiful, often-naked blonde. Nothing more than a big-budget exploitation flick, but it has some good shock moments.
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Scott Weinberg, DVDTalk.com
As slyly smart as it is silly, and the flick delivers a clever idea that's wedged in between some rather slick action scenes.
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John J. Puccio, Movie Metropolis
...one good-looking monster is not enough to make a good monster movie. Things like plot, characters, atmosphere, suspense, and, dare I say it, scares, are also helpful.
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
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Cast
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Ben Kingsley
as Xavier Fitch
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Michael Madsen
as Preston Lennox
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Alfred Molina
as Dr. Stephen Arden
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Forest Whitaker
as Dan Smithson
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Marg Helgenberger
as Dr. Laura Baker
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Natasha Henstridge
as Adult Sil
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Caroline Barclay
as Drunken Girl
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Patricia Belcher
as Admittance Clerk
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Gary Bullock
as Motel Clerk
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William Bumiller
as Bouncer
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Richard Fancy
as Doctor
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Anthony Guidera
as Robbie
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Whip Hubley
as John Carey
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Dave Jensen
as Conductor
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Jordan Lund
as Aide
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Virginia Morris
as Mother
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Shirley Prestia
as Dr. Roth
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Lucy Rodriguez
as Wedding Dress Saleswoman
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Marliese Schneider
as Abducted Woman
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Esther Scott
as Female Conductor
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William Utay
as Colleague
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Herta Ware
as Mrs Morris
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Frank Welker
as Alien Sil
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David Selburg
as Government Man
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Michelle Williams
as Young Sil
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Don Fischer
as Aide
- Alfred Mouna


