Based on the evidence in Evolution, one thing is perfectly clear: special effects have evolved, but director Ivan Reitman has reverted to primitive pandering. Equally obvious is the fact that Evolution is a de facto rip-of... more »f of Reitman's 1984 classic Ghostbusters, but this time there's no Bill Murray to deliver the best punch lines (we have to settle for fellow ghostbuster Dan Aykroyd in a broad supporting role), and the comedy has devolved into a grossfest including deep-rectal extraction of alien insects, fire-hose enemas into a giant alien sphincter, and a full-moon display of David Duchovny's naked posterior. Whereas Ghostbusters was a shrewd, irreverent mainstream comedy that combined gooey spectral ectoplasm with something resembling genuine wit, Evolution is a crude, juvenile romp in which all things slimy are elevated to comedic supremacy. Granted, that's not always a bad thing. As latter-day ghostbuster equivalents, Duchovny, Orlando Jones, and Seann William Scott make a fine comedic trio, and Julianne Moore is equally amusing as a clumsy scientist and Duchovny's obligatory love interest. Despite the meddling of clueless military buffoons, they join forces to eradicate a wild variety of rapidly evolving alien creatures that arrived on Earth via meteor impact, and the extraterrestrial beasties (courtesy of effects wizard Phil Tippet and crew) are outrageously designed and marvelously convincing. For anyone who prefers lowbrow humor, Evolution will prove as entertaining as Ghostbusters (or at least Galaxy Quest), while others may lament Reitman's shameless embrace of crudeness. One thing's for certain: after seeing this movie, you'll gain a whole new appreciation for Head & Shoulders shampoo. --Jeff Shannon« less
David Duchovny, Orlando Jones and others shine bright in this unique sci-fi plotline that's like no other and a one of a kind. A must watch!
Sharon F. (Shar) from AVON PARK, FL Reviewed on 5/17/2022...
You will either love it or hate...it's that kind of humor. It definitely has an all-star cast.
0 of 1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Jennifer D. (jennicat) from ST AUGUSTINE, FL Reviewed on 4/2/2014...
I just really liked this movie. It was funny. The actors were funny and Ivan Reitman did a good job.
2 of 2 member(s) found this review helpful.
Keith A. (Keefer522) Reviewed on 10/14/2013...
Sci-fi action comedy from Ivan "Ghostbusters" Reitman is a variation on the "Men in Black" formula, with two slacker college professors (David Duchovny and Orlando Jones) dealing with an invasion by rapidly-evolving alien nasties that hitched a ride into their Arizona home town on a meteorite. Cool creature effects, and Duchovny has fun tweaking his "X-Files" persona while the jokes and alien fluids fly. Funny stuff!
3 of 3 member(s) found this review helpful.
Chad B. (abrnt1) from CABERY, IL Reviewed on 3/11/2011...
This film had potential, but wastes it. What starts off as an interesting genre comedy soon turns into a badly done cliche filled mess. The monsters look cheesy, the actors mug for the camera & there's no point.
2 of 6 member(s) found this review helpful.
Natassia D. from NEW WINDSOR, NY Reviewed on 8/16/2010...
This movie was a lot funnier than it looks! Julianne Moore and David Duchovny are great together!
3 of 4 member(s) found this review helpful.
Christine B. from PALM CITY, FL Reviewed on 8/29/2009...
We thought it was hysterical but we are pretty big Duchovny fans.
3 of 4 member(s) found this review helpful.
Jennifer F. (KnJFisher) from GILLETT, PA Reviewed on 6/19/2008...
Evolution wasn't all that flashy of a movie and the plot wasn't too spectacular but the movie was very entertaining. I went out of it totally satisfied. The team of Orlando Jones, David Duchovny and Seann William Scott were hilarious. Jones especially. He was a scientist by day and a women's volleyball coach by night. Interesting career mix he has there! Throughout the movie those 3 made lots of funny jokes. I'm not going to go over the plot because I'm sure you can figure that out for yourself. In a nutshell, if you're looking for a few hours of entertainment give this movie a look.
6 of 6 member(s) found this review helpful.
Brian M. from RCH CUCAMONGA, CA Reviewed on 6/2/2008...
Wacky funny. O-r-d-e-r now.
2 of 2 member(s) found this review helpful.
Movie Reviews
Very light entertainment
Ashtar Command | Stockholm, Sweden | 12/13/2009
(3 out of 5 stars)
""Evolution" is a comedy starring David Duchovny, Dan Aykroyd, Seann William Scott and Julianne Moore (an otherwise serious actress). The man behind the movie is Ivan Reitman, which may explain why some of the monsters in "Evolution" look suspiciously similar to the ghosts in "Ghostbusters", another Reitman classic.
"Evolution" is very light entertainment. Every other joke contains juvenile references to sex, fecal matter or nude behinds. As usual, the main character has a funny African-American sidekick. Also as usual, there is a smart female scientist involved, plus a whole lot of really stupid army officers and...of course, a state governor! Frankly, we've seen this before. The high school students are also stereotyped, including the stupid blonde girl and the two fat dorks (who naturally turn out to be heroes).
Is this funny? I think it depends on what mood you're in when watching it. The movie isn't badly produced, and the actors are all top of the class. But yes, if you want more substance or don't get the parody part, you might want to scream!
The plot is fairly straight forward. A meteorite collides with Earth. Or is it Arizona? The slime of the meteorite quickly evolves into monstrous fish, flying dinosaurs and blue (!) ape-men with a penchant for skull bashing. The dinosaur flies into a shopping mould and creates the usual panic. The military are called in and attempt to stop the monsters with napalm, which naturally gets the exact opposite effect. Eventually, the world is saved when the two fat bozos reveal that the monsters can be defeated by spraying them with Head & Shoulders shampoo!
OK, that was a new angle. I think.
In my opinion, "Evolution" isn't the best movie, or even comedy-parody, around. But as light Friday night entertainment, I guess it's alright.