We don't always get things right on the first attempt.
Some great ideas fuel some solid inspiration, but -- no matter how much time, effort, and money gets put into some projects -- first attempts don't always rise to the level that perhaps they should. When we're dealing with films, I don't mean this to say that the project was a misfire; rather, I think there have been a great many productions that missed the mark just enough that audiences -- that tend to be forgiving -- will look the other way when it comes to short-sightedness or even outright blemishes. For far too long, genre fans have accepted what we get -- probably because we go into so many affairs realizing that we and our films are society's red-headed stepchildren anyway -- and we take it all with a grin, wanting to be happy with something lesser instead of wishing for something greater.
That's my take on Species (1995). It was a series of very interesting ideas -- along with a fabulous cast -- that just didn't quite reach high enough under director Roger Donaldson's stewardship. No, no, and no: I'm not blaming anyone in particular involved with the production at any level. I'm merely saying that it never quite felt complete as a fully realized creation, giving the whole concept the feel of a Science Fiction hand-me-down. Too many bits and pieces felt too derivative of greater features, and I think all of this stood in the way of having me appreciate it as much as I should have back in its day.
Still, it had enough of 'The Right Stuff' to establish itself as one of SciFi and Fantasy's lesser franchises, producing a handful of sequels for those willing to reap some small rewards. None of them were nearly as fascinating as the original, and that's why I'd suggest that Species is exactly the kind of intellectual property that's ripe for a modern re-invention. Not a continuation. Not a reboot, per se. Why not just pick up its ideas and give it all another go?
Some great ideas fuel some solid inspiration, but -- no matter how much time, effort, and money gets put into some projects -- first attempts don't always rise to the level that perhaps they should. When we're dealing with films, I don't mean this to say that the project was a misfire; rather, I think there have been a great many productions that missed the mark just enough that audiences -- that tend to be forgiving -- will look the other way when it comes to short-sightedness or even outright blemishes. For far too long, genre fans have accepted what we get -- probably because we go into so many affairs realizing that we and our films are society's red-headed stepchildren anyway -- and we take it all with a grin, wanting to be happy with something lesser instead of wishing for something greater.
That's my take on Species (1995). It was a series of very interesting ideas -- along with a fabulous cast -- that just didn't quite reach high enough under director Roger Donaldson's stewardship. No, no, and no: I'm not blaming anyone in particular involved with the production at any level. I'm merely saying that it never quite felt complete as a fully realized creation, giving the whole concept the feel of a Science Fiction hand-me-down. Too many bits and pieces felt too derivative of greater features, and I think all of this stood in the way of having me appreciate it as much as I should have back in its day.
Still, it had enough of 'The Right Stuff' to establish itself as one of SciFi and Fantasy's lesser franchises, producing a handful of sequels for those willing to reap some small rewards. None of them were nearly as fascinating as the original, and that's why I'd suggest that Species is exactly the kind of intellectual property that's ripe for a modern re-invention. Not a continuation. Not a reboot, per se. Why not just pick up its ideas and give it all another go?
While the film didn't garner any acting award nominations from the 1996 Saturn Awards (not all that much a big surprise, was it?), the project did score a solid nod in the categories of 'Best Make-Up,' 'Best Special Effects,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film' ... and that definitely bodes well should anyone or any studio be interested in going back to the well, as they say. At the very least, you'd have to bring as much to the table with a revisitation; otherwise why really make the effort? If you can't at least match what was done before, then why bother?
As always, thanks for reading ... and live long and prosper!
-- EZ
-- EZ
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