Alien Species is a very cheap knock-off that was clearly surfing the wave caused by the massive blockbuster hit Independence Day (1996). This one was also released the same year as that one so that gives you an idea how fast it must have been devised, filmed and distributed. The speed of production shows, as this is a very shoddy and cheap effort, whose title also alluded to the previous year's sci-fi hit Species (1995). Well, it cannot be accused of not covering its bases that is one thing for sure. I quite enjoy rip-off films though so this was, if anything a slight plus point for this one and, in truth, Independence Day was a monumental load of gash and this minuscule budget movie was no more painful to watch. Just horrible in a different way.Huge alien space-crafts arrive in our orbit and attack immediately. Various human survivors wind up taking refuge in a cave which turns out to be the base of these extra-terrestrials. Lots of alien-invader based stuff happens off the back of this, including explosions and cow theft.Despite the budget, this one actually stars Charles Napier in an admittedly uninteresting role but it was still good to see him here nevertheless. It also sports some effects of the giant spaceships that were half-way decent. But in all other regards this is bargain basement stuff to the max. Its soundtrack was so tinny and awful it is hard for me to believe that this could have sounded remotely acceptable back in 1996. Sadly, this music is pretty relentlessly played throughout the movie as well. Its director is Peter Maris who I was already aware of on account of his debut movie being the sleazy thriller Delirium (1979) which made the infamous British video nasty list back in the early 80's. It was a good film though, quite significantly better than this one that is for sure. This one is also notable for ending on a very strange and ambiguous bit of dialogue that frankly posed more questions than it did any answers but, really, that's the least of this movies problems.

This is an unbelievable awful movie, with absolutely no sense or logic.I was even ashame of seeing it. Most definitely one of the worst movies I ever came across. How?!? How come it's possible such a lousy idea and why after reading the script they did the movie, instead of actually firing all the writers and people involved in it? That's a complete mystery for me, and I bet for all the viewers.I never saw a North Korean movie, but I bet it would not be worse. To be honest, my dog could do better, and I don't even have a dog.Any review of this title, can't contain any spoilers, because this title, has absolutely no screenplay, story or plot.At some point a guy has a bazooka in his car just because...Stupid but incredible remarkable!My only conclusion, is that probably no one, was getting paid in that movie Which if it's true, that's the only thing that was right in this film.Thank's anyway, I guess...But please don't keep practicing.Nelson Matos

When "Alien Species" began, I was surprised at the overall look of crappiness to the film. It was obviously shot as a direct to video film--with production values that you'd normally see in a high school production. The special effects are indeed special--and most look absolutely terrible. It's funny, but today most teenagers could make better effects on their laptop computers with rather inexpensive software. For 1996 it's not 100% terrible, but it was dated even for that time as well as incredibly cheap. The only thing the film has for it, such as it is, is the familiar face of Charles Napier. While he's a mostly one-note guy in this film (snarling and grouchy throughout--like he's struggling with a bad case of the gout), it did make a 100% crappy production look only 98% crappy. Why still 98%? Well, because his performance was THE BEST one in the film, as most of the actors could barely deliver their lines and the sound was pretty bad.The story begins with some 'scientists' (they look more like college undergrads) discovering that something has invaded our planet. What follows is a meandering film with LOTS of macho bull performances (almost like you only cast pro wrestlers in all the roles), explosions, crappy space ships and minimal excitement. Even for a bad movie buff like me, there is a dullness about it that made it more of a chore to watch than anything else.In many ways, this is like a modern day Ed Wood production. Even Wood could get Bela Lugosi and Lyle Talbot to star in "Plan 9 From Outer Space"--so "Alien Species" getting Napier in the movie is a lot less impressive when you think about it. Plus, the pie plates that were literally used for flying UFOs in "Plan 9" weren't really that much worse than the CG alien ships in this 1996 turkey. The overall viewing experience is something you just have to see to believe, as it's bad in every possible way. If more folks saw this film, it would most likely make IMDb's Bottom 100 list...it's that bad.

"A fleet of UFOs is circling the Earth and a top scientist races to discover their true intentions for the planet. When the UFOs begin an attack on Earth, the scientist finds himself thrown in with a sheriff and his deputies transporting some prisoners to jail. The unlikely group is forced to seek shelter from the attack in a nearby cave, not knowing how significant it is to the alien's plans," according to the DVD sleeve's synopsis.Peter Maris' "Alien Species" probably heated up a few 1990s video players, with its title and young cast. Star-billed supporting actors Charles Napier (as Sheriff Nate Bridges) and Hoke Howell haven't much to do; instead, the film focuses on "young talent". More seems to have been expected from Marc Robinson (as Paul Towers) and Jodi Seronick (as Carol Nelson) than the others; although, Kurt Paul (as Harlan Banks) is more enjoyable than not.The titillation level is relatively low, you show know; the sexiest scene is when Mr. Robinson carries Ashley Semrick (as Stacy Chambers) out of the cave, close to the end. ("Somewhere, over the rainbow, way up high…") Perhaps the all too quick and confusing conclusion would have been clearer in the "Coming Soon", but canceled, follow-up "Alien Species 2 - The Invasion." Oh, well, there is still time...