Some movies are an unqualified success. Others try to make themselves out to be. Take "Evolution," Ivan Reitman's first foray into sci-fi comedy since "Ghostbusters II." It's a fairly standard and predictable summer movie, yet it spawned a short-lived cartoon series (produced by Reitman) and a video game. Only in Hollywood.
A meteor makes its home right here on Earth and brings with it quickly evolving life forms. Of course these never-before-seen creatures intend to make the planet their permanent home (and not to our benefit) unless a small group of scientific minds along with a failed firefighter (Sean William Scott) can do something about it. Their problem lies with the military that refuses to allow them access and time is quickly running out.
"Evolution" has a one key problem. It doesn't know what it wants to be. The original script was actually a serious drama based off of a scientific theory that every time a meteor of monumental size hits our planet, it brings with it new life. Ivan Reitman rewrote most of that script, but almost all of the "that makes absolutely no sense" science remains and it takes up far too much screen time. In fact, you almost have to believe they take the audience for idiots a few times as theories get repeated multiple times.
When the movie is on, it's really on. A few scenes are just hilarious, but it's too sporadic. Yes, it can be compared to "Ghostbusters" on a few levels, but without the perfect chemistry those actors had, it does fall flat comparatively. Scott and Orlando Jones take over most of the comedy and Julianne Moore is funny as the klutzy CDC representative. Out of place is David Duchovny who just seems lost in a few scenes and takes the role a little too seriously.
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