Wow... were there really racial stereotypes as bad as that in the movies less than ten years ago? Probably the most offensive thing out of many offensive things in Species II, Mykelti Williamson plays a man who can't utter a single sentence without it being a reference to himself as a "brother", or how much he wants some "bootie". There's even a reference to him having large genitals, and of course when he gets the girl, she has to be black. God forbid he should actually date a white girl, right? I'm actually amazed they didn't just stick a mop and bucket and a bowl of KFC in his hand and have done with it. An absolutely risible representation of black man in a trash movie.
Naturally, this being Hollywood then the strong (ie. white male) survive to dominate the picture. Sure, the women can talk about science, but they're there to be told to shut up and sit back so we can concentrate on Natasha Henstridge's breasts. Of course, in these sort of films the makers forget that someone gets to be an alpha male by brains as well as testosterone, so we get the thick as bricks Patrick (played by Justin Lazard) walking around doing whatever he pleases. Hey, he's a red blooded, wholesome American - he gets to do what he wants, right? That includes having the exploitative titillation of the entire premise (alien propagates via sex) subverted with an attempted rape. There's even a delightful cut scene instated on the DVD where he kills a transvestite. Lovely stuff.
In the opposite corner as the tolerable face of ego-led masculinity is Michael Madsen in a "what the Hell is he doing in this?" excursion. I see from IMDb that two straight-to-video sequels were released. As I can't think why on Earth I watched the first one, let alone the second, then I think I'll give them a miss. Truly repulsive film-making.
Oh, one last thing - look out for the glass when Eve (Henstridge) breaks out of her cage. It actually shatters before she touches it.
Naturally, this being Hollywood then the strong (ie. white male) survive to dominate the picture. Sure, the women can talk about science, but they're there to be told to shut up and sit back so we can concentrate on Natasha Henstridge's breasts. Of course, in these sort of films the makers forget that someone gets to be an alpha male by brains as well as testosterone, so we get the thick as bricks Patrick (played by Justin Lazard) walking around doing whatever he pleases. Hey, he's a red blooded, wholesome American - he gets to do what he wants, right? That includes having the exploitative titillation of the entire premise (alien propagates via sex) subverted with an attempted rape. There's even a delightful cut scene instated on the DVD where he kills a transvestite. Lovely stuff.
In the opposite corner as the tolerable face of ego-led masculinity is Michael Madsen in a "what the Hell is he doing in this?" excursion. I see from IMDb that two straight-to-video sequels were released. As I can't think why on Earth I watched the first one, let alone the second, then I think I'll give them a miss. Truly repulsive film-making.
Oh, one last thing - look out for the glass when Eve (Henstridge) breaks out of her cage. It actually shatters before she touches it.