OK, so "Evolution" does have a few things in common with "Men in Black." And it might have even more things in common with "Ghostbusters."

And perhaps it is a little too full of questionable humor, which includes a couple of jokes — both verbal and sight gags — that might even make proctologists blanch (that's both a caution and a hint).

But because of the recent glut of brainless action films, too-dire dramas and much-cruder-than-this comedies, this tongue-in-cheek, science-fiction film couldn't have come at a better time.

This may not be the most original material (among other inspirations are "Galaxy Quest," the "Jurassic Park" movies and TV's "The X-Files"), but at least "Evolution" is funny. And these days, that's really saying something.

As such, this marks something of a comeback for filmmaker Ivan Reitman, who last surfaced in a directorial capacity with a pair of disastrous duds (1997's "Fathers' Day" and 1998's "Six Days, Seven Nights").

Here he returns to "Ghostbusters" territory for a tale about an alien life-form threatening to take over the Earth. The invasion begins when a meteor crashes in the Arizona desert, leaking alien goo that begins to multiply into one-celled organisms.

Lucky enough to stumble onto this Find of the Century are community college professors Ira Kane and Harry Block (David Duchovny and Orlando Jones), who have visions of Nobel Prizes dancing in their heads. So, they decide to keep it to themselves for the time being . . . although they may not be able to keep it a secret for very long.

That's because a U.S. Army general (Ted Levine) has arrived and cordoned off the scene, even from the two scientists. Also, the seemingly harmless alien protoplasm has begun evolving into rather malicious forms. And though they are not accustomed to the planet's oxygen-rich atmosphere, they soon begin adapting.

So it's up to Ira and Harry to stop the sharp-toothed aliens from multiplying any further. But they're going to need a lot of help, which they get from a klutzy epidemiologist (Julianne Moore) and a would-be fireman (Seann William Scott) who nearly became the meteor's first victim.

OK, this may not be the most high-brow stuff, but there are several laugh-out-loud moments, some of which come when Duchovny mocks his "X-Files" persona and concept.

Director Reitman wisely keeps the plot going at breakneck speed, so you may not notice the gaping holes in the plot. And the digital special effects and creature creations (by wiz Phil Tippetts and his crew) are dazzling.

As for the performances, Duchovny may be the star, but Jones is a hoot as the wisecracking member of the group, while Moore displays a surprising flair for physical comedy, and Scott isn't nearly as annoying as usual.

"Evolution" is rated PG-13 for crude humor (sight gags and verbal quips involving sex and flatulence), violence (alien attacks and gunfire), scattered profanity, alien goo and brief partial male nudity. Running time: 102 minutes.

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