Resident Evil just won't stay down

Resident Evil, the popular video game franchise, appears to have found a new lease on life, despite not having remained dormant since its last installment. The movie series has embraced the tradition of resurrecting beloved characters and bringing new adaptations to the big screen. From the crude and over-the-top Paul W. S. Anderson's initial take to the more subdued yet faithful Welcome To Raccoon City, the franchise has now received a fresh, funnier, and more focused treatment.

Zach Cregger's Resident Evil leans into the darker, meaner, and smaller aspects of the story, aiming to present a more engaging and entertaining experience than a mere recreation or a social commentary.

The film's protagonist, Bryan (played by Austin Abrams), a medical courier, finds himself in the middle of a zombie apocalypse after his delivery goes awry. Trapped in a personal hell of his own making, Bryan must confront an army of mutated creatures and navigate through a series of increasingly dire situations. Austin Abrams brings a charismatic edge to his role, effectively capturing the essence of a man pushed to his limits by the horrors around him.

While Bryan has minor interactions with Umbrella Corporation operatives and scientists, the majority of the movie focuses on his solitary struggle against the undead.

Cregger's direction in Resident Evil showcases a keen understanding of the source material and its potential for terror. With a lean, scrappy approach, the movie leans heavily on emotional realism and a sense of claustrophobic dread. By focusing on a single protagonist, the film manages to avoid unnecessary distractions and instead delivers a more intimate and gripping tale of survival against insurmountable odds.

The film's first act, in particular, is a standout, as Bryan's quest takes a disastrous turn, leading to a series of escalating complications.

However, Cregger's film isn't without its flaws. As the story expands and takes on a larger scope, it struggles to maintain its previous momentum and focus. The special effects, which were initially impressive, start to fall short as they become more pixelated and unwieldy. Furthermore, the film occasionally veers towards overly sentimental and melodramatic territory, detracting from the overall tone and atmosphere established in its earlier scenes.

Despite these shortcomings, Resident Evil remains a commendable effort that successfully captures the essence of its source material, offering fans a thrilling, gory ride with familiar characters and fresh perspectives.