Resident Evil movies

Resident Evil Part 2: The list goes on

Due to popular demand and serving as a continuation to the previous Resident Evil post here on Indie Gala, we’ve decided to explore the remaining Resident Evil films in a separate post. Because of that, we called this post Resident Evil Part 2: Movies so bad, they’re good. After all, there are 4 more movies to discuss and write about, so bear with us. And as always, we hope you’ll like it as well. Here it goes.

As I mentioned in the previous post, my husband and I had a Resident Evil marathon night (some 3 months ago). Hence, the vivid and disturbing memories of the Resident Evil movies. They’re still fresh in my mind, almost 3 months later. Resident Evil And Resident Evil: Apocalypse’s reception was a fine topic to write about. But here’s Resident Evil part 2: Movies so bad, they’re good.

Alice

Resident Evil Part 2: Movie binge

But what about the rest of them? There are 4 more movies from the franchise, and certainly, all of them have Milla Jovovich in the leading role. So, let’s talk about them. In honor of the newly released Resident Evil 3 video game, let’s take a closer look at the remaining 4 movies.

Resident Evil: Extinction, Afterlife, Retribution, and Resident Evil: The Final Chapter.

First impressions?

First of all, let me just mention (once again) that I haven’t played any of the video games. Ever. Although, my trustworthy source on that matter (my husband), says that even the video games also heavily declined in quality as time went by. If not more (according to him) but I digress.

Secondly, I must also mention that only three of the remaining 4 Resident Evil movies are directed by Paul W.S. Anderson. So, you would think that they would get better in quality? No, I’m afraid not.

resident evil movies

Biggest pet peeves

However, my biggest pet peeve (as a movie fan) is the lack of consistency in the plot, basic logic and of course overall quality. I won’t even get into the depiction of the characters, or how fateful the story-lines are to the source material. Because I’ll leave that to the gaming fans.

And thirdly, I hated how the movie franchise transitioned from a straight-up horror bonanza (in the first two movies) to poorly made action-flicks (in the remaining movies of the film series). The overall quality suffered as a result, and what is now left of the franchise, are mindless action scenes with even dumber set pieces. And seems they’re not that cleverly connected.

Resident Evil Part 2: Guilty pleasures

Some might call them (the movies) guilty pleasure, but certainly, I call them „so bad, that they’re good movies“. Just put your logical side of the brain to sleep, and you might enjoy them. Also, some might even consider that statement as a compliment, but I do not. Maybe I have higher standards, and maybe it’s just my common sense. You be the judge of that.

For instance, Extinction is a straight-up, glorified road movie. I’m sorry, but it just is. The final destination is Alaska, and guess what? Eventually, when they get there, the movie spends all but 15 minutes on that location. That’s right. Alice for no reason at all flies back to Los Angeles and ends up in an abandoned prison with a handful of survivors.

resident evil movies

Wasted opportunities

And let me just say… Kim Coates and Wentworth Miller are wasted in Resident Evil: Afterlife. Much like plenty of other great actors were wasted in the previous movies. It’s a common thread, isn’t it? Not utilizing the fine actors to their full potential, and sadly reducing them to minor and worthless characters.

However, that seems the least of their worries. The simulation scenes in Resident Evil: Retribution seemed to drag on forever and ever, while the climax of The Final chapter felt, again… Like a wasted opportunity. Although there was an end to the whole ordeal, it somehow left me without a sense of contentment. I felt as if I was left empty-handed, after investing so much time in actually watching these movies.

On a happier note

Likewise, I must also mention something else here at the end of this post. Just to try and end this post on a positive note. You can certainly see the difference in the style and the direction between Paul W.S. Anderson and the two other directors (Alexander Witt and Russell Mulcahy). And although Anderson was given poor scripts on handful occasions, you can see his semi-artistic input in his movies.

You can single out the movies that are directed by him, even without missing the intro. Probably that’s a good thing. A style so personal, that is recognizable although it’s put in such awful finished products. Not that many directors can pull it off. Am I right?

Your thoughts?

What are your thoughts on the remaining 4 Movies? Tell us in the comments below.

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