Today’s quick review: Resident Evil: Apocalypse. Alice (Milla Jovovich) escapes from the Umbrella Corporation lab in Raccoon City only to find that a T-virus outbreak has overrun the city with zombies. Teaming up with fellow survivors Jill Valentine (Sienna Guillory) and Carlos Olivera (Oded Fehr), Alice cuts a deal with Umbrella scientist Charles Ashford (Jared Harris): rescue his daughter (Sophie Vavasseur) in exchange for a way out of the city.
Resident Evil: Apocalypse is an action horror movie and the second entry in the Resident Evil series. Resident Evil: Apocalypse chronicles the aftermath of the first movie, as the T-virus released from Umbrella’s underground lab spreads throughout Raccoon City. The movie trades the suspenseful atmosphere and raw horror of the original for more over-the-top action. The result is a schlocky, violent action flick that’s entertaining but not very deep.
Resident Evil: Apocalypse is where the series begins to stretch its legs. Freed from the plot threads of the first movie, Apocalypse puts its action front and center. Notable changes include more screen time for the zombies, new mutant variants for the survivors to fight, and a secondary heroine in Jill. The changes can be seen most dramatically with Alice, who now sports enhanced speed and strength thank to Umbrella’s experiments on her.
Resident Evil: Apocalypse has the freedom to indulge in more elaborate action sequences, but they come at the cost of horror. Gone are the cramped environments, bizarre mysteries, and brutal kills of the first movie. Apocalypse still delivers its share of grotesque monsters and violence, but it’s not trying as hard to scare the viewer. The movie makes a similar exchange with its story, opting for a simpler structure that supports the action.
Resident Evil: Apocalypse is a decent pick for fans of action for its own sake. Neither its stunts nor its story are groundbreaking, but they do make for a fun spectacle for anyone willing to go along for the ride. However, those who prefer the suspenseful side of the horror genre will find Apocalypse to be a step in the wrong direction. It has the monsters and gore it needs for pure horror, but not the delicate touch.
For action horror with a better story and a bit more polish, try Underworld. For a more grounded take on a zombie apocalypse, try 28 Days Later or its sequel. For a zombie movie that combines action with a more serious story, try I Am Legend. For action horror with some of the same appeal, try Priest.
6.2 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 6.5 for fun action wrapped around a serviceable plot.