Today’s quick review: Resident Evil: Extinction. Years after a T-virus outbreak wiped out almost all life on Earth, the few human survivors struggle to stay alive in a zombie-infested wasteland. Alice (Milla Jovovich), an escaped Umbrella Corporation test subject, helps Claire Redfield (Ali Larter) lead a band of survivors to safety. But her actions reveal her location to Dr. Isaacs (Iain Glen), an Umbrella scientist who wants to continue testing.
Resident Evil: Extinction is an action horror movie and the third entry in the Resident Evil series. Extinction continues the progression of the first two movies, moving from a quarantined city to postapocalyptic wasteland. The setting gives the movie new options to explore, with new zombie threats, new combat environments, and a larger group of survivors. However, Extinction strays even further from the series’ survival horror roots.
Resident Evil: Extinction skews more toward science fiction than the previous two films. The enhancements given to Alice by Umbrella have evolved into full-blown psycic powers. New experiments by Dr. Isaacs continue to push the envelope of what’s possible. Extinction’s sci-fi elements let it expand on Umbrella’s shady activities, showing more of the company’s plan. Alice’s powers also let the movie indulge in even more over-the-top fight scenes.
Resident Evil: Extinction’s main appeal comes from its action. The core formula hasn’t changed: zombies, weapons, and a dash of superhuman powers for good measure. The story touches on some interesting ideas but doesn’t explore them in depth. Claire and the survivors provide a nice glimpse into the wasteland setting, but their story takes a back seat to Alice’s. Umbrella’s machinations are surprisingly worthwhile and give the movie a decent payoff.
Fans of the Resident Evil series will want to give Extinction a shot. The movie is another lateral move for the franchise, trading raw horror for new story ideas and the chance to push the action even farther. Viewers in the mood for some schlocky action should look no farther. Those who are hoping for a richer story or real scares should keep looking. For a more sober dystopian science fiction story, try Children of Men, Book of Eli, or The Road.
6.3 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 6.5 for solid action and some interesting, if underdeveloped, ideas.