Resident Evil - Apocalypse (Special Edition)

Rating:
Summary: Not a horror movie, but a decent action flick.
Review: Resident Evil: Apocalypse (Alexander Witt, 2004)

Resident Evil: Apocalypse may be Alexander Witt's first directorial credit, but that doesn't mean he doesn't have more than enough experience under his belt to direct an action flick. His previous credits include work on such things-blow-up-nicely movies as Pirates of the Caribbean, XXX, Gladiator, and Lethal Weapon 3. So you can go into Apocalypse knowing you're going to get, at least, a solid action flick.

Then you take a look at the cast. Milla Jovovich returns, of course, but much of the rest of the cast are also known for solid action-film work; there's Oded Fehr (The Mummy), Jared Harris (b.Monkey), Sienna Guillory (Kiss Kiss Bang Bang), Razaaq Adoti (Black Hawk Down), and Zack Ward (Freddy vs. Jason), among others. Getting away from action films, Sandrine Holt (Black Robe) and Mike Epps (Strays) also jump out of the cast. So you know you have a well-acted solid action flick.

Unfortunately, that's all you get. It's really kind of depressing that one of the few games actually capable of scaring you if played in the right conditions doesn't actually merit a horror film, but there you go. Jovovich reprises her role from the first film, and is here backed up by game characters Jill Valentine (Guillory) and Carlos Oliviera (Fehr). The basic plot of the movie is that the three of them, along with a changing roster of hangers-on, have to both survive the city's undead and get out of the now-quarantined Raccoon City for reasons that the viewer's clued into about halfway through the movie. The result, as noted in the rating, is non-stop violence.

Given that, it's surprising how well the film does work on that level. The situation is quite likely to remind you of Predator, arguably the best film Schwarzenegger ever made (and definitely the best film Gov. Ventura ever made); Apocalypse suffers in comparison because the characters don't have anywhere near as much depth, but the action sequences never fail to be just as much fun. I just wish it had more of the outright creepy feel that made Resident Evil 2 (the game) so wonderful. ** ½

Rating:
Summary: Hollywood at its worst!
Review: The first movie was very good although it did not have the same impact as the game did. This sequal however was the worst piece of storytelling I have seen on screen.

Don't waste your money...

Rating:
Summary: killed it.
Review: What the hell is this garbage? Are you people insane? I don't care if you liked the videogame, this is supposed to be a movie. The dim-witted plot is carried out so drudgingly, it bores me to tears. How superficial can a film be? This kind of trash is only suitable for possessed retards with anxiety dysfunctions. The movie deserves not only the lowest rating, but it should be submitted for the Golden Turkey Award, where it would gladly see some glory.

For the parents with genuine concerns that gullibly think videogame violence is the root of leading teens astray, and decided to connect this movie to the former, this piece of unadulterated garbage is a three-pointer for them.

Rating:
Summary: Is this for real? A GOOD sequel???
Review: Yep, it's for real. There have been very few times in my life where a sequel to a movie was as good to me as the first movie, but this is one of those times.

It was great from start to finish! Tons of action, excellent special effects, and great storyline. A previous reviewer mentioned that you might better understand and enjoy this movie if you've played the video games, and I will admit that he has a very valid point.

I am a big fan of the games, so this movie was perfect in my eyes. I thought they did a fantastic job, especially with Nemesis. I swear it was like he walked out of the video game and into the movie. The special effects make-up guys are unbelieveably talented!

If you're a RE fan, you won't be disappointed.