Resident Evil: Apocalypse

-Sony (2004)

Summary:

Zombies on the loose!

My Thoughts:

Resident Evil: Apocalypse is the second outing for this spawned-from-a-video-game franchise. The first Resident Evil's plot was a rather simple zombie affair in survival. Apocalypse takes the franchise from those simple, but flashy roots into a cartoony action fest. You better like action too, because Resident Evil: Apocalypse is going to cram it deep into every orifice.

The story, or rather the linked events of the plot, takes place right after the first film left off. Thankfully, there's a long winded narration in the title sequence for those who haven't seen it, or those too dumb to remember the events of the previous movie to know what’s going on. In Apocalypse, the zombies escape from the underground facility they were stuck in from the first film. I never saw that one coming! The Umbrella Corporation seals off Raccoon City leaving everyone inside to die, either from a zombie attack or from a nuclear bomb that's headed their way in several hours. Alice, played by the returning Milla Jovovich, is back with all kinds of Matrixy super powers. She's not alone, however. She gets some teammates to do cool martial arts poses with her. One of the biggest criticisms about the first Resident Evil film by fans of the video game series was that elements like essential characters, setting, or plot from the game never made it into the movie. This time around this is fixed with Jill Valentine from the video game series joining Alice. With a couple of other survivors they must try to get out of the city alive if they value their sexy lives.

The only way to escape is by following the directions of a Dr. Ashford who acts like a voyeur/game player. Ashford wants them to rescue his daughter before he will help them, though. Their escape is further complicated by the Nemesis creature, a cross between the Terminator and Frankenstein's monster, that is hunting down anyone in its way.

Apocalypse's plot is rather decent and did a great job of holding my interest in between all the colorful explosions. The character mix is a decent bunch, although I did cringe when the character L.J. appeared. At first he seemed like the “funny black person” character seen in such horrible films such as Thirteen Ghosts. The only difference here is that he actually is funny. The action is so over the top that it seems like a caricature of a film. Many of the scenes seem like excuses for super Matrix money shots, but its all part of the spectacle.

Fans of the game series will no doubt be pissed off with the “alteration” of Nemesis at the end. I, never had played the game, didn't really care, but I can see where it might be rather upsetting to those that love the games. Otherwise, I'm told there are a few little things dropped in the film that are ripped right from the series that are there just to please Resident Evil buffs.

Resident Evil: Apocalypse is a prime example of candy for your mind. I found myself completely entertained, but with left with an empty soul from all the explosions and violence on screen. As much as I'd rather not to admit it, Paul W.S. Anderson has crafted a fun, albeit mindless, film. The only major problem I had with Resident Evil: Apocalypse was the ending. It was less of a film than an extended television episode in its execution. They may have led a new franchise to its death or started something really great. I also must note that this is not a horror movie in any sense of the word. This is an action movie. I don't know why Mr. Anderson thought it'd be wise turning a horror franchise into an action franchise, but there you have it.

The DVD quality is top notch. The picture is super sharp and I haven't seen a DVD that has looked this good in a very long time. The 5.1 surround mix didn't disappoint either; it provided plenty of glass shattering, gun blazing excitement.

Extras:

This is one hell of a two disc edition for this film. You'd think Apocalypse was a lot more popular by the grand treatment of this edition. The case itself is a great looking slipcover that is essential to the case itself. If you take a look at it you'll know what I'm talking about.

The first disc contains a whopping three commentary tracks. I don't know anyone who would actually sit through each commentary track so I'll just tell you right now that if you want to hear how great and magical Resident Evil: Apocalypse is then watch the film with the commentary by Paul W.S. Anderson and Jeremy Bolt. You'd think you were watching Shakespeare by the way these guys brag about the film.

The second disc contains all the rest of the special features. The deleted scenes aren't all that great, but they are worth a viewing for those interested in such things. My favorite special feature was the outtakes that consist of the usual flubs and tom foolery found in such collections. The flubs and what not are worth a watch, because they are pretty amusing.

The section titled “Game Over, Resident Evil Reanimated” is a series of mini-documentaries. Some of the documentaries are a little less than informative and are little more than gushing over how great the film is, but a lot of them are pretty informative.

The rest of the special features, aside from the trailers, are more featurettes that go into a few aspects of the film such as the rise of female action stars. I found these rather decent at best. Overall though, the special features round out a pretty great DVD edition for Resident Evil: Apocalypse.

Score:

Film: 8

Extras:  8

Edition: 8

-Paul