Resident Evil: The Final Chapter is, as the title suggests, the last film in the Resident Evil movie series based on the super-popular Resident Evil video-games. Although the films have a similar plot, they are typically seen as a separate entity that expands the story of the games while simultaneously trying to replicate their familiar atmosphere. Unfortunately because it is extremely difficult to replicate the first person experience on film, the Resident Evil movies typically receive consistently negative reviews. However, despite this, it remains the most financially successful movie series to be based around video games ever.
The Final Chapter begins in the immediate aftermath of Resident Evil: Retribution, (released back in 2012). At the end of Retribution, there is a final fight in Washington D.C. where humanity takes its last stand, in an effort to prevent the T-virus monsters from getting into the White House. However, at the beginning of The Final Chapter, it is apparent that humanity did not win, since the only human to rise from the ashes is Alice (returning star Milla Jovovich). After stumbling around the wreckage of the fight, Alice is tracked by the Red Queen, the computer system from the Hive, where this whole mess began. The Red Queen informs Alice that she is willing to save humanity by guiding her, but Alice must return to the Hive and she only has a 48 hour window in which to do so.
Resident Evil: The Final Chapter pretty much follows along the same lines as the previous movies: a straight-to-the-point plot, kick ass action, and fast, frenetic pacing. Final Chapter will definitely get your blood pumping, as Alice never seems to get a break from all the T-Virus monsters–a staple in the series. Constantly on the move, Alice again flexes her muscles as a strong lead in that she seamlessly handles whatever is put in front of her, sometimes quite creatively.
This is a hugely enjoyable movie in every sense of the word, even if it doesn’t do anything new or even necessarily have a high rewatch value. There are scenes that are given great detail in accuracy of action to real life, proving that the film has the competency to takes its time, but there are also moments when Resident Evil: The Final Chapter falls short. For example, while the movie does an excellent job of bringing characters full circle from previous installments, viewers can quickly pick out who is disposable when it comes to the final stretch. This is unfortunate, as their deaths could be more dramatic if we were given more than quick sequences to learn about them, or even offered the opportunity to like them as people living in this apocalypse.
Resident Evil is known for its tense action scenes between characters, and the T-virus infected abominations, but especially if this is the last movie in the franchise, the scenes could have been slowed down so the viewer could enjoy them more. These sequences in particular have an Underworld-esque editing style to them, during which one can barely see what’s happening and spends more time interpreting via sound design and context than actually watching it play out on-screen.
This is a real shame, particularly considering Resident Evil: The Final Chapter mixes CGI and practical effects to create a more authentic feel. More justice could have been done to the story itself, if the audience were allowed to see more of the TLC that went into creating some of the monsters. For example, there is a scene between Alice and a T-Virus creature and for more than a split second, you are able to get a full look at the monster, which makes it both more terrifying and meaningful.
Overall, Resident Evil: The Final Chapter is not a profound, life-changing addition to the sub-genre, or even the series as a whole. But, if you’re a diehard fan or you just want a fun, not-at-all-serious night out, with some neat action or even just curious to see the end of the franchise, then this movie is for you. This is the kind of film that should just be enjoyed for what it is, not what it could be or isn’t, so you can have a good time if you can let go of everything–including plot and logic.
Catch Resident Evil: The Final Chapter in theaters nationwide from
Friday, January 27, 2017
WICKED RATING: 5/10
Director(s): Paul W.S. Anderson
Writer(s): Paul W.S. Anderson
Stars: Milla Jovovich, Ian Glen, Ali Larter
Studio/ Production Co: Capcom Company, Capcom Entertainment, Constantin Film International
Release date: January 27th, 2017
Language: English
Length: 106 min
