Jump scares and weak plots make for an unimpressive franchise conclusion.
Picking up immediately after the events in Resident Evil: Retribution, Alice (Milla Jovovich) is the only survivor of what was meant to be humanity's final stand against the undead. Now, she must return to where the nightmare began - The Hive in Raccoon City, where the Umbrella Corporation is gathering its forces for a final strike against the only remaining survivors of the apocalypse
The first five minutes contain approximately 180 jump scares, enough to put the audience on edge. After that in becomes more action than horror and while the action sequences are well choreographed they can’t carry the film. Milla Jovovich is a solid female lead, but has very little dialogue. Iain Glen plays many incarnations of himself and his over the top pantomime performance fits right in with the story.
The script and direction are weak, but the SFX are strong. Ruby Rose, Fraser James, Eoin Macken and Ali Larter round out the supporting cast, and all work well with what little they are given. This is most certainly not the end of this franchise, the ending sequence leaves it wide open for more films, but I certainly won’t be running back for more.
Overall it’s not terrible, I’ve seen far worse, but it’s certainly not good.
1.5 Stars
Review by Benjamin Maio Mackay
Screening courtesy of Sony Pictures.