Flick Flak: Resident Evil: Afterlife
Resident Evil: Afterlife
Director: Paul W.S. Anderson
Starring: Milla Jovovich, Ali Larter, Wentworth Miller
15, 96mins
You can keep your big blue men: this is what 3D is all about. Not remakes of Braveheart set in space, and certainly not retrofitting films to have a few token scenes of pointless 3D. RE: Afterlife has been designed and filmed in 3D and, despite my huge reservations about said technological 'advance' in cinema, looks awesome.
For me, splattery action/horror is where 3D should stay, as done like this it works. Bullets, shuriken stars, giant axes, sunglasses (that's right) and blood all fly out of the screen, and there are also more artful uses of 3D - witness the opening credits as the titles shift behind people on a busy pavement, rain falls away from us as we look down on a sea of umbrellas...then a zombie chomps down on someone's neck. Okay so 'artful' never lasts long in this film, but there are still impressive uses of the 3D technology.
I'll be completely honest with you; I do not know what has happened in the series so far. Apparently this is the fourth film in the series, but I'm sure I remember more. The first one was great, the second was set in Racoon City? The third in a desert, with lots of crows? Then I thought I'd missed one before the current incarnation. If anyone can help me out please comment! Anyhow, I'm not sure it's vital with regards to the plot... Afterlife picks up with the globe devastated by the T-Virus, most of the population either walking dead or their snacks, and Alice (Milla Jovovich) the only human ever to successfully bond with the Virus, hence her superpowers.
Cue her (technically) single-handed attack on the sinister Umbrella Corporation and subsequent search for survivors in the near-mythical haven of Arcadia. The Resident Evil film franchise has constantly ignored the games on which they are based in terms of plot and this one is no exception, instead shoe-horning in elements of games (this time Code Veronica and Resident Evil 5) with no explanation of how these developments have come about. For instance, this outing includes zombies with fold-out tentacle mouths, and the giant 'Executioner' with his inexplicably big axe. Despite playing fast and loose with the games' storylines, both media share a disdain for conventional storytelling, opting instead for new bizarre shocks around each corner. It makes little sense, but it is entertaining!
Another trait the film shares with the games is extremely clunky dialogue and barely likeable characters. Jovovich's Alice is not the most interesting or likeable, but credit to the actress, in a highly unbelievable film she delivers lines with sincerity. Ali Larter spends the entire film looking A) angry, B) out of breath and C) smoulderingly sexy, or any combination of the three. Not a great range but she is good at what she does. Plus her acting range is made to seem comparable to Cate Blanchett by Wentworth Prison Break Miller. Now, I love Prison Break and so have a soft spot for 'whispering' Wentworth, but it has to be said that he seems to have one acting mode: muttering in a monotone voice, looking grim with the occasional wry smile. And, to be fair, exuding a fair amount of charisma. Could this film be a step up into (popular) film for him, a step away from Prison Break? He doesn't get off on the best foot, as Chris Redfield spends his first scenes in a prison, in a high security cell. Apparently his skills aren't transferable, (or he didn't have the cell's blueprints tattooed on his back), as he needs help to get out. However he comes good soon after, showing the group how they can escape the zombie-besieged prison.
Most importantly for a zombie action film there are plenty of both to be had in Afterlife, and the action is of a high standard. Most action scenes are genuinely enhanced by the 3D design, but aside from that they are often stylishly shot using slow motion and acrobatic wire-work, the zombie (and more creative monster) special effects are good, and the film is thumpingly exciting for the most part. It does fall down quite quickly when the action stops, but it seems that the writers were generally aware that no amount of character development was going to create an emotional heart to the film and so largely bypassed such gaps in the action.
Against the odds then this is a really decent action film, with stylish fights, spectacular action, some...appropriate performances, and probably the best use of 3D I've yet seen.
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2 Comments – Postiwch sylw
CLICdan
Rhoddwyd sylw 20 mis yn ôl - 14th September 2010 - 18:15pm
Two things:
1) They made ANOTHER Resident Evil film. WHY?!?!??
2) You write great reviews. Make sure you enter this:
http://cliconline.co.uk/en/news/competition-val-epic-win/02728.html
(The same goes for anyone else who fancies a free DVD!)
neilramsden
Rhoddwyd sylw 20 mis yn ôl - 14th September 2010 - 21:48pm
Haha yep yet another. Probably a new trilogy on the way I'd say? And based on the strength of this one I'd watch the next! Thanks for the comment! Competition looks good, I have indeed entered.
Also, it might not be the right film, but I approve of the photo up top. Very cool.