Director Paul W.S. Anderson
Genre Action | Horror | Sci-Fi
Cast Milla Jovovich, Iain Glen, Ali Larter, Shawn Roberts
Rating R
Release Date January 27th, 2017
“Picking up immediately after the events in Resident Evil: Retribution, humanity is on its last legs in Washington D.C. As the only survivor of what was meant to be humanity’s final stand against the undead hordes, Alice must return to where the nightmare began - Raccoon City, where the Umbrella Corporation is gathering its forces for a final strike against the only remaining survivors of the apocalypse.”
Resident Evil: The Final Chapter is the conclusion (supposedly) to the film franchise based on the videogames. The Final Chapter is the 7th film in the live-action series of films (this is not counting any of the animated versions). Paul W.S. Anderson returns to the director's chair, having now directed all but 2 of the films, although he did write all of the screenplays. The cast includes Milla Jovovich, Iain Glen, Ali Larter, and Shawn Roberts.
Resident Evil: The Final Chapter delivers fans what they were asking for, a respectable conclusion to one of the most successful videogames-turned-film franchises. Was it groundbreaking? Of course not, but who honestly expected it to be? I mean really, it is the culmination of a series of films based on a videogame franchise. Generally that alone is enough to keep expectations at a realistic level. But at the same time, I grew up playing the videogames and I really enjoyed all of the films. Although I do have a special place in my heart for Resident Evil: Afterlife, mainly because The Executioner was such a badass. In my opinion The Final Chapter serves as the perfect sendoff because of how well the story comes together, and I think that alone will please casual and hardcore fans alike. I was able to check out the film in IMAX 3D and it was worth it, non-stop action with some very impressive 3D effects. The score/soundtrack was solid but not quite up to par with a few of the earlier films.
The acting in Resident Evil: The Final Chapter is solid and more than good enough for a film like this. From an overall casting standpoint compared to the other films in the franchise this one is probably middle-of-the-road for acting talent (the first film had Michelle Rodrigues who was born for films like this). Milla Jovovich reprises her role as Alice once again, and she is easily the biggest contributor as far as acting is concerned. Plus she is very easy on the eyes, so that also helps. I feel like at this point Jovovich has become iconic on-screen, similar to what Kate Beckinsale has developed into for the Underworld franchise. My second favorite character is Wesker, played by Shawn Roberts. Roberts again delivers a solid performance as the all-business hard to kill character, although I was a little disappointed with his somewhat limited screen time. Iain Glen, in the role of Dr. Isaacs, was the focus alongside Jovovich, which makes sense considering the significance of his character. Glen is believable and never comes across as too corny, which I can certainly appreciate. Although she struggles as an actress, Ali Larter looked the part as usual and it was nice to see her back. I actually really enjoyed Ever Anderson in her role as young Alice/The Red Queen. This was her very first role and she may have quite the career ahead of her. Fun fact, she has good genes and plenty of open doors as she is the daughter of star Milla Jovovich and director Paul W.S. Anderson. The multitalented Jovovich and Anderson were married in 2009, her 3rd marriage, and they have 2 children together. Ruby Rose from Orange is the New Black was a nice addition to the cast as well and definitely worth mentioning.The rest of the supporting cast was serviceable.
Resident Evil: The Final Chapter is a popcorn action flick, complete with cool vehicles, good enough acting, and hordes of undead awaiting a violent demise. To pick apart this film is to admit you were never a fan of the videogames and if that is in fact the case, your opinion really doesn't hold all that much weight. Sorry, but that’s just the way it is. I enjoyed Resident Evil: The Final Chapter just as I enjoyed each film in the franchise that came before it. It was fun and worth the price of a movie ticket especially if you have the opportunity to see it in IMAX 3D. If you're a fan of the franchise definitely check this one out, and if you are a casual fan or simply someone who enjoys fun action flicks, you could do worse. Recommended.
