Review of Resident Evil: Extinction (2007) by Juan C — 04 Jun 2011

Another trilogy of 2007 but some parts are inventive.

Review circa 2007 - a bundle of nostalgia?

It certainly has been the blockbuster year of trilogies. Spider-man 3, Pirates of the Caribbean 3, Shrek 3, Oceans 13, The Bourne Ultimatum, Rush Hour 3. That's a lot for one year.

I'm glad to say that I had only caught the horrendous Spider-man 3 until now. And that was only because of some distant hope that Raimi and Bruce Campbell would save all.

I was however feeling the urge for a mainstream schlock this weekend. Perhaps residual feelings of those multiplex nights out. It certainly has been some time since theatre ground had been stepped upon. It appeared to be Resident Evil or Eastern Promises, with Black Books having an outside chance. Some things seem to be built for the big screen.

The film itself I rate as above average. It seemed to have been panned with generic critique. I certainly in no way feel that a masterful classic was or would be witnessed, but the first two-thirds of the film are of high quality. If it had a conclusion of any worth it could have been of stellar proportions.

I certainly liked the look of the zombies as well as the classic Matrix throwback that Milla's character had become. The white medical suits were also very cool. The highlight though was the uber-clichà (C) villain. And I'm not talking about the doctor who really played a much larger role than he should have. The King of Villains was the sunglass wearing male model. I can quite categorically say that his stage presence lacked any of the hallmark traits a villain should possess. He had such a meaty role but was so terrible! How do you screw up being formulaically evil? It was quite amazing.

I certainly enjoy the mainstream trip to the theatre. It's one of those afflictions that cannot easily be cured. Hollywood appears to be in a tailspin over the last few weeks that revenues have fallen relative to the comparable week to last year. So I will do my bit to help. However, in my opinion after the "tent-pole" productions, not much of worth has followed. I guess the Oscar season of pretentiousness follows in-between this dumping ground of mediocre fair, so I'm not sure if that is a plus or not. At least we are drawing ever so closer to There Will Be Blood. Paul T. Anderson will not fail me.

My next ultimate movie experience day will hopefully include a combination of The Hudsucker Proxy and Barton Fink. Now that could only be magic. I hope.