Resident Evil

“Resident Evil” is the latest in a long line of films that have been converted from computer games. You may be thinking that the only good computer game adaptation was the funky “Mortal Kombat”, in which case you’ll be pleased to hear that this is directed by the self-same man, the ultra-talented Warwick Film School Graduate, Paul Anderson. And, like “Mortal Kombat”, this is a thrill-packed, high-octane horror flick with style to spare.

In the not-too-distant future, Umbrella Corp, the biggest multinational on the planet, is carrying out illicit biochemical research in a massive underground facility dubbed “The Hive”. Of course, a dreaded genetic virus is soon let loose and all the inhabitants end up dead. When Special Forces arrive to find out what went wrong they encounter two amnesiacs and a shady cop, and it’s not long before everyone ends up in mortal peril at the hands of all kinds of zombified nasties. What saves “Resident Evil” from being a run-of-the-mill zombie film is the fact that it uses tension and mystery to carry itself rather than the traditional bullets and gore. Indeed, there’s less than 5 minutes of machine gun fire and grim faces, and many of the violent deaths are conveyed merely by facial expressions.

Jovovich does a good job as Alice, one of the amnesiacs, whilst Rodriguez is never less than adequate as a soldier under pressure. The otherwise no-name cast was a shrewd move because although some die early and some later, it leaves you guessing who's going to go and when. Ultimately, “Resident Evil” succeeds in its mission to scare you, entertain you, and leave the door open for an inevitable sequel. Don’t miss it.

Christopher Clark