NEW BLOOD: RESIDENT EVIL THE FINAL CHAPTER

RESIDENT EVIL: THE FINAL CHAPTER
Sony/Screen Gems
2017 Color
106 Mins.
Horror/Action/Sci-Fi
Milla Jovovich, Iain Glen, Ali Larter, William Levy and Ruby Rose star.
Written and Directed by Paul W.S. Anderson
Rated R for language, violence and gore.

The Resident Evil franchise has been met with a lot of criticism since day one. Some of it warranted, no doubt. But despite the overall goofiness I've been a fan since day one. I consider the original film to be the best video game movie ever made (not a high bar) and with one of the most exciting cliffhangers of any movie ever made. It was followed up by an overly entertaining guilty pleasure in Apocalypse. Super action packed and filled with "game" dialogue and overly ridiculous characters. Apocalypse lacked the serious goods of the original but made up for it with spot on unintentional funnies. Extinction followed and brought the film franchise back with a gritty Mad Max edge. Extra gore with some bad ass action scenes and a truly unique cliffhanger. It had me jonesing for the next chapter. When I first learned of Afterlife and the fact that it was bringing back the original creator I was so overly excited. The film somewhat delivered on it's promise. It's certainly the most stylish of the bunch and loaded with tons of the franchise's best visuals. But the story and dialogue are lacking and the film only really works as a guilty pleasure. But that did nothing to tame my excitement for Retribution especially after learning some of the originals popular characters would be returning. Well I can honestly say that it was truly a wretched experience. Sure it looked great and the score is amazing but that god awful story line that doesn't move the franchise forward at all was pathetic. But in the end I was still excited for the next entry especially after learning it was the final chapter and they were ready to go all in. Well I'm happy to say that I wasn't disappointed. 

This supposed final chapter gleefully ramps up the ante delivering explosive action set pieces, awe inspiring stunt work and bringing the franchise back to it's more serious, scary, intense roots. The film centers on Alice as she learns of an airborne anti virus that can rid the world of the T Virus and everything it's created. On one final mission she gathers a mostly nameless( mostly useless) group of rag tag survivors to face down the Umbrella corporation once and for all. The films stakes and beasties are amped up. There is actual suspense here in not knowing who will bite the bullet (although occasionally it is quite obvious).  And yes it is a generic setup but the film's twists and turns tie up the franchise's mythology rather well. 

Don't be mistaken as usual there's still a plethora of potholes but I think it's important remember what kind of film this is. It's entertainment for people who enjoy movies like this. They may seem shotty or silly to some but it works for what it is. It also doesn't try to be anything else. There's no hidden subtext or commentary, it's just gory carnage and bad ass characters.

 And whether it's intentionally or unintentionally goofy the film deliver's the bloody goods. As for the visuals there are some neat spots here and there but nothing on par with the others. In addition it is rather impressive knowing they managed to execute a film of this magnitude for only $40 million. What's on screen looks to be north of a $100 million easy. And as for Milla she's beyond being game. The gorgeous 41 yr. old actress gives a 110% in every scene leaving it all on the table with her best performance as Alice. When all is said and done fans of the franchise will be pleased with the finished results. 

It's not as good as the first or the third but falls into line after that. It's a sensational edge of your seat thrill ride with a surprising punch of emotion. It's hard to say goodbye but who knows if it will really stick. I'm crossing my fingers it doesn't but if it really is the end they went out on top. ****.25/5