Resident Evil: Retribution (2012) Review

Resident Evil: Retribution (2012), Paul W.S. Anderson
1/5
Don't worry if you haven't seen any of the previous Resident Evil films, there is an extended prologue recap sequence that will give you all the important relevant details to catch you up. Following the same basic plot as the previous films, and stealing heavily from Aliens (1986) there are some good action sequences, the CGI is bad at times. The nonsensical plot feels like a video game....wait IT WAS A VIDEO GAME! Ada Wong's character (played by Bingbing Li) is merely a plot device, spouting endless expositional dialogue, wearing a red dress with a large slit up the side, reminiscent of Alice in Resident Evil (2002). And we mustn't forget the recycling of intertextual references to Alice In Wonderland with the character of Alice and the computer program the "red queen".

Watching the film in 3D was a big mistake, not being a fan of 3D films in general this is a particularly bad example and use of it. The action becomes cartoonish and cut out like, detracting from the experience, making the film seem even more cheap and videogame like. Particularly bad was the shot where blood spattered on the"camera" or "your face" which broke the fourth wall and was less scary or shocking, than just annoying.

Mila Jovovich (Alice) was great as always, giving a good performance and looking great as always in a new outfit. The film borrowed heavily from Aliens (1986) using the elements of the daughter of Alice like the Ripley and Newt scenario, even down to the girl being taken by a monster/ alien and having to be rescued by the mother Alice/ Ripley. Also the man who would help the heroine is critically injured just beforehand, so she must go alone to save the girl, just as in Aliens (1986). Detailed pilfering of Aliens even goes down to the egg-like sacks that the girl Becky is trapped in and Alice, like Ripley must rip her out of it. The name Becky is even a homage or throw back to Aliens as Newt's real name in the film was Rebecca!

Resident Evil: Retribution (2012) Alice & Becky

Aliens (1986) Ripley & Newt aka Rebecca

Even the alien/ zombie creatures are reminiscent of Alien face-huggers and also the "vampires" in the Blade films. There are some funny moments and some good fight sequences to be sure. And don't forget the inevitable set up for the sequel. Can you say "Resident Evil: The Last Stand"? But this film is most successful at is making me feel like playing the video game, so in that, I guess the film is a success, as marketing for more video games.

Resident Evil: Retribution (2012)

Blade Trinity (2004)

Alien (1979)