Resident Evil is the longest running female action series in movie history. Based on a video game, the first film made it's way to theaters in 2002 and fifteen years later we have movie number six, Resident Evil: The Final Chapter, hitting stores on 4K, Blu-ray and Digital Download. With crazier stunts, fans of the series will no doubt want to add this video library, right next to all of the games. While the movies don't follow the games that closely, they are still popular worldwide.
Once again we see Alice (Milla Jovovich; The Fifth Element) fighting her way through the streets killing zombies and some newer flying pterodactyl-like creatures. She's as badass as we remember her and can really seem to take down just about anything or anyone. When she ends up in an old warehouse she finds herself faced with the Red Queen (Ever Anderson), only this time the computer-generated psychopath wants to help. She informs Alice there is an antidote cure for the T-virus and that Alice has 48 hours to find it before Umbrella Corporation and Dr. Isaacs (Iain Glen; Game of Thrones) kills everyone left living above ground.
The hitch… the antidote is hidden in the Hive – the underground bunker housing all of the pods holding those who paid to be "saved" once the apocalypse has ended. Alice and friends – Claire (Ali Larter; Heroes), Abigail (Ruby Rose; John Wick: Chapter 2), Razor (Fraser James; Judge John Deed), Christian (William Levy; The Tempest), Doc (Eoin Macken; The Forest), etc., device a plan and find their way into the hive only to be destroyed one by one. Of course (spoiler alert) Alice kills the bad guys, gets the antidote and saves the day.
This type of film holds an appeal for a certain audience and they love every second of it. The gamers will see it just because it's based on a video game (even though supposedly fans of the games don't especially like the films because there are several characters and plot points that don't exist in the games). Action fans will enjoy the intricate choreography of the fight sequences. Milla Jovovich fans will simply see it because of her.
Jovovich is impressive and her battle skills are on point and apparently, she did her own stunts, which is amazing. She commands attention in this film and not just because she is the lead. She has a presence as Alice that is undeniable. The rest of the cast blends well with special mention of Rudy Rose. As an up and comer in Hollywood, she has made her mark on several films including this one.
Director Paul W.S. Anderson (Pompeii) returns once again to helm this project and his style is evident throughout. His quick cut editing is a dream come true if you happen to be someone diagnosed with ADHD otherwise it is simply annoying. The human body, brain, and eyes are not meant to process that much information that quickly so a lot of great shots get lost in the rapid-fire scenes.
The 4K is presented in 2160p high definition video with an aspect ratio of 2.40:1. The muted and dingy color palate has a range of gray and black hues that give the video some nice depth. The Dolby Atmos audio is sharp and clear and the dialogue and weapons don't drown each other out.
The Blu-ray disc comes with several special features including Stunts and Weaponry, Explore the Hive; The Badass Trinity and the Women of Resident Evil and Sneak Peak Of resident Evil: Vendetta. All the extras have some tidbits of information but my favorite is about the strong and talented women.
While the door has been left open for another movie in the continuing saga of Alice and the Umbrella Corporation, I'm not sure if they can really pull it off. However, having said that, Resident Evil: The Final Chapter actually contradicts plot points from the earlier films and nobody seems to care so there may be another one yet.
Regardless, if you are a fan, chances are you will want to own this Combo pack.
Grade: C+
