When it comes to video game adaptations, few franchises have been as polarizing as Resident Evil. The 2012 installment, Resident Evil: Retribution, directed by Paul W.S. Anderson, is no exception. As the fifth film in the series, it continues the story of Alice (Milla Jovovich), the superhuman protagonist battling the Umbrella Corporation and its army of zombies and bioengineered monsters. While the film has been criticized for its lack of depth and repetitive action, it remains a guilty pleasure for fans of the franchise and lovers of over-the-top, high-octane entertainment.
Plot Overview: A Maze of Simulated Chaos
The film picks up where Resident Evil: Afterlife left off, with Alice captured by the Umbrella Corporation and imprisoned in an underwater facility. The facility, designed to simulate viral outbreaks in various cities like Tokyo, New York, and Moscow, serves as a testing ground for the T-virus. Alice must navigate these simulated environments, battling zombies, bio-weapons, and former allies turned enemies, including Jill Valentine (Sienna Guillory), who is under the control of the Red Queen 18.
Along the way, Alice teams up with Ada Wong (Li Bingbing), a fan-favorite character from the games, and a strike team led by Leon S. Kennedy (Johann Urb). Together, they fight their way through the facility, encountering clones of past characters like Rain Ocampo (Michelle Rodriguez) and Carlos Oliveira (Oded Fehr). The film’s plot is thin, serving primarily as a vehicle for action sequences and fan service 813.
Action and Visuals: Style Over Substance
One of the film’s strengths lies in its visually stunning set pieces. The simulated cities are meticulously designed, offering a variety of backdrops for the relentless action. From the neon-lit streets of Tokyo to the suburban chaos of Raccoon City, each environment provides a fresh setting for Alice’s battles. The film also makes effective use of slow-motion sequences and 3D effects, though some critics argue these techniques feel overused and gimmicky 1013.
The action itself is fast-paced and relentless, with Alice dispatching enemies in increasingly creative ways. However, the choreography and CGI have been criticized for feeling repetitive and uninspired, especially compared to earlier entries in the series. Despite this, the film delivers on its promise of mindless entertainment, with plenty of explosions, gunfights, and zombie mayhem to keep viewers engaged 714.
Characters: Familiar Faces and Missed Opportunities
While the film brings back several fan-favorite characters, including Ada Wong and Leon S. Kennedy, their roles feel underdeveloped. Ada, in particular, is reduced to a one-dimensional ally with little backstory or motivation. Similarly, Leon and the strike team are given little to do beyond shooting zombies and delivering exposition 813.
Alice’s character arc is also underwhelming. Despite her maternal bond with Becky (Aryana Engineer), a deaf girl she encounters in the suburban simulation, the emotional beats feel forced and fail to add depth to her character. Milla Jovovich delivers her usual stoic performance, but even she seems to be going through the motions at times 1314.
Criticisms: A Franchise Running on Fumes
Critics have been harsh on Resident Evil: Retribution, citing its lack of originality and reliance on tired tropes. The film’s plot is convoluted and often nonsensical, with little effort made to explain key developments or character motivations. The dialogue is clunky, and the acting ranges from wooden to outright cringe-worthy 910.
The film’s reliance on fan service and recycled ideas has also drawn criticism. From the shameless rip-off of Dawn of the Dead’s opening sequence to the repetitive action scenes, Retribution feels like a greatest hits compilation of the franchise’s least impressive moments 710.
Conclusion: A Guilty Pleasure for Fans
Despite its flaws, Resident Evil: Retribution delivers exactly what fans of the franchise have come to expect: fast-paced action, stunning visuals, and plenty of zombie-killing fun. While it may not win over new viewers or satisfy critics, it remains a guilty pleasure for those who enjoy mindless, over-the-top entertainment.
As the fifth installment in a series that shows no signs of slowing down, Retribution serves as a reminder of the franchise’s enduring appeal. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just looking for a fun, brainless action movie, this film is worth a watch—just don’t expect anything more than what’s on the surface 814.
What are your thoughts on Resident Evil: Retribution? Do you think the franchise should continue, or is it time to put it to rest? Let us know in the comments below!
