Wednesday, January 26, 2022

Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City

6/10

In this new reboot for the Resident Evil franchise based on the first and second video games, a group of people become trapped in Raccoon City (which I'm not sure is actually a city; feels more like a large town; kinda isolated) when there is a zombie outbreak. 

This movie can both be entertaining and frustrating. The horror is solid. There's a lot of freaky, memorable imagery. Interesting use of color in this; makes you feel like you're watching a 70's scary movie. The original RE films got criticism over the years for drifting so much from the original look and feel of the video games. This one really tried veer closer. Loved some of the sets in this. It has that sort of grandiose gothicness that doesn't really exist in American architecture and that you'd only find in Japanese video games. I also like the northern forest area, brings a secluded look to the area separating the town. (Also, I just like pine trees in films. I think they make nice scenery.) 

But as creepy and good looking as the movie is, the script is really weak. The first act exposition and dialogue is pretty clunky. The whole backstory for the leads siblings Claire and Chris Redfield (Kaya Scodelario and Robbie Amell) and the villain's choices feel really mishandled, and I really wish they went with something completely different. Going back to the dialogue, it's nothing to be proud of, but in fairness there are a couple fun lines when the movie isn't taking itself too seriously.

I recommend this to horror fans, because the scary stuff really delivers. I would've considered this an 8/10 if it wasn't for that pesky script. Just make sure to temper your expectations.

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