I like video games. I also like movies. What I don’t usually care much for are big-screen adaptations of video games. Historically, they have enjoyed varying levels of success, and it is always difficult to translate the tangential storytelling of a game into a straightforward narrative. Nevertheless, Hollywood loves a profit, and as long as a movie makes money, they will churn out sequel after sequel. Such is the case with the original six Resident Evil films, starring Milla Jovovich, which were widely derided by critics while making a mountain of money at the box office.
This is the eighth movie in the lucrative franchise and serves as the second reboot of the series. It is also far more fun than it has any right to be. Helmed by Weapons director Zach Cregger, who also co-wrote it with Shay Hatten, it parallels the second game in the series.
A surprisingly adorkable Austin Abrams, who also starred in Cregger’s Oscar-winning previous offering, plays Bryan, a put-upon medical courier just trying to deliver his life-saving package to a hospital. Instead, he finds himself set upon by infected monsters following a viral outbreak, and the mild-mannered delivery boy must fight his way through the chaos in order to complete the job.
Austin Abrams is the star of the Resident Evil reboot (Image: Sony)
It is a pretty straightforward premise that allows Cregger to really explore the world of the game. Alongside the feral residents of the city, Bryan encounters all sorts of obstacles, such as locked gates and missing walkways, which he must navigate.
While these scenarios are familiar to anyone who plays video games, they are also not implausible in a post-apocalyptic big-screen outing and therefore don’t feel shoehorned in.
Abrams proves an excellent choice for the everyman lead. While many directors would have selected an action-hero type to front this movie, it is far more engaging to watch a fish out of water step up to the task. He is also incredibly relatable and builds a three-dimensional character you actually care about, rather than a carbon copy of a computer-game avatar.
He is ably supported by some very impressive stars in cameo and supporting roles, including Severance’s Zach Cherry and award-winning Black Bird star Paul Walter Hauser. These are not usually the kind of names a movie like this attracts, and it is a testament to Cregger’s reputation that he managed to land them.
The Resident Evil reboot is in cinemas from September 18 (Image: Sony)
Although the posters and trailers indicate this is a horror movie, it contains a huge amount of humour and far more laugh-out-loud moments than some recent supposed comedies. (I’m looking at you, One Night Only!) This proves a welcome antidote to the more gruesome body-horror scenes.
Cregger also manages to build a believable world that will satisfy those who love the game but won’t appear too outlandish to those who have never played it. Given the movie’s genesis, he could be forgiven for pandering to fans of the game, but he employs some excellent cinematography with occasional nods to the game to appease players.
Survival horror is not a new concept and can feel quite jaded, but Cregger and his team have managed to reinvigorate the genre – not something I ever thought I would write about a video-game adaptation.
This is a roller-coaster ride that will make you laugh and gasp in equal measure, while also giving enough jump scares to satisfy hardcore horror fans. Although it begins to run out of steam as it hurtles towards the end, a satisfying conclusion means you can overlook that. This is thoroughly entertaining and deserves to find a wide audience.
Resident Evil is in cinemas now
