‘Resident Evil: Retribution’ risks its integrity

Women and martial arts definitely go together in the latest installment of the “Resident Evil” series.  Intense fight scenes, gunfire and overly dramatic music consume the movie that seems to be shouting, “Girls rock!” The women in “Resident Evil: Retribution” show that they do not mess around, putting the men in the movie to shame when it comes to fight scenes and gunfire wars.  The film makes karate and jujitsu seem like a piece of cake.  Even though the women seem petite and frail, they kick butt trying to defend themselves.

Milla Jovivich (“The Fifth Element”) stars in the “Resident Evil” franchise. “Resident Evil: Retribution,” the fifth film in the series, is a science fiction thriller directed and produced by Paul W. S. Anderson (“Alien vs. Predator”).  The entire series is loosely based on the Capcom video game series of the same name. Main character Alice, played by Jovivich, continues to attempt to take out the corrupt Umbrella Corporation.  In this film viewers see the beginning of her journey as a housewife with a beautiful family; however her perfect life unravels fast as she recalls her past.  She is finally captured by the Umbrella Corporation, and from there she is forced to befriend her arch nemesis, Albert Wesker to find her way out of the Corporation’s Artic Circle domain.  Jill Valentine, her former ally continues to pursue her while still under control of the Umbrella Corporation.  Jill interrogates her and is given orders that she must capture or kill Alice, whichever comes first. 

Compared to the first four films, “Retribution” was the best.  The special effects are more visually developed than the previous movies. It is also recommended to see the movie in 3-D, as many aspects of the film are customized to fit a 3-D experience.  But, it is still a typical zombie apocalypse combined with overdramatized fight scenes. There is absolutely no solid plot to the film which  is the same as the rest of the series. There is a lot of action and fighting, very little dialogue and a predictable ending   It is an hour and a half of dull scenes with no surprises or excitement  The story jumps around between the characters so much making it  hard to keep track of the timeframe in which the story takes place. The theme of defeating the Umbrella Corporation is redundant, and the small amount of action that is in the movie can be easily combined with the fourth film.

There is no emotional appeal besides the mother/daughter relationship between Alice and her child.  Character’s personalities are very bland, with hardly any emotion shown.  The actors have straight faces and monotonous conversations throughout the entire film.  The action was appealing to watch, but the film draws out all the fight scenes to make them seem superfluous. The sixth film is currently in development and is believed to be the final chapter in the “Resident Evil” series.

The only reason Retribution was given two stars was because it was better than the previous four movies.  The central theme and storyline should be used for the video games rather than an overabundance of films in the sequel.  The basic principal of “Resident Evil” is very interesting from a video game stand point.  However, it becomes a dull, redundant story as far as film is concerned.  The “Resident Evil” series is popular for loyal fans; however it is definitely best to watch the previous four movies before diving into the fifth.  It is an interesting film though, if there is a love mark for the video game series, but it is not recommended for those seeking an action adventure film.  It has a tendency to make the action in the film seem very dry and unrealistic. 

“Resident Evil: Retribution” receives 2 out of 5 stars.