As movie have progressed we’ve seen more and more use of CGI
(Computer Generated Images) in films. In some cases, most of the SyFy channel
films, we see how poorly it can be done making viewers long for the stop motion
animation we grew up with in the Sinbad movies. In others, as in all of the
LORD OF THE RINGS movies, we see how it can be done right and help a story
along depicting things we could never see otherwise.
Then there is the all CGI film, the one where actors are no
longer seen emoting but animated images portray the characters. I’m not talking
about animated Disney films like FROZEN or Universal’s MINIONS. I’m talking
about realistic images, stories with people as the main characters instead of
cartoonish images. Not many have been made but there have been several using
the hit video game RESIDENT EVIL for their stories. The latest in this series,
RESIDENT EVIL: VENDETTA is now out and it’s the best yet.
If you’re new to the series all you need to know is that an
evil corporation known as Umbrella has released a toxic agent into the world
that turns people into zombies. This movie opens much like the very first
original game as a special ops team enters an old mansion in search of
survivors. That in itself will bring glee to fans of the game. The horror that
they encounter is much like the game as well, catching the viewer off guard and
allowing for some intense physical combat between the team and zombies. Team
leader Chris Redfield (one of the main characters from the game) remains
standing and is evacuated without what he came looking for, a weapons dealer
named Arias who has annihilation in mind.
Along with this we have to concurrent stories running. One
involves Rebecca Chambers, another special ops fighter who has turned in her
gun to search for a cure for the zombie plague. All of that may be for naught
when her lab is attacked and all inside turned into zombies. She escapes with
the help of Chris before becoming infected herself. The two of them find
compatriot Leon Kennedy and recruit him to help in their mission, finding
Arias.
Arias story is the third part of this triangle. It seems the
arms dealer was in the process of getting marred when the party was bombed by a
drone. Surviving he has set his sights on those responsible and now has in mind
changing the world to suit his desires, one of which is resurrecting the love
of his life. Aiding him in his quest are the only other survivors of that
bombing, now mutated with his help.
The story moves along in a reasonable manner, with plenty of
background provided and a depth of story most movies like this tend to ignore.
The action flows at a steady pace but is complimented by those story elements,
making it a more well-rounded film.
The CGI here is pretty amazing to witness. While it still has
some minor flaws it does make you wonder if the day won’t come when CGI created
actors fill the screen in place of those now performing. From an economic point
of view one might expect it. But my guess is that real life actors and
technicians will be with us for some time. It doesn’t mean that we can’t enjoy
films like this at the same time though.
For me what made this movie more enjoyable than the others
I’ve seen in the series is that homage back to the original game. I’ve never
been a huge game player but my son was for a time. I can recall the time we sat
together playing the original game, both jumping when startled by some
attacking creature. We laughed, our hearts beat faster and we had a good time.
This movie reminded me of those days and for fans of the game it’s likely to do
the same for you.
If you’re new to the world of RESIDENT EVIL find a game
player and have them show you the first game. You could also watch the live
action series of films which tend to move in and out of the world created by
the games. Or you can jump into the middle of things with this movie and have a
good time as well. For me I’ll think I’ll add this one to my shelf and give it
a watch every now and then. It was just that much fun.
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