Resident Evil: Apocalypse (2004)

The first Resident Evil film (2002) had been a modest surprise hit for Screen Gems and the Constantin Film/Davis Films partnership, directed by Paul W.S. Anderson from his own script based on Capcom's long-running survival horror video game series. For this sequel, Anderson stepped back to a producing and writing role, handing directorial duties to Alexander Witt, a veteran second-unit and cinematography professional making his feature debut here. Shot largely in Toronto standing in for the fictional Raccoon City, the production brought in Sienna Guillory as Jill Valentine, a fan-favourite character from the games, partly as a gesture towards the game's existing audience. The film arrived in September 2004, part of a mid-2000s wave of video game adaptations riding the commercial success of its predecessor, and its $129 million worldwide gross ensured the franchise kept rolling regardless of critical reception.

This movie is so bad it circles back around to being kind of entertaining, if you’re watching it with friends, snacks, and zero expectations. Cheesy one-liners. Hammy performances. A plot that makes less sense the more it tries to explain itself. It’s like a B-movie action flick dressed up as a franchise sequel, all style, no soul. Milla Jovovich looks like she’d rather be anywhere else, the zombies are more confused than scary, and the action scenes feel oddly choreographed like it was directed by a video game cutscene. If you’re into unintentional comedy or love a good so-bad-it’s-good watch, this might scratch that itch. Otherwise, stick to the games.

Rating: ★★  | Year: 2004  | Watched: 2025-07-20

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Where to watch (UK)

Stream: Disney Plus
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Physical: Amazon UK

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