 Milla Jovovich is back in the third chapter of the hugely successful Resident Evil franchise! This action-packed horror film is set in the Nevada desert and filled with intense special effects and more zombie terror! Also stars Ali Larter, Ashanti, Mike Epps, and Oded Fehr. Storyline: Years after the Raccoon City disaster, Alice is on her own; aware that she has become a liability and could endanger those around her, she is struggling to survive and bring down the Umbrella Corporation led by the sinister Albert Wesker and head researcher Dr. Isaacs. Meanwhile, traveling through the Nevada Desert and the ruins of Las Vegas, Carlos Olivera, L.J., and new survivors K-Mart, Claire Redfield, and Nurse Betty must fight to survive extinction against hordes of zombies, killer crows and the most terrifying creatures created as a result of the deadly T-Virus that has killed millions. Written by Akoksum2003 Reviewer's Note: Reviewed by Martin Liebman, December 29, 2007 If you pick a side, be sure it's the right one. It's a rare occurrence when a movie comes out that just says "you." It's as if you wrote and directed it; it suits you almost perfectly. Nothing about it is bad, in your eyes, and while it may not be the best movie ever committed to film, it's a ride that you'll never forget. Over the years, movies like Aliens, Independence Day, Saving Private Ryan, and Sling Blade have represented such films in my life, entertaining me in ways other films just can't. They are part of my "core" films, movies that I can always turn to when I need to watch a sure thing to remind me of just how much I love movies. Resident Evil: Apocalypse isn't in that group, but it's sitting there on the periphery, a film that combines some of my favorite elements and genres to a degree that satisfies me as a fan very much. It's lacking in some areas to be sure, but it's a great ride that will become one of my staples as one of the very best popcorn flicks I've seen yet. Resident Evil: Extinction opens with a few recycled shots from the first film of the series. It's a little confusing at first, and as producer Paul Anderson discusses in the commentary, it's meant to perplex the viewer into thinking the wrong reel was put in front of this film. We'll learn what's happening later on in the film, but rest assured, this is a necessary and crucial plot element. As the movie progresses, Alice (Mila Jovovich, The Fifth Element) is seen as a drifter, avoiding both the ever present eye of the Umbrella Corporation and the undead that have devastated the planet. Only small bands of survivors push on, and soon enough Alice will find herself allied with one such group after she rescues them from a horde of undead vultures using her newly found telekinetic powers. It turns out that Alice is of great importance to Umbrella and to the world, for her blood holds the answer to the T-virus that is responsible for the havoc that has spread worldwide. Alice shares with the group information she has discovered that leads them to believe that parts of Alaska may be free of infection. Before embarking for The Last Frontier, the group must re-supply. They've already dried up the supplies from the small towns, and they must travel to Las Vegas to replenish all they need to make the journey. Here, Alice will finally discover the secrets behind her powers that will lead her to a final confrontation with those responsible for the devastation where she will be assisted by an unexpected ally. Resident Evil: Extinction definitely represents the best film in the series to date. The first was good, the second was a complete let down, and the third approaches classic status in zombie picture lore. It's a radical and welcome approach, filming in broad daylight, pushing the envelope in terms of zombie make-up, gore, and pace. The action is more in the tradition of The Matrix and Equilibrium, and it works well with the "new" Alice. As Resident Evil re-invigorated the zombie genre, perhaps so too will Resident Evil: Extinction re-energize the post-apocalyptic film. Clearly the film is influenced by both The Road Warrior and Day of the Dead and the result is a unique experience that even the most hardcore lover of zombie films will embrace. I was very glad to see the direction the series went in this film. The first was more of a "video game on film," the second a straight action movie with very few redeeming qualities that could have easily doomed the franchise, and the third took on a grittier, "dirtier" tone, adding to the violence and "realism" of a world plagued by the undead. This is a take no prisoners zombie slugfest, and I loved it. Resident Evil: Extinction is a landmark release that didn't disappoint this reviewer in any way, shape, or form. I liked the movie quite a bit. As an action/zombie/horror fan, it's right up my alley and the approach to the material was not only suitable but also unexpected and welcome. This series seemed on the precipice of death after the second film, but this movie is clearly the best of the trilogy and a terrific standalone movie in its own right. Action, zombie, and horror fans, listen up: this one is for you. On the technical side, this disc is hands-down one of the best home video releases, ever. It sports crystal clear and lifelike imagery and sound, and the supplements mark a new and welcome beginning for the Blu-ray format. This is a must-own disc for every Blu-ray fan. Highly recommended. Cast Notes: Milla Jovovich (Alice), Oded Fehr (Carlos Olivera), Ali Larter (Claire), Iain Glen (Dr. Isaacs), Ashanti (Betty), Christopher Egan (Mikey), Spencer Locke (K-Mart), Matthew Marsden (Slater), Linden Ashby (Chase), Jason O'Mara (Albert Wesker), Mike Epps (L.J.), Joe Hursley (Otto), John Eric Bentley (Umbrella Tech), James Tumminia (Lab Tech), Kirk B.R. Woller (Scientist). IMDb Rating (09/28/09): 6.3/10 from 59,274 users
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