When Paul W. Anderson titled the film “Resident Evil,” he could have called it “Biological Risk” and avoided disappointment, since the movie bears little resemblance to the game that inspired it.
Resident Evil (2002) – A Mixed Bag
The story follows Milla Jovovich, an amnesiac caught in Umbrella Corporation intrigue, and Michelle Rodriguez, who just wants to survive, get home, and get laid. Joined by a few uninterested male teammates, they investigate “The Hive,” a secret bioweapon facility overrun by the undead. The opening promises an opulent mansion, but the setting quickly shifts to a sleek medical research lab, leaving longtime fans without the familiar characters they love.
Although the film lacks the iconic Resident Evil survivors, it still offers entertaining kills, a few cool moments — such as the Umbrella logo sighting and CGI Lickers in the third act — and a director who clearly enjoys the cult classic “Cube,” as evidenced by his reference He is a fan of the movie Cube. He wisely avoids naming characters after Claire, Chris, Leon, Jill, or Ada.
Jovovich and Rodriguez deliver strong, independent female leads that pass the Bechdel test, a rarity for a testosterone‑driven franchise. Their performances, along with memorable set pieces like dogs breaking glass and a door‑opening action sequence, give the movie enough fan service for Capcom enthusiasts.
Despite its flaws, the movie works as a fun zombie romp. It isn’t a masterpiece, but it’s enjoyable enough to watch a group of trapped “ding‑dongs” get picked off one by one. With a solid foundation, the Resident Evil film series could really take off if paired with the games.
The article is part of Kotaku’s “Warp Week” series, a 2002 retrospective that revisits gaming’s past through time‑lapse reviews and on‑the‑ground reports.
