You might not think horror and humor make a great pair, but “Resident Evil,” directed by Zach Cregger, shows how well they can work together. This movie stands apart from earlier “Resident Evil” films by ditching the typical strong, heroic lead. Instead, we get Bryan, played by Austin Abrams, a likable, awkward medical courier tasked with delivering a crucial package to a hospital in Raccoon City. Abrams nails the part, bringing a natural mix of comedy and heart that feels genuine, not overdone.
As Bryan moves through the story, he faces one challenge after another, never letting go of his courier bag and determined to finish his mission. When he finally arrives in the infected city, the movie ramps up the suspense with classic jump scares, but well-timed humor keeps things fresh and engaging. The laughs help break the tension, making the scary moments even more effective.
If you’re a longtime fan of the “Resident Evil” games, you’ll notice this movie takes a different approach, and that’s actually a plus. Director Zach Cregger avoids making it feel like just another game adaptation and instead creates a unique, immersive world. The film is more grounded, pulling viewers into the story right from the start. The film includes a few clever nods to the original games in the camera shots, but they’re subtle and don’t distract from the plot.
The biggest downside to this “Resident Evil” is the ending. After about an hour packed with action and suspense, the final thirty minutes feel hurried and don’t quite deliver a satisfying payoff. While there are still a few intense, exciting moments, the conclusion feels a bit flat compared to the rest of the film.
Overall, “Resident Evil” is a clever, original, and unexpectedly funny take on the franchise. It throws viewers right into the heart of the action, delivering plenty of scares along with a fresh, relatable hero. Making an everyday, somewhat bumbling idiot the hero you can’t help but root for adds a new level of tension and comedy to the story. Even if the ending doesn’t quite land, the movie is still a wildly entertaining ride for horror fans and newcomers alike.
Review: Resident Evil
Score
Review Nation Score
Overall, "Resident Evil" is a clever, original, and unexpectedly funny take on the franchise. It throws viewers right into the heart of the action, delivering plenty of scares along with a fresh, relatable hero. Making an everyday, somewhat bumbling idiot the hero you can't help but root for adds a new level of tension and comedy to the story. Even if the ending doesn't quite land, the movie is still a wildly entertaining ride for horror fans and newcomers alike.