by Julianne Snow:
Synopsis:
In the opening scene of Resident Evil: Extinction you learn that the Umbrella Corporation is still hard at work, though it does remain to be seen if their research is aimed at helping the world or not…
We are then treated to a recap of events from Resident Evil: Apocalypse; showing that the T-Virus was not isolated to Racoon City and sets the stage for the world the survivors are forced to live in now.
With the world a dried up wasteland of abandoned cities, we join Alice on the road as she travels from place to place, doing what she can to find answers and help humanity. After being tricked into a deadly situation, she escapes and through a series of events, finds a journal that indicates that perhaps there is a safe haven after all.
Meanwhile, in another part of the former USA, a convoy of vehicles is crossing the desert. Among that convoy are familiar faces (LJ and Carlos) along with some new ones. Alice hears them over the CB radio, but decides not to join them until circumstances prove it is her only option.
With the Umbrella Corporation looking for a cure for the T-Virus or perhaps just a way to better control it, their only hope is to capture Alice alive.
Waking up one morning, surrounded by a flock of infected crows, the convoy decides to make a break for it. In a scene developed to make you afraid of birds again, they attack and Alice helps to save the day. In the end, the group hears about a potential salvation and decides it may just be their best chance. Their only concern is will Umbrella let them get there?
Their destination: The coordinates of the Safe Haven
Their mission: Escape the Infection
Their fate: Did you really think I was going to tell you?
Review:
The plot of Resident Evil: Extinction isn’t as seamless a fit as the other two films. You are left with unanswered questions such as: where is Jill Valentine? What about Angela? You catch up with other characters like LJ and Carlos, but there is no mention of the fates of the others still alive at the end of Resident Evil: Apocalypse. Part of this issue rests with the fact that the plot of Resident Evil: Extinction does not pick up directly after the end of Resident Evil: Apocalypse. Some time has passed and you’re getting a glimpse into the world after the proliferation of the T-Virus. Trust me; it’s not a word you’d want to live in.
The characterization picks up where it left off and you begin to see what Program Alice is really all about. There were glimpses in Resident Evil: Apocalypse, but the full extent of her powers were not revealed. Milla Jovovich is true to form as Alice, making her the second female actor in my humble opinion to really epitomize a role (the first is Sigourney Weaver as Ellen Ripley). Standout performances are delivered by Ali Larter as Claire and Mike Epps as LJ, in addition to Jovovich.
If you’re looking for zombie action, you’re not going to be disappointed. The scenes where the convoy gets attacked and in Las Vegas will be enough to chill you to the bone. The requisite unexpected scare moments are there, so generally I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. I’m even going to justify my rating which is based in part on the unanswered questions I had after watching the film.
Resident Evil: Extinction is available on DVD and Blu-ray from Amazon.com.
DarkMedia contributor Julianne Snow was first lulled into the horror genre by her parents during an ill-advised viewing of Alien when she was only 4 years old. Since that date, it’s been a given that Julianne will watch and read anything that is horror related. Her short fiction has appeared in anthologies from Sirens Call Publications and Open Casket Press, as well as The Sirens Call and various other websites showcasing short fiction. She is the author of the Days with the Undead series, which can be found on her website dayswiththeundead.com. Her first novel, Days with the Undead: Book One was published in early 2012 and is based on her popular web serial. Find her on Twitter @CdnZmbiRytr.
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