So the new Resident Evil movie by Zach Cregger released over the weekend. And it’s safe to say that it’s got the kids talking! There’s people who love and hate the movie. And there’s also people who claim Resident Evil is a Resident Evil movie exclusively by name.
I’ve been playing Resident Evil games since I was 8. I’ve beaten both versions of 2, 3, and 4. I’ve also completed 5 through 9. I also beat Revelations 1 and even conquered Umbrella and Dark side chronicles on Wii. Point is.. I’m a big fan of the franchise. Ladies and gentleman…I’m here to tell you that, after seeing the movie twice, Zach’s adaptation is in fact a Resident Evil movie. WARNING! Spoilers ahead if you haven’t seen the movie. You still here? Good. Take a seat, grab a drink, and let’s blow this popsicle stand!
So Resident Evil is known for being a horror franchise filled with Zombies and deformed monstrosities, a.k.a B.O.W.S, and both of these nightmarish creatures are present in the film. Resident Evil is also famous for having a giant monster pursue the protagonist throughout the original games. And what do you know? A giant deformed Rat King creature pursues Brian throughout the film, just like Nemesis and Mr X pursued Leon and Jill! I could also mention the fact that the first aid Spray, Green Shotgun shell Box, Weapon Suitcase, Shotgun hanging on a wall, and iconic typewriter make an appearance. But that would be too easy!
Let’s talk about the setting of the film… Raccoon City. Raccoon City in the film is just as much a desolate nightmare as it was in the games. The OG Resident Evil games contains door sequences that keep players on edge. Every time you open a door, players see nothing… but pure darkness. That very darkness has haunted players for years because players never know what’s on the other side of that door beforehand. And for many years That design choice has haunted and created tension fueled moments for players. And what does Brian see ahead of him when he’s driving in the woods? Nothing.. but complete darkness. Every terrifying sequence in this film takes place in an environment that is narrow, dark, claustrophobic, and uninviting.. just like the games. Why is the Spencer Mansion and Raccoon City Police Station regarded as nightmare fuel among gamers? Because they are narrow, dark, claustrophobic, …. and uninviting. And Zach’s version of this iconic city is no different. The rancher and mobile home that Brian explores are both Narrow and uninviting environments. Spencer Mansion created tons of suspense for players because it’s filled with narrow and dangerous corridors that challenge Chris and Jill. These hostile environments also manage to create tension in each encounter in the games and movie. The mobile home and farm sequence complete the same objective for Brian and the audience. Resident Evil fans know that narrow, dark, and uninviting environments are synonymous with the franchise.
Let’s talk about fixed camera angles and resource management shall we? Fans of RE know that Resource management is a vital aspect of the series. You can’t unload a pistol magazine onto one zombie just because you feel like it! You gotta make every bullet count, and that’s the magic of RE. Well in the movie viewers are well aware of how many bullets Brian has in his possession. Zach intentionally has several shots in the film informing audience members the amount of ammo Brian is carrying. That’s Zach’s way of letting the audience know that Brian has to manage his resources wisely, or else it’s game over. There’s a scene that shows Umbrella assassin Maxine exit a vehicle and mow down zombies like a lawnmower. And the entire sequence is filmed with one fixed camera angle. Just like the original game. Fixed camera angles were a core aspect of the OG games because they allowed the developers to create detailed environments on the PS1.
Annnd I ran out of room. Read the next post for the 2nd part of this “ArTiCle”.
@VideoGameStart Glad to see someone else put COD 4 on their list!
Honorable mentions: Zelda: Skyward Sword, Half-Life 2, Marvel VS Capcom 2, Doom 2016, Gears of War 1, God of War 1, Wii Sports, Batman Arkham Asylum, Metroid Prime 1, Sonic Adventure 1, and Rock Band 1.
In the end it’s up to the individual to be the change they wanna see. Society doesn’t shift overnight. You just gotta keep working at it, even when times are tough. Eventually people open themselves up to the idea. They just need to be convinced first. Technology allows people to be exposed to many ideals. If you keep working at it like minded people will eventually come along. And when you get enough people together… the change happens.
@Kid_Da_04 Marvel Super Heroes is dope! Just played that for the first time recently.
Honorable mentions: Zelda: Skyward Sword, Half-Life 2, Marvel VS Capcom 2, Doom 2016, Gears of War 1, God of War 1, Wii Sports, Batman Arkham Asylum, Metroid Prime 1, Sonic Adventure 1, and Rock Band 1.
@YunalesckaGames Good list!
Honorable mentions: Zelda: Skyward Sword, Half-Life 2, Marvel VS Capcom 2, Doom 2016, Gears of War 1, God of War 1, Wii Sports, Batman Arkham Asylum, Metroid Prime 1, Sonic Adventure 1, and Rock Band 1.
@haremywifefr Good list, glad to see Mario Baseball get some love!
Honorable mentions: Wii Sports, Zelda Skyward Sword, Batman Arkham Asylum, Marvel VS Capcom 2, Gears of War 1, God of War 1, Half-Life 2, Doom 2016, Metroid Prime 1, Sonic Adventure 1, and Rock Band 1.
Happy to see that someone else finally put a Kingdom Hearts game on their list. Banger list!
Honorable mentions: Wii Sports, Doom 2016, Batman Arkham Asylum, Marvel VS Capcom 2, Half-Life 2, Zelda Skyward Sword, Gears of War 1, God of War 1, Sonic Adventure 1, Metroid Prime 1, and Rock Band 1.
@BeAfraid_Movies Great list right there.
Here’s my acquired taste.
Honorable mentions: Wii Sports, Zelda Skyward Sword, Batman Arkham Asylum, Marvel VS. Capcom 2, Gears of War 1, God of War 1, Half-Life 2, Doom 2016, Sonic Adventure 1, Metroid Prime 1, and Rock Band 1.