In an industry where sequels and franchises are king, the survival of the Resident Evil series, particularly after the release of the Resident Evil: Retribution (also known as Resident Evil 5), is nothing short of a cinematic miracle.
As dissected in a review by Giant Freakin Robot, this fifth instalment in the zombie-apocalypse saga managed to underwhelm and perplex in equal measure, with a plot so convoluted and execution so lacklustre that it seemed destined to be the franchise’s death knell.
Yet, astonishingly, the Resident Evil train chugged on, unfazed by the critical mauling.
Resident Evil: Retribution attempted to serve as a “greatest hits” compilation of the series but ended up more as a cacophonous medley of unharmonious elements.
The film saw Milla Jovovich reprising her role as Alice, waking up once again in the clutches of the malevolent Umbrella Corporation, and embarking on a confusing journey through recycled set pieces from her past, battling friend and foe alike in scenarios that defy logic and often, basic narrative cohesion.
A Franchise Fatigued
Credit: Constantin Film International
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Overstuffed Yet Emptied
Resident Evil: Retribution was critiqued for being an amalgam of too many ideas, none of which seemed to serve a coherent story.
The film’s attempt to remix elements from its predecessors into a new narrative concoction resulted in a muddled mess that left even the most ardent fans scratching their heads.
Despite its action-packed sequences, the movie felt like a sluggish, slow-motion traipse through a narrative quagmire, padded with scenes that seemed to extend their welcome far beyond the audience’s patience.
The Return of Familiar Faces
Credit: Constantin Film International
One of the few silver linings, as noted by critics and fans alike, was the return of beloved characters, including Michelle Rodriguez’s iconic role, providing a brief respite from the film’s otherwise dreary proceedings.
Her commanding presence, along with a few other series stalwarts, brought a sense of nostalgia and momentary excitement to an otherwise lacklustre film.
The Unkillable Nature of Resident Evil
Credit: Constantin Film International
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Critical Panning, Yet Commercial Standing
Despite being lambasted by critics for its incoherent plot and lacklustre execution, Resident Evil: Retribution did not spell the end for the resilient franchise.
The series, known for its ability to pull in audiences with its blend of horror, action, and science fiction, seemed to withstand the negative press, proving that brand recognition and fan loyalty can sometimes eclipse the need for critical acclaim.
The Franchise’s Reboot and Redemption
Credit: Constantin Film International
The Resident Evil series’ ability to bounce back, culminating in a reboot, underscores the peculiar endurance of certain film franchises.
The saga’s continuation after Resident Evil 5 highlights not only the forgiving nature of its fan base but also the commercial viability of the brand, capable of weathering the storm of critical disapproval and emerging, albeit battered, on the other side.
Final Thoughts on this sci-fi movie that almost destroyed a franchise
Credit: Constantin Film International
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Resident Evil: Retribution serves as a bewildering chapter in the Resident Evil narrative, an instalment so fraught with issues that it became notorious for its failings.
Yet, the saga’s continuation post-Retribution is a testament to the enduring appeal of the Resident Evil universe, capable of surviving and even thriving beyond its lowest points.
The film’s legacy, while marred by criticism, also encapsulates the enigmatic charm of the Resident Evil franchise – an entity that, much like the zombies it portrays, refuses to stay dead.
The series’ resilience is a curious case study in the dynamics of franchise longevity, fan loyalty, and the ever-blurring line between commercial success and artistic merit in the cinematic world.
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