Challenges in Creating Successful Resident Evil Movies

The Resident Evil film series has garnered a mixed repertoire of success and disappointment. While it stands as one of the more notable examples of video game adaptations in cinema, questions about its overall quality linger. Emerging from a time when video game movies were largely seen as failures, the Resident Evil franchise made a striking impact with its debut in 2002. Initially disconnected from the original games, this film propelled Milla Jovovich into the spotlight as a formidable action star, paving the way for a long-running series. However, since the conclusion of Resident Evil: The Final Chapter, which marked Jovovich’s departure from the role of Alice, the franchise has faced a challenge in establishing a fresh and engaging direction.

Recent attempts to adapt Resident Evil for new audiences have struggled to resonate. Netflix’s series adaptation met with an abrupt cancellation following just one season, while the 2021 cinematic reboot, Welcome to Raccoon City, also failed to ignite interest for a new series. It appears that Jovovich’s iconic character was integral to the franchise’s following, suggesting her absence might have deterred fans. A new film reboot is currently underway, raising hopes that filmmakers may finally unlock the secrets to creating a successful adaptation of this beloved series.

A Troubling Track Record for Resident Evil Movies

Franchise Ratings: A Biohazard on Rotten Tomatoes

Alice from the Resident Evil movies alongside the cast of Welcome to Raccoon City

Both the video games and their cinematic counterparts are designed as exhilarating, albeit pulpy, experiences filled with grotesque creatures, firepower, and edge-of-your-seat suspense. Unfortunately, the film representations have rarely attained critical acclaim. In fact, none of the Resident Evil films have achieved a “Fresh”rating on Rotten Tomatoes, underscoring their unfavorable reception among critics.

Movie Title	Rotten Tomatoes Rating	Box Office Gross
Resident Evil (2002)	36%	$103, 787, 401
Resident Evil: Apocalypse (2004)	18%	$125, 168, 734
Resident Evil: Extinction (2007)	24%	$149, 871, 103
Resident Evil: Afterlife (2010)	21%	$295, 874, 190
Resident Evil: Retribution (2012)	28%	$240, 647, 629
Resident Evil: The Final Chapter (2017)	38%	$314, 101, 190
Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City (2021)	30%	$41, 909, 091

While these films are often regarded as guilty pleasures, director Paul W. S.Anderson is known for delivering visually striking set pieces alongside ludicrous plots. Despite some entries enjoying better reception than others, none can be classified as truly exceptional. The inaugural film from 2002 arguably scores highest among audiences, though it is ironic that it features some of the series’ less compelling action sequences.

Over time, the sequels became increasingly disjointed, with Jovovich’s character exploring various scenarios without cohesive narrative threads. While she delivered her performance with sincerity, Alice often came off as somewhat of an enigma, with an ever-evolving backstory that lacked horror elements. As the sequels progressed, they became characterized by chaos rather than suspenseful plot arcs. Nevertheless, audiences consistently returned for the next installment, despite these apparent flaws.

A Mostly Successful Franchise Despite Flaws

Box Office Success: The Numbers Speak

The first Resident Evil film emerged around the time of iconic zombie films like 28 Days Later and Zack Snyder’s Dawn of the Dead, helping to revive interest in the genre. The film proved to be commercially successful, achieving solid box office returns both in theaters and on home media. Furthermore, every sequel in the Alice saga, with the exception of Retribution, grossed higher than its predecessor, leveraging a dedicated international fanbase.

Furthermore, Anderson and Jovovich attempted to kickstart another franchise with the 2020 film Monster Hunter, although that film has yet to see a sequel. While Resident Evil films traditionally don’t fare well with critics, they have undeniably become synonymous with the concept of guilty pleasure entertainment.

Nonetheless, Welcome to Raccoon City represented the franchise’s lowest box office performance, bringing in just $42 million worldwide against a budget of $25 million. Interestingly, it closely aligned with the game narrative yet failed to resonate with the gaming community. Although it reportedly had success in the home entertainment market, this was insufficient for securing a sequel.

The Challenge of Adapting Resident Evil to Film

Translating the Iconic Franchise to Film: A Challenge

Alice in the Resident Evil: Retribution opening

The quest for a truly exceptional Resident Evil movie continues. The question remains: why has this franchise struggled to produce a standout adaptation? The legendary George Romero once aimed to direct a version of the first game, but creative conflicts ultimately led to his departure. Constraints from producers limited the gore factor, resulting in a franchise that often feels sanitized despite its R-rating. Anderson’s choice to diverge from the original source material aimed at delivering a unique viewing experience, but the outcome has been mixed.

Anderson’s deviation may have distracted from the essence of the games. Translating the tension and survival horror that defines Resident Evil into film can be challenging, yet it is achievable. Films such as Crawl and The Descent effectively capture suspenseful horror on screen without losing what makes the suspenseful genres compelling.

However, neither the Anderson/Jovovich films nor Welcome to Raccoon City managed to encapsulate that atmosphere effectively. Fortunately, hope remains for the next chapter in the franchise. The upcoming installment will see Zach Cregger, known for his work on Barbarian, take the directing reins, hinting that this reboot may finally align with the series’ rich potential. Given Cregger’s grasp of horror elements, fans are optimistic that a revitalized Resident Evil film can finally emerge.

For ongoing insights and developments about Resident Evil, check out sources like Rotten Tomatoes, The Numbers, and Bloody Disgusting.

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