Cast
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Milla Jovovich
as Alice
Sienna Guillory
as Jill Valentine
Oded Fehr
as Carlos Olivera
Thomas Kretschmann
as Major Cain
Sophie Vavasseur
as Angela "Angie" Ashford
Razaaq Adoti
as Sgt. Peyton Wells
Jared Harris
as Dr. Ashford
Mike Epps
as L.J.
Sandrine Holt
as Terri Morales
Matthew G. Taylor
as Nemesis
Zack Ward
as Sergente Nicholai Ginovaeff
Iain Glen
as Dr. Isaacs
Dave Nichols
as Captain Henderson
Stefen Hayes
as Yuri Loginova
Geoffrey Pounsett
as Mackenzie
Crew
Director
- Alexander Witt
Writer
- Paul W. S. Anderson
Producer
- Paul W. S. Anderson
- Jeremy Bolt
- Don Carmody
Reviews
JPV852
I'm all for dumb entertainment (Swordfish and xXx are guilty pleasures for me) but this one lacks any innovation, even for its time, not to mention some poor acting (though Jovovich was the least aggressor in the cast). Some of the action was okay but much else felt like a waste of time. **2.0/5**
Nov 18, 2020
The Movie Mob
**Sure, it's not a masterpiece, but it is near and dear to my heart.**
**EXTREME BIAS WARNING**
I am fully aware that the rating I gave this movie doesn't entirely fit the quality of the film, but here are my flimsy reasons why this movie is almost a 5 of 5-star movie:
1. I am a major fan of the Resident Evil video games, and this is the one out of the Paul WS Anderson saga most similar to the games.
2. I grew up watching this movie with my dad over and over, so it has a good deal of nostalgia for me.
3. The introduction of Jill Valentine and Carlos Olivera is awesome!
4. The story following the fall of Raccoon City to hordes of undead while a small group of heroes tries to survive is my favorite plot of the franchise.
5. Lots of zombies and lots of action.
Aug 19, 2022
Andre Gonzales
My favorite out of the series. Apocalypse was my favorite game too. Trying to battle Nemesis who is this big slow very powerful zombie like creature.
Aug 8, 2023
RalphRahal
Resident Evil: Apocalypse (2004) takes the franchise in a more action-heavy direction, but in doing so, it loses some of what made the first movie work. The story is straightforward and somewhat interesting, but it lacks any real depth, feeling more like an excuse to string together set pieces rather than a well-developed plot. The horror elements are almost an afterthought, making the zombies feel out of place in what plays more like an over-the-top action movie.
The directing choices are questionable, with excessive shaky cam and overblown shots that make certain action scenes harder to follow. Slow motion is a nice touch, but it’s used so frequently that it feels more like a gimmick than a stylistic choice. That said, the cinematography does have its moments, particularly in a few key sequences. The introduction of Nemesis is handled well, even if his overall presence in the movie could have been stronger. Milla Jovovich remains the highlight, delivering her signature mix of badassery and effortless style while taking on enemies with superhuman agility.
The script is basic, filled with cheesy dialogue that doesn't add much weight to the story. The soundtrack keeps the aggressive, industrial vibe from the first film, but the overall execution of the movie feels uneven. While it has entertaining moments, it doesn’t match the balance of action, horror, and sci-fi that made the original so engaging. It’s a fun watch if you just want mindless action, but as a follow-up to Resident Evil, it’s definitely a step down.
Feb 3, 2025
Thematic Analysis
This Horror/Action/Science Fiction film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Resident Evil: Apocalypse presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Alexander Witt brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2004, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Resident Evil: Apocalypse took approximately 9 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $45.0 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 94 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 151 minutes long.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 10 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 2004, when this film is released:
- The September 11 attacks changed global security and politics.
- Environmental concerns were becoming more mainstream.
- Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.
How This Film Stands Out
While Resident Evil: Apocalypse shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Ninjago: Masters of Spinjitzu - Day of the Departed, which focuses more on action than character development, Resident Evil: Apocalypse subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Joe Bullet and 28 Weeks Later explore similar territory, Resident Evil: Apocalypse stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: September 10, 2004
- Runtime: 1h 34m
- Budget: $45,000,000
- Revenue: $129,342,769
