Based on the game, but just couldn't live up to the idea...

Rating: Null/10 (14 September 2004)

Let me start by saying that I own the original DVD (not deluxe edition) of this movie. But, sometimes I contemplate on keeping the movie or selling it to a used cd shop. Based on the survival horror series Resident Evil (Biohazard), the only 2 main themes that came from the game were the zombies and the Umbrella Corporation. I'm not real picky about converting games to motion pictures , but this movie's idea wasn't executed well. George Romero's dead trilogy (Night Of The Living Dead, Dawn Of The Dead, Day Of The Dead) set the standard for survival horrors, and they are the best of their genre. Even with all the SFX and technology we have, this movie could not live up to its hype.
In my opinion, the acting isn't really an important element in these types of movies. But, Michelle Rodriguez's character just didn't do it for me. Living off of her girlfight fame is long overdue. Another female character would've been suitable. Paul Anderson is known for his visually stunning sets, but he has trouble executing his idea for some reason (ex. Soldier, Alien vs. Predator). What's going on with Paul? Colin Salmon does what he can in his limited time within the movie. He has a very commanding performance, and he is very charismatic on screen. I think he should've been the main lead. Milla Jovovich is alright, but I think Colin would've done a better job.
I love the horror and gore scenes from earlier zombie movies. I'm not saying that this movie has to have an all out gore fest, but act like a R-rated movie. With the exception of a few scenes, this could've been PG-13 (Alien Vs. Predator!!!). Come on Paul!!
*SPOILER*: The scene where Michelle Rodriguez gets bit on the hand was too simple. Michelle's character shoots the zombie after getting bit on the hand. Too Simple!! Come On!! There were no bullet holes in the zombie. The audience was deprived because of quick edit shots.*END OF SPOILER*
Can somebody turn up the gore factor please?!! Zombie movies usually have a high gore factor. This was just an average action movie. It could've done better given the fact that there were a lot of elements to work with. RE2 didn't improve, and I've lost hope in the movie series. Dawn Of The Dead, both original and 2004 version, are better movies.
Final Judgment: **/****