One of the better zombie movies

Rating: Null/10 (29 December 2003)

Based on the popular video game (they made a couple of comics too) this movie is just what the doctor ordered for us Zombie flick fans.
A secret Umbrella Corporation research facility becomes infected with a virus it was developing and the computerised security system sealed it off completely, leaving the present staff to die while exposed to the virus.
Since nobody knows what went wrong, a SWAT-type team is sent in to investigate. On their way in they run into Alice (Milla Jovovich) and Spence Parks. They guard the entrance to the facility and were rendered unconcious by the security system and as a result of which suffer some memory loss. Also tagging along is cop Matt Addison who just happened to be there when the team arrived.
They get in, run into lots and lots of nasties and need to get out in one piece. There's a few plot twists in there to keep things entertaining for people looking for a nice story, and for the hormone-driven males there's a couple of nice partial nudity shots of lovely Milla. It doesn't get in the way of the action though, and there's plenty of that.
The biggest flaw in the story is when the lasers come into play. The last type of laser used is the most effective, and it makes you wonder why the security system didn't use it immediately and get it over with. The rest of the story is solid as far as I can tell, and pretty much in sync with the game.
Now, as I said this is a very good zombie movie. There's a lot of them, and the special effects budget was well spent using mainly make-up effects, and saving the big bucks for the biggest nasty of them all (a 'licker', to those familiar with the game) which is played by the computer.
There's practically no gore in the movie. Sure, there's the bruises and wounds a zombie is likely to inflict, but no zooming in on it, or excessive blood squirts. I actually counted a total of one scene I would consider somewhat gory (when they reach the train on the way out), and it wasn't that bad.
The acting by most of the credited cast was okay. The zombies on the other hand were excellent. Normally they disappoint by trying too hard to act somewhat dead or by standing still while clawing at a character. In this movie they do what you expect them to do and do it well.
I'm giving this one an 8 out of 10. If you're into zombie movies (and I am in a BIG way) it's highly recommended. If you're just looking for some good scares, this movie delivers. Go see it. You will not be disappointed.