The worst one yet

Rating: 5/10 (25 January 2017)

Having really enjoyed (at least as far as this series goes) the third entry in the 'Resident Evil' set of films, I was quite disappointed to see them take a step backwards in this one. 'Resident Evil: Afterlife' is my least favourite entry in the series to date. Interesting, my two least favourites, the original and this one, were both directed by series writer/producer Paul W.S. Anderson. The second and third entries, which he lent out to other directors, were far superior in my opinion. This is a disappointing fact, because I have two films to go in the series and he has directed both of them.
The reasons I didn't enjoy this one as much were as follows. Firstly, this one is much slower than the other films in the series. At almost the halfway point in the run time the story is still being set up and characters are simply standing around introducing them self and discussing what to do. There are little hints of action here and there in the first half, but they are hardly anything worth mentioning. Secondly, it felt like this focused a lot more on style than actual substance. The opening scene is a prime example. Very very little actually happens in it, yet the whole thing is filmed in slow motion and with stylish camera angles to make us think this is a great scene.
Also, it would have to be said that this series is starting to feel a little stale after four entries. You find yourself asking what exactly am I getting in this edition that I haven't already seen or experienced. I would love to see Anderson think a little outside the box for the next two entries. Try something different to mix it up a bit. Otherwise I feel this series really can't justify six entries.