The perfect sequel! Hollywood, take note: This is how a sequel is done!

Rating: 9/10 (17 May 2013)

After watching the first Resident Evil, I've thought it to be the best zombie virus film I've seen. Now, after watching Apocalypse, I know I was right. The definition of a good sequel is that it picks up where the first film has ended, smoothly continues, leaves no loose ends and unanswered questions, doesn't open itself to plot holes, and takes the rules made by the first film to a new and improved level. Resident Evil: Apocalypse does all of these, and in a nearly perfect way. In my opinion, it's easily in the top 5 of the best sequels ever made. Another thing I liked, is that it shows features that we've seen before (or will see later) in other famous films in their respective genres, like Terminator, The Matrix, The Descent and pretty much ever new zombie flick made in the 21st century. Resident Evil is probably the hottest name in the zombie film industry, and by right.
The screenplay and story are excellent, although the name is slightly misleading - the only place going through a "zombie apocalypse" is Raccoon City, not the entire world as the name (and the end scene in the first film) imply. Perhaps Resident Evil: Raccoon City would have been a better name, but never mind that. The plot involves everything we've learnt and today know to want and expect to see. An area infected by zombies, survivors trying to escape/live through the ordeal, and excellent action scenes of battles. As for the new and evolved rules - they're absolutely there and are very exciting, but I wouldn't want to risk spoilers.
The acting is excellent. Milla Jovovich is as talented, beautiful and deadly as in the first film, and is this time joined by Sienna Guillory as Jill Valentine, the perfect femme fatal! I also liked Jarred Harris's roll as Dr. Ashford, but altogether a great work by the entire cast!
Direction and cinematography are also great, featuring some terminator style shots from the point of view of the beings controlled by the Umbrella Corporation. The soundtrack is also just the way it should be in a zombie flick.
It took me to this week to familiarize myself with the Resident Evil anthology, and not a moment too soon. I only wish I'd known it years ago. As a big fan of the Underworld anthology, I salute the better predecessor. I know I'm about to have a great time watching the rest of the Resident Evil films, including the animated ones. This film in particular is, as I've said, better than the first, and leaves plenty of room for more improvements (or a devastating fall from grace) in the third. The perfect sequel!