They just get better...

Rating: 9/10 (22 September 2007)

This third entry in the Resident Evil series is great. Although it's been said that it doesn't really touch on the previous films, it does indeed. The start of the movie throws you for a moment as it appears to be Alice's entire introduction from the first film. There is a difference, which I won't spoil here.
Some characters return from the second film, like Carlos (Oded Fehr) and L.J.(Mike Epps). Others, like Jill Valentine and the little girl they fought to save from the school are gone, and no explanation is given, unless I missed a bit of expository dialogue, which I don't think I did.
Alice is first seen on her own, with her voice-over explaining that it's better that way, because large groups of people attract the undead. Plus, she explains later that people (good or bad) tend to end up dead around her, which is certainly true. Eventually though, she connects with a nomadic group of survivors, led by Claire Redfield (Ali Larter), who are making their way cross-country in a well-armed caravan. It's Alice who brings them their sense of direction, as well as much-needed extra-human protection (as hinted in Alice's eyes in final scene of the last film).
Of course, the Umbrella Corperation is up to its usual dirty tricks. The evil doctor seen at the end of the last film is back also.
Now down to the goodies: there are zombies by the thousands (most of them surrounding an outpost for Umbrella Corporation), gunplay aplenty, heroics, scares (with a fair amount of tension taking place at a deserted motel near the beginning), and some unexpected talents from Alice. And to be honest, the reason I love these movies is to see Alice kick zombie butt, which she does in spades. The movie is cram-packed with exciting stuff and really flies by, leaving you wanting more. Although these films are not platforms for acting theatrics, Mila Jovovich does her best job as Alice, who is a killing machine, but shows fear and some...some, vulnerability. I may see this one again before it leaves the theaters. Cannot wait for the DVD release to complete the trilogy.