Resident Evil - The Final Chapter Review: If you're a fan of Jovovich or the franchise, don't miss it

Director: Paul W S Anderson

Cast: Milla Jovovich, Ali Larter, Iain Glen, Eoin Macken, Ruby Rose

Rating: **1/2 (TWO-AND-A-HALF STARS)

WHAT'S IT ABOUT:

After her many escapades, it's all about Alice (Jovovich) finally coming home to Raccoon City (if one can call what's left of it, that). After years of adventure, forging friendships and braving betrayals, she makes her way back through swarms of the undead and zombified mutated creatures, in the hope of getting an antidote that nullifies the lasting effects of the T-Virus, that brought humankind to its knees.

Alice finds Claire (Larter), an old friend, at a human settlement, as she makes her way back to the dreaded Hive of the dastardly Umbrella Corporation, the conglomerate responsible for releasing the T-virus in the first place.

Keep up. This is a franchise that spans several years and it finally finds a conclusion (or a new beginning?) here. Alice finds that the resurgence of an old enemy is not what she hoped to find. What she does, however, is purpose and meaning. And in a franchise that has sent her looking in the opposite direction, that's a step in the right one.

WHAT'S HOT:

The fact that a largely repetitive franchise finally attempts (however feebly and unwillingly) to bid goodbye. As in any good zombie movie, the body count keeps piling up with Alice finding less-than-routine ways of helping the undead rest in peace. The return of a villain once thought dead, isn't all that unique, but in this context, it actually makes sense and is probably expected. The franchise has no bigger villain than the one in this film. Also, the best part is, Alice finally discovers the reason for her existence and her absence of memories.

WHAT'S NOT:

The Claire and Doc subplot seems almost unnecessary and kinda disruptive without any real impact. There is betrayal afoot, but you see it coming. The end fight scene just seems like it's delaying the inevitable (no matter which way it ends). It's almost like the principal cast is sleepwalking through this film. Familiarity does breed a little contempt, no?

WHAT TO DO:

Alice calls it a day. If you're a fan of Jovovich or the franchise, don't miss it. It'll answer some lingering questions. Either waym, it ends. And that is something of a relief.