When a virus leaks from a top-secret facility, turning all resident researchers into ravenous zombies and their lab animals into mutated hounds from hell, the government sends in an elite military task force to contain the outbreak.
I originally watched "Resident Evil" at a movie theater when it was first released in 2002. I hadn't played the games. There was no Rotten Tomatoes and I didn't read reviews back then so I went in blind. And I utterly enjoyed the movie: the story, the action sequences, the underground "Hive," Mila Jovovich and Michelle Rodriguez kicking serious ass, and more.
Panned by critics (36% RT) but liked by users (67% RT), Resident Evil was one of the first examples of how mainstream critics just don't "get" horror. Movies that try to be artsy get great reviews even as key elements fall flat for the rest of us. The recent "Beach House" is a perfect example of this -- it was loved by critics (81% RT) and panned by users (28%).
Unfortunately, the rest of the "Resident Evil" sequels except for a few moments, rarely captured that first movie's originality and allure. Instead, check out the writer/director's excellent previous outing "Event Horizon."
Been several years since I last watched this one and I guess it's passable but not very scary (I personally don't find zombies all that frightening) and the CGI creatures, while okay for its time, didn't add to the tension either. At least some of the action was alright and not bad following around Milla Jovovich. **2.75/5**
Great watch, will likely watch again, and do recommend.
I understand that zombies have been done to death by the time I wrote this, but I've always enjoyed them, and I understand that, as a movie franchise, "Resident Evil" is fairly laughed at, but the first movie was somewhat promising, even if it didn't REALLY have anything to do with the video game.
If nothing else, Milla Jojovich and Michelle Rodriguez are quality actors and carry the movie very well, though I honestly think the cast does well.
I'm all for unique movies, and, at the time, this felt like one. It is well remembered for a particular death scene.
If you like zombies, then you should like this one. It just has this evil corporation trope looming in the background.
It does a great job of slowly escalating the situation, if in a slightly absurd way.
**While not a perfect movie, Resident Evil stands above many other entries in the zombie and video game genres.**
The first of a 6-movie series, Resident Evil stays grounded in its horror roots more than the rest. This movie takes every opportunity to keep the audience tense and on edge with zombies, monsters, deadly lasers, and jump scares. When most video game adaptations result in embarrassing movies that should have gone straight to streaming, Resident Evil put together a solid storyline with great action, fun characters, gross zombies, and entertaining horror.
Good movie brought the video game game to life. Could have been better. I was glad to see this movie made though. Always thought this would be good for a movie series.
Resident Evil (2002) is a solid action-horror film that takes the core idea of the video game series and spins it into something original. The plot is simple but effective, following a group trying to survive in a high-tech underground facility after a deadly outbreak. It doesn't just rely on zombies for tension; the movie builds suspense through corporate secrecy, AI threats, and bioengineered monstrosities. The blend of sci-fi elements with action and horror keeps things engaging from start to finish, making it stand out from traditional zombie flicks.
Paul W.S. Anderson’s directing gives the film a sleek, fast-paced energy that keeps the tension high. The cinematography complements this with clean, stylized shots, making the action sequences crisp and easy to follow. The laser hallway scene is one of the film’s most iconic moments, showcasing both the film's brutal efficiency and its sci-fi horror tone. The set design, particularly The Hive, feels sterile and claustrophobic, adding to the atmosphere. The action choreography is sharp, and Milla Jovovich’s presence elevates the film. She delivers a strong performance, blending vulnerability and badassery in a way that makes Alice instantly likable.
The script keeps things moving at a good pace, avoiding unnecessary exposition while letting the mystery unfold naturally. Some of the dialogue is straightforward, but it fits the film’s tone, prioritizing momentum over complexity. The score, co-composed by Marilyn Manson, adds a heavy, industrial edge that enhances the movie’s aggressive, cyberpunk feel. Overall, Resident Evil is a fun mix of action, horror, and sci-fi that still holds up, especially if you enjoy fast-paced, stylish survival thrillers.