It feels like Resident Evil adaptations are a dime a dozen these days. We’ve had Paul W.S. Anderson’s saga, the weird live action Netflix series, another attempt at a reboot, and plenty of animated tie-ins (which are actually pretty good). But it’s not every day we get a new horror movie from director Zach Cregger (Barbarian, Weapons), and it just so happens that his latest is another attempt at a Resident Evil adaptation. This time around, we follow medical courier Bryan as he’s tasked with delivering a crucial package to a hospital in none other than Raccoon City, the fateful setting from the games. As you’d expect, things don’t quite go according to plan, and what follows is a humorous yet shallow romp through the Coloradan wilderness with more laughs than jump scares.

Spoilers Ahead!

Resident Evil’s plot is paper thin, opting instead for an overabundance of slapstick and physical humor. Cregger’s previous horror outings are no stranger to this mix, and they’re injected in small doses in those films. But here, humor is a main focus. Just like how the movie’s story starts and doesn’t relent until the end, the humor is a constant throughout. But none of it is bad by any means. I was admittedly taken slightly by surprise by how often the laughs are asked for given that Cregger has said in interviews that he had to tone down to the humor. Austin Abrams plays our protagonist Bryan, and is a serviceable lead. Cregger forgoes the bad ass action hero typical of the Resident Evil games and trades that in for Abrams’ bumbling idiot guy, something he’s familiar with after his role in Weapons.

I Wish There Was More

Abrams’ performance is a highlight, and I appreciate the deviation from the typical super spy protagonist we’ve seen in other adaptations. His character doesn’t go through much of an arc in the traditional sense, but there’s still enough depth to keep intrigue at the forefront of your mind as the film goes on. While working his courier job, the audience gets a sense that things aren’t so great at home. It’s revealed later that Bryan and his partner Michele are unexpectedly expecting, something the former struggles with until the end. It’s a touching subplot, but it’s more or less pointless; the overarching story is entirely unchanged without it.

There are a few other characters in the film, with great cameo roles from Paul Walter Hauser (Richard Jewell) and Zach Cherry (Severance). The rest of the cast seem like afterthoughts, though, with most of these folks kicking the bucket shortly after meeting them. They’re relegated to tension-breaking comic relief in a film that already sees itself as a comedy. If anything, you can enjoy their gory and creative death scenes. Speaking of, the creature work in this film is genuinely well done. There’s no rhyme or reason as to how the T-Virus operates in this version of Raccoon City. There are a few traditional zombies skulking about, but the real spectacles are the ultra gross mutants, and there is a new one in almost every scene sporting unique designs and nasty abilities.

Enter the Survival Horror

Resident Evil games are described as survival horror, a moniker Cregger successfully applies to this film. Throughout its run time, it feels a bit like watching a Let’s Play of one of the games. While the plot isn’t the deepest, the pacing is chaotic and proceeds at a breakneck pace. It doesn’t let up from beginning to end, and this is a good thing. I feel like it captures what it may feel like to play some of the more modern Resident Evil titles. But aside from some fun references (like cans of First-Aid Spray and the iconic green shotgun shell box) and the ultimate destination of Raccoon City being the film’s MacGuffin, I’m having trouble seeing why this film had to get slapped with the Resident Evil name at all.

I think if you take away the film’s title, you’d be met with the same kind of fun horror comedy experience Cregger has crafted over the years. And I think the film would be all the better for it. But setting it in an iconic and storied location like Raccoon City may create expectations for some fans that just won’t be met here. Other than the references and subtle nods to gameplay elements in the source material, there’s no real reason for this to be called “Resident Evil”. In fact, I think I would have enjoyed it more were it an original work. This doesn’t mean that I think Resident Evil is a bad movie, it definitely isn’t. But it feels as through the Resident Evil moniker has been shoehorned in more as a way to get asses in seats instead of telling a good story in this world.

Verdict

Zach Cregger has crafted a serviceable horror comedy flick that makes for a good and entertaining night out. But if you’re going in looking for the next best video game adaptation or another high-brow entry in our modern cinematic horror renaissance, I’d look elsewhere. But what Resident Evil lacks in a deep plot or themes it makes up for in fun monster design, gory kills, plenty of humor (for better or for worse), and the pacing of a fighter jet to help keep you engaged until the credits roll.

Score: 7/10

Resident Evil opens in theaters everywhere September 18.