Resident Evil: Retribution - Blu-ray Review: A Bloody Good Time (Or Is It?)
Hey everyone! So, I finally got around to watching Resident Evil: Retribution on Blu-ray, and, well, let's just say it was… a thing. I've been a fan of the Resident Evil franchise since the first game, so I was stoked to see Milla Jovovich kicking zombie butt again. But this one? It was a bit of a mixed bag, even for a zombie movie. This review's gonna be honest – warts and all – because that's how we roll around here. And hey, who doesn't love a good zombie flick, right?
The Good Stuff: Action and Effects
Let's start with the positives. The action sequences in Retribution are genuinely awesome. Seriously, the sheer number of zombies and creatures they throw at you is insane. The practical effects are still pretty solid, especially compared to some of the CGI-heavy films of today. There are some seriously gnarly zombie kills and some inventive ways to dispatch the undead. I mean, who doesn't love a good zombie kill? It's cathartic, right? That's part of the appeal. I especially loved the sequence in the Tokyo street scene; it was pure chaos, exactly what I want from a zombie film. The Blu-ray transfer really brings out the detail in the effects, making the blood and gore even more… well, gory. It's definitely not for the faint of heart!
Where it Fell Flat: The Story
Now, here's where things get a little sticky. The plot… oh boy, the plot. It's convoluted, to say the least. It felt like they threw a bunch of ideas at the wall and just saw what stuck. This is my biggest gripe with the movie. The story feels disjointed, jumping between locations with little explanation. I got completely lost at times – I had to rewind several scenes, which is not something that happens often. I know these movies aren't exactly known for their Oscar-worthy scripts, but this one felt especially messy. Remember the first movie? Simple, effective story. This one? Not so much. It felt like they were trying to do too much.
The Extras: Worth a Look?
The Blu-ray itself came with a bunch of bonus features, including deleted scenes and behind-the-scenes footage. These were a pretty cool peek behind the curtain. I always appreciate some making-of stuff, even if the movie itself was a bit of a head-scratcher. They gave a good insight into the special effects and the challenges involved. The commentary track was also useful, providing some context that helped clear up some confusing parts of the plot. It’s worth checking them out if you're a hardcore fan, but it’s not a dealbreaker if you skip them.
Overall Verdict: A Guilty Pleasure?
So, is Resident Evil: Retribution worth watching? I'm gonna say... it depends. If you're looking for a mind-bending, character-driven masterpiece, this ain't it, chief. However, if you want some mindless, over-the-top zombie action with some impressive visuals, you might find yourself pleasantly entertained. It's definitely a guilty pleasure for me. The Blu-ray quality is excellent, which enhances the viewing experience, even if the narrative is a bit weak. It sits comfortably amongst the other films in the franchise; it is not the best, but it’s certainly not the worst! So crank up the volume, grab some popcorn, and prepare for some seriously bloody fun. Just don't expect to be intellectually stimulated. You’ve been warned!