Hey, everyone. "Moriarty" here with some Rumblings From The Lab.
So the phone rings at the Labs last night. It's this spy, having just returned from a screening of RESIDENT EVIL. He wants to find out if we're interested in a review of the film. "Of course," I tell him, and I start asking him questions, feeling him out, trying to gauge him as a film viewer. I can tell you this before you all start your oh-so-tired cries of "plant!" just because you can't imagine liking this film: neither can I. I've been totally uninterested since it was announced. Even the casting of Mila "The Future Mother Of My Children" Jovovich didn't get me interested.
But the two people who have taken time to write to us about the film since last night's screening both liked it. And in both cases, they seem to be relatively free of baggage about Paul "Not Thomas" Anderson and the game, the exact sort of viewers this is going to have to work for if the film is going to be a hit.
So did he do it? Did he make a good film? I guess stranger things have happened.
Just not many. Take it away, Gandolfino...
Hehehehe....yeah, I know I'm gonna be the envy of the gaming universe out there, but I'm spinning around, delirious from the cool sights and monstrous sounds echoing in my head from the very first, world premiere test screening of Resident Evil. Made the trek out to the Burbank 14 tonight, not quite knowing what to expect as I was the guest of my friend Tetroit, a hard-core RE gamer who was lucky enough to score the invitation. So, before I proceed, I have to admit, while I've played the game, I am by no means a die-hard fan. So, don't hate me, Rez fanatics, I'm just a lucky bastard....
This sneak peak was called a work-in-progress, but looked pretty finished to me. Only things that were obviously unfinished: music, which was mostly temporary, but I heard some cool new ambient music by Marilyn Manson (more on that later), and the licker - basically saved until the finale - which was partly finished, and should look sick when fully computer animated.
Oh, one other thing. The plot is a prequel to the RE game. I'm sure some rabid gamer has already dissected every plot point, so I'll skip that.
That said, I have to say, in my opinion, is a great cinematic adaptation of a computer game, if yer a fan of sci-fi/horror/zombie flicks. Visually interesting - think 2001/Kubrick slick and creepy, but action packed, violent and gory. Scary like a mothafucka, and starring two hot girlz - Milla Jovovich (The Fifth Element, Joan of Arc) and Michelle Rodriguez (The Fast and The Furious).
Paul Anderson (Mortal Kombat, Event Horizon) is a perfect at creating this kind of slick terror, if this is yer thing. So, all you skeptical hard-core RE playas out there, in my opinion you will not be disappointed. You will be very, very happy.
Oh, let me say one more thing...MILLA! MILLA! MILLA! That girl's eyes could melt mountains, bend steel, and bring nations to their knees. She's a goddess! And the best part is she is basically naked twice, at the beginning and very end, with skimpy strategically placed cloths, he he he. Enough of my Milla festish.
Editing: Excellent. Tense. Scenes alternate between fast & furious, and slow, creepy and suspenseful. Pacing often has this great feel of speedy electronic music. Many moments where I jumped.
Sound/Music: Mostly temp, but Paul Anderson is going for an electronic speedy feel, think Requiem for a Dream. Marilyn Manson is doing some of the score, and while I wasn't sure what was his, I definitely heard him singing "I want to get closer" over beautiful ambient beats in a crucial moment. If this is a sign of what's to come, I'm very intrigued. Should be interesting.
Cinematography: Don't know who shot it, but it looks good, full of scary shadows and creepy dark corners.
Acting: Solid. Milla is not only hypnotic to look at, but is a strong actor. Reminds me of a teenage Sigourney Weaver in Aliens. Michelle Rodriguez nails the tough girl attitude. She gets the funniest, most witty one-liners. Other actors (Eric Mabius, somebody named James Purefoy, Martin Crewes) do a competent job, but let the spotlight shine on the girlz.
Direction: Awesome. I loved Mortal Kombat and Event Horizon, and this is right up there.
SFX: Richard Yurichich (MI:2) is still putting the finishing touches on the visual effects, but there were many some cool CG effects already finished. The Red Queen, the brains of the Hive complex, projects this weird holographic satanic little girl alter ego that’s a good laugh, and yeah, you guessed it, lotsa scary creepy zombies. My favorite scene involves this pack of bloody, skinless zombie Dobermans chasing Milla at hyperspeed, until she lands the flying slo mo kick of the year (surefire MTV movie award for best Hong Kong Martial Arts lethal flying leap). There’s also this fun scene with lasers ripping apart some of the commandos trapped inside this shining glass/steel corridor. The final battle with Milla and the licker should be incredible when the visual efx are done. Quick, rapid fire shots keep the thing pretty mysterious, but it was one of the only elements that wasn't finished.
This movie rocks! Paul Anderson should revive the Terminator series. Can't wait to see what he does next.
