Resident Evil: Apocalypse (2004)

1.5 out of 4

Starring: Milla Jovovich, Sienna Guillory, Oded Fehr, Jared Harris, Sandrine Holt, Sophie Vavasseur, Mike Epps

Director: Alexander Witt

Time: 93 mins

Viewed: Mega Movies at Brunswick Square, East Brunswick, New Jersey

Following an outbreak in the original Resident Evil, the Umbrella Corporation's T-virus, which can re-animate the dead, has spread quickly from the company's research facility, causing widespread havoc and infection in Raccoon City (otherwise recognisable as Toronto). A ragtag group of survivors, including ex-employee Jovovich, try to escape from the barricaded city. Sequel to the surprisingly entertaining original (based on the popular zombie/horror video game series) is full of action but little excitement or substance; poor direction and cardboard characters don't help. Epps, as the lone comic relief, manages to inject some occasional life into the proceedings. Ending heralds a potential third entry in the franchise.

(c) Joe Wong (21 September 2004)