Resident Evil: [Movie]

Alright, alright, it isn't a game, but as Degeneration ties in plotlines and characters from other titles in the series, Capcom have granted it canonical–status unlike the previous three films and variations of the games.  In fact Resident Evil: Code Veronica was never seen as canon until the writers of Resident Evil Zero wrote so many ties from that into their game that Capcom really had little choice but to change their minds.

But enough of history and on with the film where the two protagonists of Resident Evil 2 Claire Redfield (who also appeared in the aforementioned Code Veronica) and Leon Kennedy (also in Resident Evil 4) are thrown together due to a series of unfortunate events.

The film opens to news reports following the downfall of the Umbrella Corporation from the devastation of Raccoon City to the present.  Then the reports move on to discuss dangerous dictators a new pharmaceutical company, WilPharma, and an accident in India which has caught the attention of the eco friendly Terra Save.  Given the series has been less than subtle with its plots in the past you may guess that all these things plus an aggrieved scientist Curtis Miller may be linked.  No.  Shocker!

Claire, now working for Terra Save, arrives at Harvardville airport; Harvardville being home to the Headquarters of WilPharma and whilst looking after her friend's daughter, Roni notices Senator Ron Davis walk by.  Senator Davis is one nasty piece of work with links to WilPharma and the incident in India.  The plot quickly develops from here as a protester dressed as a zombie causes some panic.  The next "protester" actually is a zombie.  So here comes Leon and some Special Response Team (read S.T.A.R.S. without the double crossing) to save the day.  From the airport the plot moves to the WilPharma labs but there's not really any surprise to find a lab in this series.

Not to give too much away, but at times you'll be itching to grab the controller and play.  Can you spot the Leon quick–time event?  Or even the tributes to the games and the game plots?  Some of the nicest touches are the subtle ones, but special mention goes to when Claire and Leon meet in a scene; a touching tribute to Resident Evil 2.

The plot also has definite ties to that games storyline as a G-Virus outbreak looms large, and Claire and Leon still seem to have feelings for each other.  Didn't they hear about e-mail?  The other love interest for the Kennedy–boy is Angela, one of the Special Response Team.

The film keeps a good pace, except for a small lull in the centre that could have benefitted by a little editing. The plot is as risible as any of the games.  Extras include Resident Evil 5 trailers, an excellent blooper–reel, where the actors just had some fun, a couple of documentaries and faux interviews and the trivia–trail.  This final one is the most interesting as it brings up boxes on the screen during the film explaining the film–maker's thoughts and changes.

Graphically, it looks good, with some high points being the glass effects and the diving sequence.  The lows being Angela's awful dress, and breasts to rival Lara Croft, all in the same scene thankfully.  It's actually a bit of a shame that Degeneration isn't a game, but it goes a long way to tidying up loose ends the games created and giving Resident Evil 5 a platform to launch off.