Resident Evil"" is back again with its third installment ""Resident Evil: Extinction,"" and the stakes are higher than ever. After the Umbrella Corporation releases a deadly virus that changes the human race into an army of flesh-hungry zombies, only a small convoy of surviving humans is left to fight for survival in the Nevada desert. One of these survivors, the genetically modified Alice (Milla Jovovich), finds evidence that the virus has not yet reached Alaska. The group must combat hordes of zombies, scavenge supplies and evade detection by the Umbrella Corporation as it makes its way to the last safe haven on Earth.
One aspect of this movie is that it is - although helpful - not necessary to see the first two to enjoy this one. Audiences who know little to nothing about the movies or the video games will not have much trouble following the plot.
""Resident Evil: Extinction"" is not a typical horror movie; it is more part of the action genre than anything else. However, rotting undead staggering around the desert and pouncing out of nowhere provide more than a few jump-worthy moments. This movie is very intense, keeping audiences on the edges of their seats from start to finish.
Besides the gore-packed fighting, one of the most unsettling parts of the film is seeing what happens to civilization so quickly and easily when disaster hits. A particularly impressive shot shows the city of Las Vegas transformed into a wasteland after the virus sweeps through it. The virus' aftermath also deeply affects the humans, who are forced to constantly make decisions that can save or destroy them all.
A part of this movie that makes it unique is the emphasis of strong female characters. Any girls who shy away from seeing ""Resident Evil: Extinction"" because it seems to be only for the guys should think again; similar to ""Underworld,"" the women do the majority of the fighting and strategizing. It is refreshing to see an action movie with women in it who are there for more than just their appearances.
""Resident Evil: Extinction"" is a good, but not great, action movie. It provides the right combination of advanced technology and good old-fashioned butt-kicking. The characters are believable and likeable enough, with the exception of the stoic convoy leader Claire Redfield (Ali Larter), whose cheesy dialogue ruins several scenes. However, the focus of the movie clearly isn't character development.
The special effects are also impressive. The zombies look not only real, but also extremely gruesome. This is what an action movie should be, and spares little when it comes to guns and gore. Though not by any means the best movie of the year, ""Resident Evil: Extinction"" will deliver an entertaining 95 minutes at the theater.
