Resident Evil Reviews Explain Why Video Game Movies Don’t Need Easter Eggs or Fan Service

Resident Evil‘s latest cinematic outing did not dabble in classic Easter egg placement and fan service. This has been praised by some critics, with several calling it one of the strongest Resident Evil adaptations to date.

Many reviewers have praised director Zach Cregger for capturing the atmosphere of the Resident Evil games. This is particularly notable because the film does not feature any characters from the games.

According to Den of the Geek, “But the constant sense of helpless doom and giggle-inducing anxiety that comes when Bryan warily aims his flashlight around a dark corner does a better job of adapting the spirit of Resident Evil than a million easter egg callbacks or slices of fan service cosplaying outfits.”

Similarly, Slant Magazine echoes this sentiment, praising Cregger for nailing the atmosphere rather than focusing on callbacks to the game. Its review of the film stated, “Zach Cregger’s horror reboot Resident Evil treats the games as a polite suggestion rather than a direct guidebook.”

What else are critics saying about the new Resident Evil movie?

Video game adaptations have come a long way since the applaudable yet flawed attempts at adaptations like Prince of Persia, Assassin’s Creed, and Doom. Be it Sonic, Castlevania, and now, Resident Evil, directors and producers who have grown up with the games and engaged in fandom around them are now getting a chance to try their hands at an adaptation with wondrous results.

The Playlist praised Cregger’s commitment to sticking to the mythology and visuals of the story, allowing the protagonist Bryan to feel like a part of the world in his own right, rather than some expy of franchise legend Leon Kennedy. Its review read, “Cregger embraces the grotesque mutations, gnarly body horror, laboratories, buckets of blood, monsters, and increasingly elaborate escape scenarios associated with the games.”

The Hollywood Reporter credited Cregger with revitalizing the franchise, while IGN‘s review called it “the best Resident Evil you’ve never played.”

Source: Comingsoon.net