Video Games shouldn’t be adapted into Movies
What possessed movie directors to create a movie out a video game, popular or not. Case in point, Super Mario Brothers. Sure, there is some leeway in what you can or can’t do in a movie verses a video game, however, has anyone ever decided to keep the premise, location, characters and action the same in a movie instead of diluting it with the hottest actor, plot twists, terrible dialog and a director’s twist? I haven’t seen one. Some movie adaptations that fell well short of the mark: Resident Evil, Dungeons and Dragons, Mario Brothers, Doom, Alone in the Dark. Halo, if it ever gets out of pre-production has the possibility to ruin itself with the movie as well with no official cast, production issues, monetary issues and the like. I’m not too hopeful about the prospects of the movie if/when it comes out. Splinter Cell and Siphon Filter also have possiblities to be good, but judging by the string of video game-turned-movies, I’m not too hopeful. If anyone can suggest a video game that turned out to be great movie, by all means let me know. The trend has reversed itself in recent years because ultimately, you can stretch video games further than an approximately two-hour long movie. It’s no secret that directors and writers try to make success by bringing a video game to the big screen, but come on, do it right.
Resident Evil 5 the best in series
If you were a fan of the first four, or the games in between like Code: Veronica or Umbrella Chronicles, you’ll be a fan of the up and coming Resident Evil game. Resident Evil 5 will have features that weren’t in the fourth installment or the ones before it (I’ve played an extended demo of it). You will have to shoot while you stand still again, but you can switch out weapons during game play so as not to impede the progress of your game. The controls are slightly different than what Resident Evil fans are accustomed to, but you will not be forced to get a great handle on the controls in a quick time. The progression is designed beautifully. For those frustrated because of some of the puzzles, the puzzles in RE5 are rather simple and with the help of your partner, Sheva (you’ll be involved in interactive game play, but she won’t be an impediment on you like Ashley was in 4), they’re a piece of cake (some time consuming).
Old enemies will return for this one, but there is also an unexpected twist. You might be able to figure it out toward the middle of the game if you pay close enough attention. Old friends will also come back, just not in the way you would expect. Resident Evil 5 is by far the best in the series. The comments about whether Resident Evil 5 is racist or not is ignorant at best and need not be mentioned in much detail. Do Spaniards have a problem with Resident Evil 4? How about white people with Resident Evil 1-3. Give me a break. There’s enough action in the game to take the heat off of those wanting to cause derision amongst the gaming community and against the makers of the game.
However, Resident Evil fans, I do caution this. If you are a fan of the game, expect this one to be the last in the series. Unless they make offshoots of the game such as Code: Veronica or Umbrella Chronicles, RE 5 ends definitively, but the way it ends, is amazing, to say the least.
My review of Resident Evil: Degeneration
If you’re a Resident Evil fan, you won’t be disappointed. If you’re looking for a good horror flick, you may be sorely disappointed. The movie was designed to run off the RE games so if you’re not at least somewhat familiar with the series, the movie may be confusing. It does fit in the RE timeline seven years after the events of RE 2.
The movie follows Leon and Claire as they live the nightmare again only in a different place. A new creature is introduced and the way they come to that section follow very well in line with the continuity of the RE series. If you’re a fan of the game, you would probably agree the creature would have been a great addition to the game series. The story ark and theme of the game is basic in regards to the theme of the book, but it does tie up some of the story together. The flow and structure of the movie is fluid, which makes the movie structured. It is your typical action/adventure film with Zombies thrown in (what else can you expect from Resident Evil). The characters are at least believable in the video game sense. They’re relatable (there are instances where if you didn’t play at least RE 2, you won’t understand the comments) and they’re not overbearing.
This movies does not, in any shape or fashion, follow the movies directed by Paul Anderson. In fact, the director has stated, he thought the Resident Evil trilogy in film was terribly done. I agree. Resident Evil: Degeneration is must-see. I give it an 8 out of 10.