Resident Evil: Damnation (2012) is a computer-animated action-horror film, the second in the Resident Evil animated movie series (following Resident Evil: Degeneration). The film is set in the same universe as the Resident Evil video game franchise, with familiar characters and a story that takes place between the events of Resident Evil 5 and Resident Evil 6.

Plot Summary:

The plot centers around Leon S. Kennedy, a former police officer who is now working as a government agent. He is sent to the fictional Eastern European country of Eastern Slav Republic, where an illegal bio-terrorist organization is using the powerful and deadly BOWs (Bio-Organic Weapons) in an attempt to destabilize the government. As Leon uncovers the conspiracy, he encounters familiar characters like Ada Wong, who has her own mysterious agenda, and faces off against bioengineered monsters and corrupt officials in a fight to prevent the release of a new virus that could cause widespread chaos.

The movie primarily focuses on Leon’s efforts to uncover the truth behind the illegal use of BOWs and stop a global crisis. While doing so, Leon is caught in a deadly political conspiracy involving the military and an evil corporation seeking to exploit bio-terrorism for their gain.

Key Themes:

1. Bio-Terrorism: A recurring theme in the Resident Evil franchise, Damnation explores the consequences of bio-terrorism. The story reveals the destructive potential of BOWs and the ethical dilemmas associated with using such weapons in warfare.
2. Trust and Betrayal: As is often the case in the Resident Evil universe, the lines between friend and foe are blurred. Leon has to navigate a web of deceit and figure out who can be trusted while trying to stop the threat from spreading.
3. Survival and Morality: Like many of the Resident Evil films and games, Damnation delves into the survival instinct of its characters and the moral choices they must make when faced with life-and-death situations, particularly when dealing with dangerous, bio-engineered creatures.

Action and Horror:

As a Resident Evil movie, Damnation delivers plenty of action and horror. The film features several intense and thrilling fight sequences, particularly in terms of hand-to-hand combat, gunfights, and confrontations with terrifying mutated creatures. The film’s action is well-paced and often makes use of the type of exaggerated stunts and tactics seen in the video games. Fans of the franchise will recognize many of the iconic monsters, including Lickers and the heavily mutated Tyrants.

The horror elements are somewhat familiar to Resident Evil fans, with plenty of grotesque, infected creatures lurking in the shadows, adding to the tension. However, the film doesn’t fully dive into the psychological terror and isolation of earlier Resident Evil games, instead opting for a more straightforward action-horror approach.

Animation and Visuals:

Damnation uses high-quality CGI animation to bring the characters and world to life. The animation style is a noticeable improvement over Degeneration and looks much more polished, particularly in terms of character models, fluid movement, and environmental design. While the animation style can feel a bit stiff at times, it captures the dark and gritty atmosphere of the Resident Evil universe. The action scenes are particularly engaging, with smooth choreography and plenty of explosions, shootouts, and monster encounters.

The setting of the Eastern Slav Republic is visually dark and oppressive, fitting well with the themes of war, corruption, and despair. The film does a good job of presenting a decaying Eastern European landscape where danger is always lurking.

Characters:

• Leon S. Kennedy: Voiced by Matthew Mercer, Leon continues to be the central hero of this installment. He’s portrayed as a calm, resourceful, and capable protagonist, and his character feels true to the version seen in the games. His interactions with the other characters and his determination to stop the bio-terrorist threat are central to the story.
• Ada Wong: Ada, voiced by Courtenay Taylor, plays a significant role in the plot, though her true motivations are ambiguous. She serves as both an ally and a potential adversary, keeping her mysterious and enigmatic, much like her role in the Resident Evil games.
• The Villains: While the film features several antagonistic figures, none of them are particularly memorable or well-developed. The primary focus is on the bio-terrorist threat, which takes the forefront as the real villain in the story, rather than on individual characters.

Reception:

Resident Evil: Damnation was generally well-received by fans of the franchise, especially for its action sequences and the faithful recreation of the Resident Evil universe. The movie’s emphasis on action, intense combat, and the recognizable characters made it an enjoyable experience for those familiar with the video games. However, it did not do much to stand out from its predecessor, Degeneration, in terms of narrative depth or character development.

Critics and fans of the series who were expecting a more complex story or greater character exploration may have found the plot a bit thin and predictable. However, for those who just want a straightforward Resident Evil action film with plenty of monster battles, Damnation delivers on that front.

Conclusion:

Resident Evil: Damnation is a solid action-packed entry in the Resident Evil animated movie series, offering plenty of what fans of the franchise love: intense action, gruesome monsters, and a familiar storyline involving bioterrorism. While the film may not be groundbreaking in terms of storytelling, it succeeds in delivering the thrills and atmosphere that the Resident Evil series is known for. If you’re a fan of the video games or the earlier Resident Evil animated films, Damnation is worth checking out, though it doesn’t offer much new for those looking for deeper character arcs or narrative complexity.