“Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City” (2021) is a reboot of the popular “Resident Evil” franchise, directed by Johannes Roberts. This film aims to stay closer to the original video games, particularly “Resident Evil” and “Resident Evil 2,” and serves as a fresh start for the series after the previous film adaptations.

Plot Overview: The movie is set in the titular Raccoon City, a fictional American town plagued by a zombie outbreak caused by the nefarious Umbrella Corporation. It intertwines the stories of several characters from the games, including Claire Redfield (Kaya Scodelario), Leon S. Kennedy (Avan Jogia), Jill Valentine (Hannah John-Kamen), and Chris Redfield (Robbie Amell). As the infection spreads, the survivors must navigate a series of horrors, uncover the dark secrets of Umbrella Corporation, and fight for their lives.

Review:

Visuals and Special Effects: “Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City” attempts to capture the atmospheric tension and horror of the original games. The film features some decent practical effects and creature designs that pay homage to the game’s iconic zombies and monstrous creatures. However, the special effects and CGI have received mixed reviews, with some critics noting that they fall short of the high standards set by other modern horror films.

Direction and Writing: Johannes Roberts’ direction focuses on creating a nostalgic experience for fans of the games. The screenplay, co-written by Roberts and Richard Wenk, includes several nods to the game’s plotlines and characters. While the film is ambitious in its attempt to blend elements from the original games, it struggles with pacing and coherence. Some viewers might appreciate the film’s adherence to the source material, while others may find the execution lacking in depth and nuance.

Performances: The performances are a mixed bag. Kaya Scodelario and Avan Jogia, as Claire Redfield and Leon S. Kennedy respectively, deliver solid performances that capture the essence of their game counterparts. However, some of the supporting performances have been criticized for lacking emotional depth and character development. The film’s ensemble cast does its best with the material, but the character arcs can feel underdeveloped.

Themes: The film delves into themes common to the “Resident Evil” franchise, such as corporate malfeasance, survival horror, and the struggle against overwhelming odds. The exploration of the Umbrella Corporation’s dark experiments and the resultant zombie outbreak drives the narrative, echoing the franchise’s focus on the consequences of unethical scientific practices.

Overall Impression: “Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City” is a mixed bag for both fans of the franchise and newcomers. It succeeds in paying homage to the original games and includes many familiar elements and characters, which may delight dedicated fans. However, its shortcomings in visual effects, character development, and pacing might detract from the overall experience. The film is an earnest attempt to reboot the franchise, but it may not satisfy everyone’s expectations or stand out in the crowded landscape of video game adaptations.