Resident Evil: Damnation (2012)

Resident Evil: Damnation (2012)

2012 R 100 Minutes

Animation

U.S. federal agent Leon S. Kennedy sneaks into the "East Slavic Republic" to verify rumors that Bio-Organic Weapons (BOWs) are being used in the country's civil war, which the U.S. and Russia are m...

Overall Rating

6 / 10
Verdict: Good

User Review

  • Resident Evil: Damnation isn't damned at all and is actually a damn good watch. Whilst not as good as 'Degeneration', this second instalment in the animated series remains true to the source material and is able to capture the gritty dark environment that the video game franchise is famous for. Leon infiltrates a former soviet state to investigate a rumour that its president is releasing Bio Organic Weapons (BOWs) in their civil war. Immediately the personality from the likes of Leon Kennedy and Ada Wong are replicated to precision. His masculine heroic traits ooze through the screen and Wong remains enigmatically mysterious. The story was linear much like the video games yet embedded within are various exciting scenes that replicate the aesthetic appeal of its source material. Consistently switching between first person perspective, still corner shots and other cinematic directing styles that prevents this from simply being a long cutscene. It feels like a film, incorporating the differing camera techniques that imitate the various games, creates a true incarnation. A myriad of familiar enemies and plot points, such as Las Plagas, Lickers and Tyrants, will appeal to the fans of the games whilst remaining accessible to newcomers. Plus, the female president isn't just used as an antagonistic puppeteer, she actually has her own combat scenes! Film is complete. Voice acting was functional although occasionally monotonous and some of the character facial expressions feel like blank canvas'. The narrative follows a familiar structure to 'Degeneration' which comes across as uninspired, especially the final boss fight which looks incredibly polygonal given the outstanding CG motion effects throughout. The supporting characters, such as JD, could've used some more development to enhance that emotional investment. However, it's an adventurous exciting zombie flick that sits well as a prequel to 'Resident Evil 6', despite its basic execution and familiarity. Lastly, let's just appreciate Leon's incredibly silky hair and how it sways in the gentle breeze...