Fortunately, Alice finds someone who can help her, Dr. Ashford. There’s one small catch, however. Alice must find Dr. Ashford’s daughter who is lost somewhere in the city. On top of that, Umbrella Corporation has unleashed Nemesis, a super-mutant capable of mass destruction, and very hard to kill.

So, at least there is no lack of obstacles to overcome. But Alice does have a few friends to help her along: a renegade female cop, a renegade special agent, and a plain old renegade. Alice and the cop are scantily clad and kick much butt. It’s cool to see the ladies tearing it up, but would it kill the director to allow the boys to be scantily clad, too? But I digress.

Alice fights the inside-out zombie dogs, which differ slightly from the first Resident Evil; Rottweilers here, Dobermans in the first. There is a lot of action, but sadly, the action comes more from gun play and less from zombie attacks. As a matter of fact, the zombies are essentially barely present here except for the occasional attack along with some wide shots of swarms wandering the streets. There certainly were no gruesomely unique deaths as in the first film. Granted decapitation by elevator and being drawn and quartered by lasers are hard to top, but “Final Destination 2” outdid the original with new and fascinating ways to die, so…

Nevertheless, the gun play was entertaining. Just know that this film is more action, less horror than the original. There is a nice message about loyalty and friendship as well, lest one think there is no moral. If there were no moral, it would just be gratuitous violence, right? Also, the cinematography simulates the video game nicely, so at least it stays true to its roots in that respect.

But overall, I recommend waiting for video on this one. Then rent the first “Resident Evil” and remember the good times when zombies were still scary and not completely played out.

Grade: C

Taryn can be contacted at tas75@comcast.net