Resident Evil is a comedy first and a thrilling nightmare second

The article revisits Paul W.S. Anderson’s 2002 Resident Evil, noting that video game adaptations were still fighting for mainstream credibility at the time. While the film’s departures from Capcom’s games disappointed many fans, its mix of camp, action, and horror helped define its appeal.

The piece frames Resident Evil as an early example of game adaptations succeeding by embracing tone rather than strict fidelity. As new adaptations like Zach Cregger’s version revisit the franchise, the tension between fan service and creative reinvention remains central to Hollywood’s approach to games.