October Challenge Day 2
My brother called up me recently and asked if I wanted to see the latest Resident Evil film. I wasn't exactly thrilled - it wasn't totally on my radar, and I had lost track of the series after the first film from a lifetime ago (aka 2002). Then he added "It's getting really great reviews". Coming from him, that's a big deal. I said, Okay. Let's go.
Let's talk about:
I got us balcony tickets at the Cinerama, grabbed some popcorn and drinks, and settled in for an adventure - as I walked in completely blind.
This film had me roaring with fears and cheers. I was bouncing all over my seat at the jump scares, cackling at the ridiculous, and overall having a great time. I was having so much fun I didn't notice my brother was sitting there .... silent.
By the end of the film I excitedly turned to him and asked, "What did you think? I loved it!"
He turned to me and said, decidedly, "I hated it."
I was dumbfounded, as we agree on most films. He added that he thought the main character was stupid and embarrassing - that nothing was scary, and overall it felt cheep and silly.
I said, "Yes, I agree - that's why I loved it!"
That's when I realized:
My brother is a gamer, and when he played this video game he was scared. It was a fun game for him to play.
I am not a gamer, and I think what I saw and experienced from the film was as if I was a player in the game. See, this young man here, our protagonist, is hapless, bumbling, and just making bad decision after bad decision as he navigates a hellscape of creatures and nightmares - like in a game. The same mistakes and misshapes a player would make.
The monsters were frightening and fun because the film *felt* like a video game, and should I be playing it, I would shout, holler, and laugh too if a man-beast-thing came rolling up the wall after me on it's 15 legs.
In short, I think my brother was looking for a deeper experience, based on his gaming experience. I didn't know what to expect and still play the original Dr. Mario from time to time, and found it a rock n' roll great time. I would recommend this film on the big screen, however!!
Watch this film with friends if you can, laugh and scream together - it's fun. Pairs with very very very buttery popcorn and your favorite drink.
I caught this film in the theater but I anticipate it will be streaming soon. Or use the Find It! Watch It! links on Horror Habit's side bar to see where else you can find this wild ride.
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