by Michael Allen

Created on: September 18, 2008

"Resident Evil: Extinction" is a stylish film that stand outs amongst other movies in the action/adventure genre by being intelligent and fun. There are social commentaries being made in "Resident Evil: Extinction," on Western society's lust for violence. As well, the viewer's fears are being played upon. The fear of disease, fear of technological dependence, and fear of science related to cloning are displayed on screen. Another innovation in "Resident Evil: Extinction" is the use of non-stereotypical gender roles specifically in Alice (Milla Jovovich" the protagonist and Claire Redfield (Ali Later), the leader of a survivalist group. Finally, this movie uses humour, character development, and creative visuals to immerse the viewer into a world of myth, through Carl Jung's concept of archetypes These themes will be explored in this analysis and expanded upon with an inclusion of some plot developments in "Resident Evil: Extinction."

Many movies have tried using a female lead in similar action movies and failed while "Resident Evil: Extinction" continues to succeed, in this second sequel. Movies like "Ultraviolet" and "Elektra" have bombed at the box office. Yet, the Resident Evil continues to flourish. Why is this? The answer is in the female lead. Milla Jovovich plays the protagonist with an understated expression and independence of character while writer (Paul W.S. Anderson) creates interesting stories and characters, for the lead to interact with. Some might say that the dialogue is sparse in the film but Milla plays each line with a coolness and subtlety, that few actresses have mastered. As well, Milla Jovovich has a charisma on camera that few can match.

Several of the characters within "Resident Evil: Extinction" do not conform to the stereotypical gender roles that are portrayed in the media, making this film a bit of a groundbreaker. The typical action star tends to be male. However, the opposite is true in "Resident Evil: Extinction" with the central character, Alice, being female. As well, Claire Redfield acts as a group leader or den mother to a group of struggling survivors in the Nevada desert. Her role is authoritative while at the same time being vulnerable and open to creative ideas or solutions from the other members in her group. This is a refreshing take on a genre that has become somewhat stale over the past several years.

For some this film could be sheer escapism as the central theme is one of violence. Within the first fifteen to twenty

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