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Here is a look at the major release from last week!

Resident Evil: After Life

Starring: Milla Jovovich, Ali Larter, Wentworth Miller, and Shawn Roberts

Synopsis: This is the fourth film in the "Resident Evil" series, but the first in 3D. As every other film in 2010 has been in 3D, I think that stops being exciting about now. Writer/director Paul W.S. Anderson first launched "Resident Evil" in 2002. The series has been successful for a couple reasons: first, it is based on a video game, a fact that usually serves as a death knell for films. Second, the films have gotten better as the series has pushed forward. Anderson wrote the screenplay for all four films, but "After Life" is the first he's directed since doing the original. And that is a problem. Anderson crafts an incredible visual style, but that is essentially his only focus with the films. As a result, the performances are a little stiff and the story leaves something to be desired. That was less of a problem with the original, but it is a big problem with this fourth installment, which largely feels like an excuse for outrageous action sequences marginally linked together by a flowing narrative that builds toward another money grab with the already green lit fifth installment. In other words, don't expect any kind of closure with this film. That's not to say there isn't something to like with "After Life." The visuals are top-notch, and the addition of 3D kicks the action up a notch. The film begins with an interesting sequence in Tokyo and quickly adds more action sequences as it gets into the heart of the narrative. Anderson borrows liberally from "The Matrix" in ripping off bullet time, the martial arts feel of the action sequences and even his copious use of rain. But it works. Jovovich and Larter are great as the butt-kicking heroines, and Miller ("Prison Break") fits well with the story and with this ensemble. Roberts, who plays the villainous leader of the Umbrella corporation, is about as stilted as it gets, but plot and performances aren't a big part of the appeal of "Resident Evil" films at this point. For those looking for some laughs and some cool action sequences loosely connected to a story for 97 minutes, look no further.

Rating: R for sequences of strong violence and language.

Verdict: Two stars out of four.