Resident Evil: Retribution (2012) marks the moment the series commits entirely to being an action-focused experience. Any lingering horror elements disappear, giving way to constant fighting, elaborate scenarios, and a rapid tempo. The narrative is straightforward, mainly serving to propel the action forward, though it does present some noteworthy aspects, such as Ada Wong’s appearance and Umbrella's growing power. However, while there’s promise in the story, it never explores anything in detail, remaining on a superficial level. The direction follows Paul W.S. Anderson’s typical formula, featuring an abundance of slow-motion sequences and action relying heavily on CGI. Glen MacPherson’s cinematography continues the same exaggerated visual style as earlier installments; while visually polished, it can become monotonous. The editing remains somewhat disorganized, but at this stage, that's almost a defining characteristic of these films. Despite its shortcomings, the film delivers some entertaining moments, and certain scenes are quite effective, particularly in terms of their visual impact. Milla Jovovich remains essential to the entire production, consistently delivering the same level of energy and strength that makes these movies worthwhile. She manages to make each action sequence captivating, even when the writing doesn’t provide much substance or meaningful conversation. The musical score reinforces the quick-paced, high-energy atmosphere, complementing the film's overall style. While Retribution isn't flawless, nor is it the strongest entry in the series, it still provides entertainment in its own frenetic manner. If you anticipate a purely action-driven experience, there’s enjoyment to be found, even though the franchise has moved far from its origins.

Source on TMDB