Resident Evil: Degeneration a zombie treat

First released in Japan, the latest installment of the video game-born Resident Evil saga continues with new-to-DVD Resident Evil: Degeneration, a CGI flick akin to Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within.

If you don't know the plot by now - which is largely the same in each installment, let me get you up to speed: think Microsoft, but with bio-weapons. Umbrella Corporation created a virus that animates the dead and makes them want nothing more than to feast on the flesh of the living. Incubation time: about two minutes. Weakness: the good 'ole one shot in the head.

Now that we're on the same page, what does Degeneration bring to the table? Well, there's not much new in the way of the zombies themselves, nor inventive ways in which they're killed, but what Degeneration does have is a very crafty, beautiful way of laying out the carnage. The CGI is a little stiff in some characters (no pun intended); the women appear to have Botox lips and the little girl looks like another curious case of Benjamin Button.

But everything else - the lighting, the effects, and the action - are masterfully done. As you might imagine, there are things that CGI can portray so far as scenes and action sequences that regular film - even with today's technology - is hard-pressed to imitate. But with excellent physics, immersing effects like blood and water flecking the camera, and focus shots, the animation still suspends your disbelief.

The pinnacle creature is a little cheesy, but the battle scenes - with the protagonist executing some sweet-looking free-running and staple slo-mo dives - makes up for the more fantastical elements.

So if you liked the previous Resident Evil movies, or enjoy the games, Degeneration will certainly please, and add to Rez Evil lore. If you're just a zombie fan, you'll also find enough ghoul-killing fun to keep your blood up. But just because it's a cartoon, don't think this is okay for the kiddies, and a date movie it ain't.