Sci-Fi Graveyard

In this episode of Sci-Fi Graveyard, Joseph, Jeremy, and Josh return to the streets of Raccoon City to review the 2021 reboot, Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City. Directed by Johannes Roberts, this film attempts to steer the franchise back to its survival horror roots, combining the plots of the first two video games into a single narrative.

The discussion centers on the film's dedication to game accuracy, from the recreation of the Spencer Mansion and RPD station using Capcom's blueprints to the inclusion of iconic moments like the "Itchy Tasty" diary and the truck driver eating a burger. However, the hosts are divided on the execution. They critique the casting choices, particularly finding Leon S. Kennedy's portrayal as an incompetent rookie frustrating and questioning the characterization of Jill Valentine as a trigger-happy cop. They also debate the effectiveness of merging two distinct game storylines into a sub-two-hour movie, which leaves the pacing feeling rushed and character development thin. Despite these flaws, the crew appreciates the darker, more horror-focused tone compared to the action-heavy Milla Jovovich films, ultimately ranking it in their top three live-action Resident Evil movies.

Key Highlights
[02:46] Game Accuracy: Joseph reveals that Capcom provided the filmmakers with the actual blueprints for the Spencer Mansion and the RPD station, explaining why the sets look so faithful to the games.
[03:22] Jill Sandwich Reference: The hosts note the inclusion of the infamous "Jill Sandwich" line, albeit in a different context (Jill stealing a sandwich from Wesker in a diner) than the original game's ceiling trap scene.
[11:07] Character Changes: A heated discussion on the drastic changes to the characters, specifically Leon S. Kennedy being portrayed as a bumbling idiot rather than a capable rookie cop, and Wesker being more of an anti-hero than a villain.
[28:22] Code: Veronica Easter Egg: Joseph points out a scene where Alice runs from a helicopter that is a direct visual homage to the opening cinematic of Resident Evil Code: Veronica.
[36:41] China Censorship: Trivia about the film having to digitally remove Soviet symbols for the Chinese release, highlighting the influence of international markets on film production.
[52:53] Sequel Potential: The crew speculates on the future of the franchise, suggesting that a TV series format would be better suited for adapting the dense lore of the Resident Evil games rather than crammed movies.

In this episode of Sci-Fi Graveyard, Joseph, Jeremy, and Josh reach the end of the line with Resident Evil: The Final Chapter. Directed by Paul W.S. Anderson, this 2016 film brings Alice back to The Hive in Raccoon City to release an airborne antivirus and save what's left of humanity.

The discussion is a mix of relief and frustration as the hosts break down the film's blatant disregard for the continuity established in the previous five movies. They criticize the massive retcons regarding the T-Virus's origin (Dr. Marcus vs. Dr. Ashford), the Red Queen's motivation, and the unexplained disappearance of key characters like Jill Valentine, Leon S. Kennedy, and Ada Wong. The crew mocks the "Clone Saga" reveal, the illogical plot points (like the antivirus spreading instantly worldwide), and the underwhelming deaths of fan-favorite characters like Wesker. Despite the narrative mess, they acknowledge a few decent action beats and the finality of Alice's story. Ultimately, the group votes to "Let It Die," thankful that the convoluted saga of Alice has finally concluded, paving the way for the (also disappointing) reboot.

Key Highlights
[02:12] On-Set Tragedies: Joseph somberly discusses the severe injuries sustained by stuntwoman Olivia Jackson and the tragic death of crew member Ricardo Cornelius during the film's production.
[08:46] The Retcon Mess: The hosts vent about how this movie changes the origin of the T-Virus (now created by Dr. Marcus to cure progeria) and contradicts the lore established in Apocalypse and Extinction.
[15:59] Wesker's Downfall: A critique of Albert Wesker's anticlimactic end, where he is fired by the Red Queen and crushed by a door, a far cry from the formidable villain of the games.
[23:04] The Instant Cure: The crew laughs at the absurdity of the airborne antivirus instantly curing everyone in Raccoon City the moment the vial breaks, while Alice claims it will take years to spread globally.
[30:04] The Clone Reveal: A discussion on the twist that Alice herself is a clone of Alicia Marcus, and how Dr. Isaacs has been using clones to run the show the entire time.
[48:00] Let It Die: The verdict is unanimous: this franchise went on for too long, strayed too far from the games, and ended with a whimper rather than a bang.

In this episode of Sci-Fi Graveyard, Joseph, Jeremy, and Josh return to the Umbrella Corporation's testing grounds to review the fifth installment of the franchise, Resident Evil: Retribution. Directed by Paul W.S. Anderson, this 2012 sequel brings Alice (Milla Jovovich) to an underwater facility in Russia where she must fight her way through simulations of various cities to escape.

The discussion centers on the film's "Greatest Hits" approach, bringing back dead characters like Rain (Michelle Rodriguez) and One (Colin Salmon) as clones, alongside the live-action debuts of fan-favorite game characters Leon S. Kennedy, Barry Burton, and Ada Wong. The hosts have mixed feelings about the casting, with Josh criticizing the look of Leon and Barry while praising Bingbing Li's accurate portrayal of Ada. They debate the logic of the simulation plot, the introduction of the Las Plagas parasites, and the "daughter" subplot involving a deaf clone child. The crew also expresses their fatigue with the series' repetitive nature and the constant resetting of Alice's powers. Ultimately, the group agrees that while it has some fun action beats, the story is a mess, leading them to vote "Let It Die."

Key Highlights
[02:37] Casting Game Characters: The hosts discuss the introduction of Leon S. Kennedy (Johann Urb) and Barry Burton (Kevin Durand), criticizing their look and lack of faithful characterization compared to the games.
[05:03] Simulation Plot: A breakdown of the movie's setting—a massive underwater Umbrella facility that simulates Tokyo, New York, and suburbia for bioweapon testing—which allows for the return of dead characters as clones.
[08:12] Ada Wong: The crew praises the casting of Bingbing Li as Ada Wong, noting that she looks the most like her video game counterpart, even if her evening gown isn't the most practical combat attire.
[15:59] Las Plagas: Joseph explains the introduction of the Las Plagas parasite (from Resident Evil 4), which allows the Undead to use weapons and ride motorcycles, deviating further from traditional zombies.
[30:04] The Clone Reveal: A discussion on the deleted subplot that would have revealed the entire strike team from the first movie were clones, foreshadowing the twist in the final film.
[36:41] China Censorship: Joseph shares trivia about the film having to digitally remove all Soviet and Communist symbols from the Russian zombies and vehicles to secure a release in China.

In this episode of Sci-Fi Graveyard, Joseph, Jeremy, and Josh reload for the fourth installment of the franchise, Resident Evil: Afterlife. Directed by Paul W.S. Anderson (who returns to the director's chair for the first time since the original), this 2010 sequel brings the action to Los Angeles—or rather, a prison surrounded by zombies in Los Angeles—and introduces 3D technology to the series.

The discussion centers on the film's heavy use of slow-motion and 3D gimmicks, inspired by Avatar and filmed with James Cameron's camera system. The hosts have mixed feelings about the visual style, noting that while some scenes (like the rain-soaked opening in Tokyo) look cool, the effects often feel dated and unnecessary. They debate the introduction of Chris Redfield (Wentworth Miller), finding his characterization a bit stiff and "ham-fisted," despite the actor's popularity from Prison Break. The crew also breaks down the fight with the Executioner (the giant axe-wielding majini from Resident Evil 5), criticizing the logic of the battle but enjoying the spectacle. They express frustration with the "Mary Sue" nature of Alice, who loses her powers early in the film only to survive a plane crash without a scratch, and the inconsistent timeline of the movie universe. Ultimately, the group is divided, with some finding it a fun guilty pleasure and others seeing it as the point where the series jumped the shark.

Key Highlights
[02:40] 3D & Slow-Mo: The hosts discuss how Paul W.S. Anderson was inspired by Avatar to film in 3D, leading to an abundance of slow-motion shots (like the throwing stars and water droplets) that added 20% to the budget.
[06:33] The Clone Opening: A breakdown of the opening sequence where Alice and her clone army attack the Umbrella HQ in Tokyo, only to be unceremoniously killed off in the first 20 minutes to reset Alice's power levels.
[09:16] The Executioner Fight: The crew critiques the shower fight scene with the Axeman, noting the illogical moment where Claire shoots him with a shotgun to little effect, only for Alice to kill him with a similar shot moments later.
[11:53] Chris Redfield: A discussion on Wentworth Miller's debut as Chris Redfield, with the hosts finding it odd that such a major game character appears in only one movie and feels somewhat out of place.
[30:07] Prison Location Logic: Joseph nitpicks the location of the prison, pointing out that a maximum-security facility wouldn't likely be located in downtown Los Angeles, contradicting the movie's setting.
[01:11:10] Sequel Theory: The hosts share their theory on movie sequels (using Superman as an example), arguing that franchises often peak at the second movie and decline sharply by the fourth, a trend they see happening here.

In this episode of Sci-Fi Graveyard, Joseph, Jeremy, and Josh dig up a cult classic for an "Outside the Graveyard" special: Peter Jackson's 1996 horror-comedy, The Frighteners. Starring Michael J. Fox in his last major live-action film role before returning to television due to his Parkinson's diagnosis, the movie follows a psychic con man who uses his ghost friends to scam people, only to find himself hunting a real spectral serial killer.

The discussion highlights the film's unique blend of humor and genuine horror, praising the performances of the cast—especially Jeffrey Combs as the bizarre and creepy FBI agent Milton Dammers. The hosts debate the studio's decision to push for an R-rating, which forced Peter Jackson to add more gore (like the exploding head scene) but ultimately hurt the film's box office potential by alienating the teen audience. They also touch on the groundbreaking visual effects by Weta Digital, which paved the way for The Lord of the Rings, and the emotionally resonant story that elevates it above a typical ghost movie. Despite its commercial failure at the time, the crew agrees that The Frighteners is a perfect film that should "Rest in Peace" without a remake.

Key Highlights
[02:18] Cast Breakdown: The hosts discuss the stellar cast, including Michael J. Fox, Trini Alvarado, and character actor legends like Jeffrey Combs (Re-Animator, Star Trek) and John Astin (The Addams Family).
[06:12] Tales from the Crypt: Joseph shares trivia that the script was originally intended to be a Tales from the Crypt movie before producer Robert Zemeckis decided it was strong enough to stand on its own.
[07:53] R-Rating Mistake: A debate on how the forced R-rating hurt the movie's success, with the studio pushing for more gore instead of embracing the PG-13 tone that would have attracted a wider audience.
[20:23] Michael J. Fox's Health: The crew notes a scene where Fox's hand is visibly shaking, discussing how he was secretly battling Parkinson's disease during filming, which led to this being his final leading film role.
[24:40] Jeffrey Combs as Dammers: Praise for Jeffrey Combs' unhinged performance as the eccentric FBI agent, with Joseph calling him a "perverted version of Fox Mulder."
[52:00] Peter Jackson's Career: The hosts theorize that the technical achievement and storytelling strength of this film are exactly what convinced New Line Cinema to hand Peter Jackson the keys to The Lord of the Rings trilogy.

In this episode of Sci-Fi Graveyard, Joseph, Jeremy, and Josh venture into the Nevada desert to review the third installment of the Resident Evil film series, Extinction. Directed by Russell Mulcahy (with Paul W.S. Anderson returning as writer), the film shifts from the claustrophobic horror of the first two movies to a sun-drenched, post-apocalyptic road trip reminiscent of Mad Max.

The discussion centers on the introduction of Ali Larter as fan-favorite game character Claire Redfield and the return of Oded Fehr as Carlos Oliveira. The hosts debate the film's departure from the established tone, criticizing the decision to kill off surviving characters from the previous movie and the introduction of Alice's overpowering telekinetic abilities. They also touch on the "Tyrant" boss fight, the iconic crow attack scene, and the confusing logic behind the T-Virus drying up the world's oceans. While acknowledging some fun moments like the Vegas ambush, the crew generally agrees that Extinction marks a downturn in quality for the series, voting to "Let It Die" as it strays further from its survival horror roots.

Key Highlights
[02:37] Claire Redfield: Joseph explains that Ali Larter's Claire Redfield was added to the film because Sienna Guillory (Jill Valentine) was unavailable due to filming Eragon, leading to a rewrite of the script.
[05:03] Title Change: The hosts note that the working title was Resident Evil: Afterlife, but it was changed to Extinction to reflect the desolate setting, only for the next film to take the Afterlife title.
[17:39] The Crow Attack: A discussion on the Alfred Hitchcock-inspired scene where thousands of infected crows attack the convoy, forcing Alice to use her new fire-based psionic powers.
[23:35] Killing Survivors: The crew expresses frustration with the franchise's habit of killing off survivors from previous films (like L.J. and Carlos) just to reset the stakes for the next installment.
[48:00] Let It Die: The hosts deliver their verdict, agreeing that while the first two films were solid "popcorn flicks," Extinction is where the series started to lose its way, becoming too focused on Alice's superpowers and less on horror.

In this episode of Sci-Fi Graveyard, Joseph, Jeremy, and Josh return to Raccoon City to review Resident Evil: Apocalypse. Directed by Alexander Witt and written by Paul W.S. Anderson, this 2004 sequel picks up where the first film left off, introducing fan-favorite game characters Jill Valentine (Sienna Guillory) and Carlos Oliveira (Oded Fehr) as they try to escape the T-Virus outbreak before the city is nuked.

The discussion centers on why the hosts consider this the high point of the live-action franchise. They praise the addition of Mike Epps as the comic relief L.J., noting his memorable lines (and the hilarious TV edit changes). The crew highlights the faithful representation of Nemesis, complete with his minigun and rocket launcher, and the "redemption" arc where he remembers his humanity. While acknowledging the film's "popcorn movie" nature and occasional logic gaps (like zombie children rising from graves despite being buried in coffins), the group agrees that Apocalypse strikes the best balance between action, horror, and fidelity to the video games. They also touch on the behind-the-scenes trivia, such as Snoop Dogg originally being cast as L.J. and the connection to the Resident Evil 3 game plot.

Key Highlights
[02:37] Casting Trivia: Joseph shares that Mike Epps' character L.J. was originally supposed to be played by Snoop Dogg, who had to drop out due to scheduling conflicts.
[05:03] Title Change: The hosts explain that the film was originally titled Resident Evil: Nemesis, but was changed to Apocalypse to avoid confusion with the box office flop Star Trek: Nemesis.
[17:39] Mike Epps as L.J.: The crew raves about Mike Epps' performance, particularly the "GTA" scene where he runs over zombies and his humorous interactions with the S.T.A.R.S. members.
[18:03] Nemesis Unleashed: A discussion on the introduction of Nemesis, praising his practical suit design and the iconic scene where he guns down S.T.A.R.S. members with his minigun, yelling his signature line.
[21:22] Evanescence Cameo: Josh reveals that Ben Moody and Rocky Gray, former members of the band Evanescence, have cameos as zombies in the film.
[28:01] Game Comparisons: Joseph notes a specific scene where Alice runs from a helicopter that is a shot-for-shot recreation of the opening cinematic from the game Resident Evil Code: Veronica.

In this episode of Sci-Fi Graveyard, Joseph, Jeremy, and Josh travel to Arrakis to review Denis Villeneuve’s 2021 adaptation of Dune. The crew debates whether this visually stunning "Part One" succeeds in capturing the scope of Frank Herbert’s novel or if its slow-burn pacing makes it hard to digest for casual viewers.

The discussion highlights the film's immense scale and breathtaking cinematography, particularly the introduction of the sandworms, which the hosts agree are a massive improvement over the 1984 version. They praise the ensemble cast, including Timothée Chalamet as Paul Atreides, Rebecca Ferguson as Lady Jessica, and Jason Momoa as Duncan Idaho (who steals the show as a fan favorite). The hosts also compare this version to David Lynch's 1984 adaptation, noting how the new film takes its time to explain the lore and the importance of "spice," making it much easier to follow. However, they express frustration with the abrupt ending, which leaves the story half-finished until Part Two arrives. Despite some pacing gripes, the group generally agrees that Dune is a cinematic achievement that demands to be seen on the biggest screen possible.

Key Highlights
[02:22] A Second Remake: Joseph points out that this is actually the second remake of Dune, acknowledging the 2000 Sci-Fi Channel miniseries that often gets overlooked.
[05:07] Gender Swapping: A discussion on the character of Dr. Liet-Kynes, who was gender-swapped from male to female for the 2021 film, and the change in the character's death scene.
[13:51] "The Floaty Guy": Jeremy shares a funny moment where his son recognized Stellan Skarsgård's Baron Harkonnen as "the floaty guy" from the 1984 version, showcasing the character's iconic status.
[19:07] The Sandworms: The crew raves about the reveal of the massive sandworms, praising the CGI and sound design that made them feel truly terrifying and awe-inspiring.
[34:10] The Shield Fight: A comparison of the shield training scene in the new movie versus the 1984 version, with the hosts appreciating the updated visual effects for the personal force fields.
[48:15] Part One Problems: The hosts express their frustration with the "Part One" nature of the film, noting that it feels like a 2.5-hour setup for a payoff that won't come for another two years.

In this episode of Sci-Fi Graveyard, Joseph, Jeremy, and Josh return to The Hive to review the 2002 film that kicked off the long-running Resident Evil movie franchise. Directed by Paul W.S. Anderson, this action-horror film introduces Milla Jovovich as Alice, an amnesiac security operative fighting to escape an underground facility overrun by zombies and the Umbrella Corporation's bioweapons.

The discussion explores the film's unique place as a prequel-of-sorts to the games, diverging from the established lore to tell a new story. The hosts praise the intense opening sequence, the iconic laser hallway scene (which slices and dices an entire commando team), and the practical/CGI hybrid Licker monster. They debate the effectiveness of Michelle Rodriguez's tough-as-nails character Rain and criticize the somewhat confusing explanation of the "Halon" nerve gas and the Red Queen's homicidal logic. The crew also shares trivia about the original casting choices (Sarah Michelle Gellar was considered!), the Marilyn Manson score, and the film's connection to Alice in Wonderland. Ultimately, they agree that while it's a "popcorn film" with flaws, it remains a fun, guilty pleasure that launched a massive cinematic universe.

Key Highlights
[02:00] Casting Trivia: Joseph reveals that Sarah Michelle Gellar and Jennifer Love Hewitt were considered for the role of Jill Valentine in early drafts before the script shifted focus to the new character, Alice.
[06:44] The Red Queen's Logic: The hosts debate why the Red Queen (the AI controlling The Hive) didn't just explain the T-Virus outbreak to the commandos instead of trying to kill them, which would have saved everyone a lot of trouble.
[11:32] Laser Hallway: A breakdown of the movie's most memorable scene, where the laser grid systematically dismembers the team leader and the medic, setting the tone for the film's gore.
[18:23] Michelle Rodriguez as Rain: The crew praises Michelle Rodriguez's performance as Rain Ocampo, noting her character's grit and tragic arc as she slowly succumbs to the T-Virus infection.
[30:02] The Licker: A discussion on the film's final boss, the Licker, noting how the CGI was impressive for 2002 but has aged a bit, though the practical effects used for the zombies hold up well.
[41:00] Game Connections: The hosts point out the subtle nods to the video games, such as the mansion setting, the underground train, and the inclusion of the T-Virus, while lamenting the lack of S.T.A.R.S. members like Chris or Jill in this first installment.

In this episode of Sci-Fi Graveyard, Joseph, Jeremy, and Josh travel to Arrakis to review David Lynch’s 1984 adaptation of Frank Herbert’s Dune. Released to mixed reviews and box office disappointment, the film has since gained a cult following for its bizarre imagery, unique production design, and star-studded cast including Kyle MacLachlan, Patrick Stewart, and Sting.

The discussion delves into the film's chaotic production, noting that David Lynch considers it the only real failure of his career and refuses to release a director's cut. The hosts debate the effectiveness of the "inner monologues" used to convey the characters' thoughts, a technique rarely seen in modern cinema. They laugh about the weirdness of the Harkonnens (floating fat man, heart plugs), the practical effects of the sandworms, and the infamous scene of Sting in a winged speedo. The crew also compares the 1984 version to the 2021 Denis Villeneuve adaptation, noting how Lynch tried to cram the entire dense novel into one movie, resulting in a rushed and sometimes confusing narrative. Despite its flaws, they appreciate the film's ambition and unique style, ultimately voting to let it "Rest in Peace" as a singular, if imperfect, vision.

Key Highlights
[03:41] David Lynch's Regret: Joseph shares trivia that David Lynch considers Dune the biggest failure of his career and refuses to revisit it or create a special edition, citing the painful production experience.
[10:01] Sting Trivia: A funny story about Patrick Stewart not knowing who Sting was on set, asking if he was a solo artist and being told he was in "The Police," which Stewart mistook for a police band.
[13:04] "Marshmallows": The crew points out a weird detail where the characters refer to marshmallows as "marshmelons," a joke from the novelization that accidentally made it into the movie script.
[29:00] The Floating Baron: A discussion on the grotesque Baron Harkonnen (Kenneth McMillan), whose suit required him to be suspended by wires to simulate his anti-gravity suspensors, adding to the film's unsettling atmosphere.
[34:02] The Shield Fight: The hosts express disappointment that the early shield fight between Gurney Halleck (Patrick Stewart) and Paul (Kyle MacLachlan) didn't foreshadow a similar mechanic in the final duel with Feyd-Rautha (Sting).
[40:00] 21 Books?!: The crew is shocked to learn that the Dune book series expands to over 20 novels (including those by Brian Herbert), highlighting the immense lore that the 1984 film tried to condense.