Resident Evil (2002)

In this episode of "What Went Wrong," hosts Chris and Lizzie examine Paul W.S. Anderson's 2002 Resident Evil film, exploring how a movie widely regarded as flawed became a commercial success that revitalized Anderson's career, strengthened his relationship with Milla Jovovich (whom he later married), and boosted Constantin Film's standing in the U.S. market. The episode traces the genealogy of the source material, working backward from the film to the original Resident Evil video game and examining what earlier media inspired that game. A significant portion of the discussion focuses on the interpersonal dynamics on set, specifically a "creative love triangle" involving Jovovich, co-star Michelle Rodriguez, and director Anderson—suggesting the hosts explore how personal relationships influenced the production. The episode also investigates the broader challenge of adapting video games to film, examining the largely unsuccessful attempts to create meaningful synergy between the Resident Evil movies and games. Rather than simply criticizing the film as a failure, the hosts appear to take a more nuanced approach by acknowledging it as a "lovable clunker"—suggesting they find entertainment value in its flaws while analyzing what made it commercially viable despite critical shortcomings. The episode structure moves from industry impact to creative origins to behind-the-scenes drama, offering multiple angles on why this particular film mattered despite its quality issues. At 90 minutes, the episode has room to develop these threads with some depth, though the show notes don't indicate whether the hosts achieve sharp critical analysis or remain more surface-level in their examination.

Verdict: A solid episode with interesting angles on a cult film and genuine behind-the-scenes material, though the show notes don't confirm whether the hosts achieve sharp critical insight or entertaining delivery.

TV & Film rubric

• Critical insight 3/5 20%

  The premise suggests analytical thinking about why a flawed film succeeded commercially and personally for its creator, but show notes don't confirm whether analysis goes beyond identifying these facts to deeper criticism.

• Behind-the-scenes knowledge 3/5 20%

  The episode explicitly covers behind-the-scenes dynamics (the love triangle, career impact, studio relationships) and traces creative genealogy, suggesting real production knowledge without confirming insider interviews.

• Entertainment 3/5 15%

  The combination of film criticism, romantic drama, and video game adaptation history suggests engaging material, though the show notes don't confirm whether hosts deliver this with humor or lively energy.

• Substance 3/5 15%

  Multiple threads are promised (career trajectory, creative origins, interpersonal dynamics, adaptation challenges) suggesting solid content, but 90 minutes across these topics may include padding.

• Delivers on its title 4/5 15%

  The episode directly addresses what went wrong with Resident Evil by reframing the question—examining why a flawed film succeeded despite its problems, which is a sophisticated take on the title's premise.

• Value for time 3/5 15%

  At 90 minutes covering multiple angles (career, romance, game history, adaptation), the pacing is reasonable but potentially uneven depending on how thoroughly each thread is explored.

How we score TV & Film

Worth it if you're interested in film adaptation failures, video game movies, or the personal drama behind Hollywood productions.

Based on the episode description. AI-generated; it can be wrong.