The Top Milla Jovovich Films Apart from Resident Evil

      Casey Chong discusses the top Milla Jovovich films beyond the Resident Evil series…

      Milla Jovovich began her career as a fashion model, appearing on the covers of magazines like Cosmopolitan, Elle, and Vogue, before making her way into the entertainment industry. She first appeared on the big screen in Zalman King’s Two Moon Junction, but her major breakthrough came with The Fifth Element, and the rest is well-documented. While many will recognize her as Alice from the long-running Resident Evil film series, Jovovich's filmography spans various genres. With her latest film, In the Lost Lands, currently in theaters [read our review here], we present a selection of the best movies featuring Milla Jovovich that are not part of the Resident Evil franchise; listed here in alphabetical order…

      A Perfect Getaway (2009)

      A Perfect Getaway is a vacation-from-hell thriller directed by David Twohy, known for his sci-fi films like the Riddick trilogy. The film showcases strong performances from Steve Zahn and Milla Jovovich, who portray a newlywed couple on their honeymoon in Hawaii, where they are alarmed by reports of serial killers targeting couples. Twohy creates a deliberate pace that gradually builds tension as the plot unfolds, incorporating red herrings along the way. Here lies the excitement of unraveling who the real killers are. Is it the seemingly threatening Kale (Chris Hemsworth) and his girlfriend Cleo (Marley Shelton)? Or maybe the boisterous adventurer Nick (Timothy Olyphant), who tells exaggerated war stories, along with his girlfriend (Kiele Sanchez)? A Perfect Getaway features a clever twist midway, and once the truth is revealed, Twohy heightens the suspense leading to a thrilling conclusion.

      No Good Deed (2002)

      Bob Rafelson’s last film before his passing two decades later is a crime thriller showcasing the unlikely duo of Samuel L. Jackson and Milla Jovovich. Adapted from Dashiell Hammett’s 1924 short story, The House on Turk Street, it presents a different side of Jackson, portraying a subdued cop with diabetes who has a passion for playing the cello. The film mainly unfolds as a chamber piece between Jackson’s character, Jack Friar, and Jovovich’s Erin, who is the girlfriend of the volatile criminal leader, Tyrone (played by Stellan Skarsgård), and tasked with keeping the bound Jack under control at home. Sporting a stylish blonde look and exuding the charm of a complex femme fatale, Jovovich gets the opportunity to highlight her acting skills as she and Jackson engage with one another effectively. Although No Good Deed does not rank among Rafelson’s best works, such as Five Easy Pieces or The Postman Always Rings Twice, the performances by Jackson, Jovovich, Skarsgård, and Doug Hutchison—who plays Tyrone’s hot-tempered right-hand man, Hoop—are competent, complemented by the cynical elements of a neo-noir film.

      The Fifth Element (1997)

      Many would agree that Luc Besson’s most notable directorial achievements come from the '90s, including iconic films like La Femme Nikita and Leon: The Professional, along with the sci-fi classic The Fifth Element. Besson crafts a vibrant future in the 23rd century, contrasting it with drab visuals by creating a colorful world that springs to life. Alongside Bruce Willis’s heroic performance as Korben Dallas, the film features Chris Tucker’s flamboyant talk show host Ruby Rhod, Gary Oldman’s extravagant villain Zorg, and an entertaining blend of sci-fi thriller, comedy, and drama. Milla Jovovich delivers her breakthrough role as Leeloo, capturing attention with her striking orange hair and childlike innocence. Far from being a mere female interest or damsel in distress, Leeloo plays a crucial role in the narrative, showcasing her skills as a nimble fighter against the Mangalore alien soldiers.

      The Fourth Kind (2009)

      This underrated sci-fi thriller marks Olatunde Osunsanmi's directorial debut, steering away from traditional alien abduction expectations without elaborate effects. The Fourth Kind focuses on the internal fears and traumas of the victims, presented in a faux-documentary style paired with dramatic reenactments. The "documentary" feel aims to convince viewers that the events truly occurred. If one is willing to suspend disbelief, the film is enhanced by Milla Jovovich’s compelling portrayal of Dr. Abigail Tyler (with Charlotte Milchard playing the "real-life" doctor) and solid support from Will Patton as Sheriff August, who struggles to rationalize the bizarre occurrences. While Osunsanmi’s mix of styles isn't entirely effective, and the cheap-looking digital filters can detract from the creepy atmosphere, he favors unsettling and atmospheric visuals over typical jump scares.

      The Three Musketeers (2011)

      This frequently adapted version of Alexandre D