Tarm: The first Resident Evil film is actually the best one because it follow the old and tried formula of a trapped few people in a claustrophobic environment with a relentless and sneaky opponent. It also does this well. It's a more than average A film in that regard.
I'd call it a well done and very entertaining film. Obviously those that don't like the genre or are fanboys of the games won't like it but there's no denying it is a good film. Well filmed, good script, good performance from the actors and post production is top notch. Overall by any standard it is a well done film and it is entertaining for most people.
I'm not sure you have to be a "fanboy of the games" to dislike the RE film(s), although I get your point. As so often it didn't really stay true to the source material, which is why fans of the franchise were disappointed. There's lots of wasted potential there, I think. On the other hand, they did have a few cool ideas for it, and overall the result is a fairly enjoyable Horror/Action flick, which doesn't feel much like the games -- not like the original, older games, anyway.
For what it's worth, it's still better than its even shittier sequels. :U