Army Of The Dead: Movie Review

In 2004, Director Zack Snyder made his directorial debut in the well-known zombie-thriller that is Dawn Of The Dead. A horror that to this day not only bought chills to our hearts, but is also constantly garnered as one of greatest horror remakes to come in years… Even going as far as surpassing the original 1978’s version by George A. Romano. Now after partnering alongside Netflix, Zack Snyder has now officially been given his very own platform to produce even more of his ultimate vision on screen starting with the newly well-made masterpiece in Army Of The Dead.

Not for a long time, have I come across a horror that was as beautifully shot & as well thought out as this one. By far it is a visual spectacle that honestly earns every right of being seen on the big screen! What’s even more amazing is the outstanding cast bought at the forefront being: Dave Bautista, Ella Purnell, Ana de la Reguera, Omari Hardwick, Theo Rossi, Nora Arnezeder, Matthias Schweighöfer, & lastly Hiroyuki Sanada. Currently best known for his incredible performance in the recently released Mortal Kombat reboot premiering just last April, as the immortal fighter & anti-hero Scorpion!

Going off of just the sheer scope of things, the environment this film takes place in, is very reminiscent of what one may have seen from both George Miller’s Mad Max(1979) & Paul W.S. Anderson’s Resident Evil Extinction (2008). Everything all in all just feels both grand in scale, & fully embodies an exciting apocalyptic vibe that sets the perfect stage in what exactly a zombie heist should be in essence. Coming from a budget of just $90 million, Snyder himself takes full advantage of presenting probably some of the coolest imagery displayed in a horror feature yet, & outright performs any & all expectations one may have had entering this incredibly well-crafted universe.

As for the plot in itself:

The story takes place a few years after a virus outbreak decimates the city of Las Vegas. Agreeing to what maybe an impossible task, a group of mercenaries decide to venture into quarantine zone in hopes of recovering $200 million. While entering quite possibly one of the greatest zombie-heist ever.

One of the best reasons I believe so many viewers came to love this film as quickly they did, is the simple fact of how original & bold the storytelling was done in general. Already known for pushing past the ordinary boundaries we’ve come to see in past thrillers, director Zack Snyder once again does a wonderful job in achieving the impossible! Bringing together an amazingly well rounded group of characters. Each with their own colorful personalities that allows the film to be as energetic & self-aware as the trailers put on. As for the tone itself, nothing skips a beat. Not stepping too far away from reality. While also giving us enough meaningful & realistic deaths on screen that will make sense to the average watcher, & becoming enough of a thrilling experience that makes viewing this film a second time all the more worth it!

Going into the ideas bought behind the scenes, the creativity that went into the making of these zombies I have to say are just plain outright genius! Unlike other features in the past where the undead are displayed to be nothing but repetitive creatures walking amongst the living, Snyder himself steps up to the plate in showcasing a different perspective all together. Adding more variety in mindset this time around to what’s come before within horror. Giving his monsters much more self-awareness & a sense of realness than what’s usually shown. Matching them equally in both brains & brawn to that of the survivors we see journey us throughout this story.

The spinoffs & Prequels coming:

A couple of upcoming spinoffs already said to be in the works are: An animated series titled “Army Of The Dead: Lost Vegas”. Led by actor Joe Manganiello who will be serving as a new protagonist by the name of Rose. Taking us back into the prior events of what took place before the outbreak, & following the origins of Scott Ward (Dave Bautista) as well as his comrades rescue efforts to save mankind.

Also releasing later this year is another prequel in Army Of Thieves. Starring Nathalie Emmanuel, Guz Khan, Ruby O. Fee, Stuart Martin, Jonathan Cohen, Noemie Nakai and Peter Simonischek. Taking place before “Army Of The Dead” & set this time as being a romantic comedy. Following Ludwig Dieter (Matthias Schweighofer) in his earlier days during the pandemic, tasked with a mission by a mysterious woman in pulling off a heist with a group of aspiring thieves. Produced by Deborah Snyder, & written by Shay Hattan.

Lasting thoughts & Overall Grade:

This feature is one that brings a whole new meaning & look into what the horror genre can be or evolve into, given the right director, cast & writers at the helm. A summer flick that is every bit as enjoyable & thrilling as one can imagine. Easily one of Netflix’s best yet!

Grade: A

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tI1JGPhYBS8

Behind The Scenes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oXQpyxho3C8

DISCLAIMER:

NONE OF THE IMAGES USED IN THIS ARTICLE ARE OWNED BY WRITER OR WEBSITE!