Army of the Dead Review: Zack Snyder’s Zombie Heist

Zack Snyder’s “Army of the Dead” has been a highly anticipated project for zombie and action movie fans alike. The film, which recently had a limited theatrical release in the United States before premiering on Netflix, has been in development for over a decade. Initially, Snyder and producer Deborah Snyder had expressed interest in producing the film, but securing the necessary financing proved to be a challenge. It wasn’t until 2019 that Snyder and Netflix were able to reach an agreement to bring this ambitious zombie heist story to life.

The film’s premise is intriguing – a group of mercenaries are tasked with infiltrating a Las Vegas casino and retrieving $200 million from its vault, all while the city is overrun by a horde of zombies. With Snyder’s signature visual style and penchant for high-octane action sequences, “Army of the Dead” promised to be a thrilling and unique addition to the zombie genre.

The Promising Prologue and Snyder’s Signature Touches

The film’s opening prologue was a particular highlight for many viewers. The sequence, which depicts the initial outbreak and the subsequent takeover of Las Vegas by the undead, is a visually stunning and captivating introduction to the world of “Army of the Dead.” The ability to create a sense of scale and devastation is on full display, as it seamlessly blends practical and visual effects to bring the overrun city to life.

The review also highlights Snyder’s signature directorial touches, such as his use of slow-motion to heighten the dramatic impact of certain scenes. This stylistic approach has become a hallmark of Snyder’s filmmaking, and it is evident throughout “Army of the Dead.” The reviewer notes that for fans of Snyder’s work, this film will provide a “feast” of the director’s signature elements.

The Ensemble Cast and Character Development

One of the key aspects of “Army of the Dead” that the review delves into is the ensemble cast and the development of the characters. The film features a large team of mercenaries, each with their own unique skills and backstories, who are assembled for the high-stakes heist mission.

The review highlights the character of Scott Ward, played by Dave Bautista, as the film’s primary protagonist. While Bautista’s performance is praised, the review notes that the character’s development feels somewhat superficial, with the script failing to fully explore his motivations and emotional arc. The reviewer suggests that the film dedicates a significant amount of time to introducing the various members of the team, but their interactions and relationships are not as well-developed as they could have been.

This observation raises an interesting point about the balance between ensemble storytelling and individual character depth in a film like “Army of the Dead.” While the large cast allows for a diverse range of skills and personalities to be showcased, the review suggests that the film may have struggled to give each character the necessary attention and depth to truly engage the audience.

The Visuals and Action Sequences

One of the undeniable strengths of “Army of the Dead” is its visual prowess. The review commends Snyder’s ability to create a sense of scale and devastation, particularly in the early scenes depicting the overrun city of Las Vegas. The reviewer notes that the film’s production value is impressive, with the $90 million budget evident in the high-quality visual effects and action sequences.

The review also highlights the film’s use of practical and visual effects in the action scenes, which are described as well-executed and thrilling. The combination of practical stunts and CGI enhancements allows Snyder to deliver the kind of visceral, high-octane zombie combat that fans have come to expect from his work.

One particularly noteworthy aspect mentioned in the review is Snyder’s handling of the post-production process, specifically the replacement of actor Chris D’Elia with Tig Notaro. The reviewer acknowledges that this was a challenging task, as it required seamlessly integrating Notaro’s performance into the existing footage. The fact that Snyder was able to achieve this without significantly disrupting the film’s narrative flow is a testament to the director’s technical prowess and attention to detail.

The Zombie Mythology and Narrative Choices

In addition to the visual and technical aspects of “Army of the Dead,” the review also delves into the film’s exploration of zombie mythology and the narrative choices made by Snyder and the screenwriters.

The review highlights the introduction of two distinct types of zombies in the film: the “normal” zombies that adhere to the traditional undead tropes, and the “alpha” zombies, which are more intelligent and organized. This addition of a more advanced, leadership-driven zombie faction is an intriguing concept that the reviewer believes could have been further developed and utilized to enhance the narrative.

However, the review suggests that the film doesn’t fully capitalize on the potential of this zombie mythology, as it becomes sidelined in favor of the more conventional heist-driven plot. The reviewer notes that the film’s focus on the relationships and dynamics within the mercenary team, while not entirely unsuccessful, sometimes feels like a distraction from the more compelling aspects of the zombie lore.

This observation raises questions about the balance between genre conventions and innovative storytelling in a film like “Army of the Dead.” While Snyder’s previous work has often been praised for its bold and unconventional approaches, the review suggests that this film may have played it a bit safer in terms of its narrative choices.

The Ending and Overall Impression

The review’s final assessment of “Army of the Dead” is that it is a “competent zombie film” and “good entertainment,” but it also acknowledges that the film’s ending is somewhat unsatisfying. The reviewer notes that while the action sequences and Snyder’s signature visual style are engaging, the film’s overall narrative structure and character development feel uneven at times.

The reviewer suggests that the film’s ending, while not entirely unexpected, fails to provide a truly satisfying resolution to the story. This observation raises questions about the film’s potential as a standalone work versus its positioning as the first installment in a larger franchise, as the review mentions the upcoming animated series and potential sequels.

Overall, the review paints a picture of a film that is visually impressive and delivers on the promise of a high-stakes zombie heist, but struggles to fully develop its characters and narrative in a way that elevates it beyond a competent genre exercise. For fans of Zack Snyder’s work, “Army of the Dead” will likely provide a familiar and enjoyable experience, but the review suggests that the film may not quite reach the heights of the director’s most acclaimed projects.

Embracing the Thrills and Exploring the Potential

In the end, “Army of the Dead” is a film that showcases Zack Snyder’s talent for crafting visually stunning and action-packed zombie stories. While the narrative may not fully capitalize on the film’s more innovative elements, the review suggests that there is still much to enjoy for fans of the genre and Snyder’s distinctive directorial style.

As the reviewer notes, the film’s potential for future expansion, with an upcoming animated series and the possibility of sequels, leaves room for the “Army of the Dead” franchise to further explore and develop the rich zombie mythology introduced in this initial installment. With Snyder’s proven track record of building expansive cinematic universes, there is certainly hope that the director and his collaborators will continue to push the boundaries of the zombie genre and deliver even more thrilling and thought-provoking stories in the years to come.