Army of the Dead: A Standout Apocalyptic Action Movie?
Zack Snyder’s filmography often sparks debate, marked by distinct visual flair but sometimes criticized for narrative depth. While acclaimed for his “Dawn of the Dead” remake, subsequent projects have polarized audiences. Entering his latest venture, “Army of the Dead,” skepticism might be warranted for fans of Apocalyptic Action Movies, especially given its ambitious premise and runtime. However, this film surprisingly emerges as a thrilling and engaging entry into the genre.
The setup is classic apocalyptic fare with a twist. A military mishap near Las Vegas unleashes a powerful, intelligent “alpha” zombie, leading to the city’s rapid fall. The opening credits, set to a somber cover of “Viva Las Vegas,” effectively depict the transformation of Sin City into a walled-off quarantine zone teeming with the undead. This establishes a high-stakes environment familiar to enthusiasts of end-of-the-world scenarios.
Our protagonist is Scott Ward (Dave Bautista), a man haunted by his past during the Vegas outbreak, including the traumatic necessity of killing his infected wife. Now living a quiet life, he’s pulled back into the chaos by casino owner Bly Tanaka (Hiroyuki Sanada). The mission: infiltrate the zombie-infested Las Vegas strip to retrieve $200 million from a vault before the military nukes the city. This blends the survival elements of Apocalyptic Action Movies with the strategic planning of a heist film.
Ward assembles a diverse team, a common trope executed well here. Loyal former soldiers Vanderohe (Omari Hardwick) and Maria Cruz (Ana de la Reguera) provide muscle and familiarity. The quirky safecracker Dieter (Matthias Schweighöfer) brings levity, while Raúl Castillo’s Guzman and Tig Notaro’s cynical pilot Peters add distinct personalities. Garret Dillahunt plays Tanaka’s obligatory suspicious associate, Martin, and Nora Arnezeder is Lily “The Coyote,” an expert guide through the treacherous ruins. The screenplay, co-written by Snyder, Joby Harold, and Shay Hatten, dedicates enough time to make these characters more than just zombie fodder, balancing action with necessary character beats. While some dialogue feels clunky, the overall narrative momentum remains strong.
Director Zack Snyder framing a shot on the set of his apocalyptic action movie Army of the Dead.
Visually, Snyder acts as his own director of photography, and while his signature flashy style is present, it feels more controlled than in some previous works. The action sequences, though employing handheld shots, are coherent and exciting. The blend of practical and CGI gore effects is largely seamless, creating visceral thrills expected in action horror hybrids. A standout detail is a fully CGI zombie tiger, a clever nod to Vegas history that works surprisingly well within the film’s heightened reality. Perhaps the most technically impressive feat is the digital insertion of Tig Notaro, who replaced Chris D’Elia post-scandal, integrating flawlessly into existing scenes.
What elevates “Army of the Dead” within the crowded field of zombie movies is its introduction of intelligent “Alpha” zombies. Led by the imposing Zeus, who even wears a makeshift helmet and cape, these creatures exhibit strategy and social structure, complete with a queen. They represent a more formidable threat than shambling hordes, adding a fresh dynamic to the survival challenges. This hierarchy and intelligence make the encounters more tense and less predictable than in many standard post-apocalyptic films.
Despite a hefty two-and-a-half-hour runtime, a length where Snyder’s previous films sometimes faltered, “Army of the Dead” maintains engagement throughout. It successfully juggles heist mechanics, character drama (including Ward’s strained relationship with his daughter, Kate, played by Ella Purnell), and intense action set pieces. The film embraces its over-the-top nature without sacrificing entertainment value.
In conclusion, “Army of the Dead” defies initial expectations based on Snyder’s track record. It delivers a robust and highly entertaining experience that effectively blends genres. For fans searching for compelling apocalyptic action movies, this film offers a fun cast, impressive visuals, unique antagonists, and relentless momentum, making it a noteworthy and surprisingly accomplished thrill ride in a desolate, zombie-ruled Las Vegas.
