Zack Snyder, the creative mind behind blockbusters like Watchmen, Man of Steel, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, and Justice League, brought his unique vision to Netflix with his 2021 post-apocalyptic film, Army of the Dead.
The movie, a thrilling blend of zombie horror and heist drama, boasts an impressive ensemble cast that has left audiences thoroughly entertained. One reviewer on Rotten Tomatoes described the film as an “unusual creation,” but noted that it all seems to come together seamlessly.
They wote: “Very unusual production. The director plays with many motifs and genres here, creating a very unusual creation that, despite its quirks, works perfectly, not only laying the foundations for a new universe well but also introducing a lot of threads that will provide food for all theory fans. Time loop? Aliens? It’s all here.”
Set in a deserted Las Vegas overrun by zombies due to government mishandling, the plot revolves around a billionaire casino owner’s abandoned fortune, locked away in a vault. A group of mercenaries with the necessary skills is tasked with retrieving this wealth.
In a daring gamble, they decide to brave the danger zone to execute a monumental money heist. The billionaire presents them with an irresistible offer to secure the money before the US president’s plans to obliterate the zombie-infested city with a nuclear strike come into effect, reports the Mirror US.
A critic wrote: “Zack Snyder’s ridiculously entertaining latest is a zombie heist movie with gore at its core.”
Meanwhile, a viewer said that although the film was “not great,” it was still “a lot of fun.”
Despite a limited one-week theatrical release in the US due to its subsequent digital arrival on Netflix, ‘Army of the Dead’ clinched the Oscars Fan Favorite title during the 94th Academy Awards. Moreover, in that brief box office stint, it raked in a solid $1 million.
One review described: ‘Army of the Dead’ as “a thrilling cinematic experience that brilliantly blends action, horror, and a touch of dark humor.”
According to the review, the film maintains a gripping pace that keeps audiences on tenterhooks from beginning to end, ensuring each sequence is finely tuned for maximum effect.
“David Bautista’s performance is nothing short of extraordinary; he brings a deep, emotional complexity to his character that adds a surprising layer of depth to the film.”
The film’s diverse ensemble features former WWE star David Bautista, alongside Omari Hardwick, ‘Yellowjackets’ actress Ella Purnell, Theo Rossi, among others. However, Chris D’Elia, originally in the cast, was digitally replaced by Tig Notaro following multiple sexual misconduct allegations.
Audiences gave mixed reactions to the acting talents on display throughout the movie, with some praising the performances while others were less than impressed. One individual criticized: “The worst roster of characters I’ve seen in a zombie movie, and probably the worst writing.”
One fan said: “Great zombie flick; the opening sequence alone was top-tier, over-the-top entertainment. The movie was flashy, had a great cast, and had a great story. So many questions that I just can’t wait for them to be answered.”
The viewer added: “Lots of crazy things you will spot after re-watching multiple times. Zack set a good foundation for a hopeful franchise to take off”.
Viewers seeking an easy-watching, action-packed zombie film can now catch Army of the Dead on Netflix.
