Always bet on dead.|May. 13, 2021|United States|148 Min.|R
Genre: Action;Horror;Science;Fiction;Thriller
Description: Zack Snyder, known for his visually striking filmmaking, delivers yet another bold and dramatic opening sequence in his latest project, *Army of the Dead*. The film begins with an intense and captivating title sequence, featuring scenes such as an elderly man being attacked while his slot machine winnings spill out like blood and a paratrooper descending into a swarm of zombies. These visuals promise an electrifying, neon-soaked adventure. However, the movie’s pacing doesn’t quite match the energy of its opening, opting for a slower, more deliberate rhythm.
The story follows Scott Ward (played by Dave Bautista), a mercenary haunted by his past. He is recruited by a mysterious billionaire to lead a heist in Las Vegas, a city abandoned and quarantined after a zombie outbreak. The remaining zombies are far more intelligent than the typical mindless creatures seen in most films. With $200 million at stake, Scott must assemble a team, infiltrate the city, and escape within 36 hours before the U.S. government obliterates Sin City with a nuclear strike. While the mission seems straightforward, the odds are anything but.
At nearly two and a half hours, *Army of the Dead* feels longer than Snyder’s four-hour *Justice League* cut. The film’s pacing is bogged down by the typical heist movie setup of assembling the team and a drawn-out second act filled with unnecessary emotional discussions. While Snyder attempts to add depth to his characters through personal drama, these moments often feel out of place given the imminent nuclear threat. Despite these pacing issues, the first act effectively introduces the team and sets the stage for the high-stakes mission.
Cast director: Zack Snyder
Cast actor: Dave Bautista, Ana de la Reguera, Omari Hardwick, Matthias Schweighöfer, Tig Notaro, Nora Arnezeder, Ella Purnell, Huma Qureshi, Raúl Castillo, Samantha Jo
Original name: Army of the Dead