“Army of the Dead” (2021) is a zombie heist film directed by Zack Snyder, known for its blend of action, horror, and heist elements. Here’s a detailed review:

Plot and Characters

“Army of the Dead” is set in a post-apocalyptic Las Vegas, which has been overrun by zombies. The story follows a group of mercenaries who are hired to pull off a heist inside the quarantine zone before the city is nuked by the government.

• Scott Ward (Dave Bautista): The leader of the heist team and a former zombie-killer. Bautista’s portrayal of Ward is a mix of gruffness and emotional depth, reflecting his personal stakes in the mission.
• Kate Ward (Ella Purnell): Scott’s estranged daughter, who gets involved in the heist to search for her friend. Purnell’s character adds an emotional and personal dimension to the story.
• Vanderohe (Omari Hardwick): A skilled safecracker and member of Scott’s team. Hardwick’s performance brings a blend of toughness and humor to the film.
• Tig Notaro (who replaced Chris D’Elia): A helicopter pilot who becomes a crucial part of the heist team. Notaro’s dry wit and deadpan delivery provide comedic relief amidst the tension.
• Coyote (Nora Arnezeder): A former member of the team with intimate knowledge of the zombie-infested zone. Arnezeder’s character plays a key role in navigating the dangers of the quarantine zone.

Direction and Style

Zack Snyder’s direction in “Army of the Dead” is characterized by its energetic and stylish approach to the zombie genre, combining elements of action, horror, and heist film tropes.

• Visual Style: Snyder’s visual style is bold and dynamic, featuring a mix of slow-motion sequences and high-octane action scenes. The film’s vibrant color palette and striking cinematography by Zack Snyder and Matthias Bauwens contribute to its distinct look.
• Action and Horror: The film balances intense action sequences with zombie horror, creating a blend of adrenaline-pumping moments and creepy encounters. The zombies, including a distinct alpha class with their own hierarchy, add a fresh twist to the genre.
• Heist Elements: The heist plot adds a layer of suspense and strategic planning to the film. The blending of heist mechanics with zombie action creates a unique narrative experience.

Themes and Legacy

“Army of the Dead” explores themes of survival, family, and the human cost of ambition.

• Survival and Sacrifice: The film delves into the lengths people will go to survive and the personal sacrifices they make in the process. The heist’s personal stakes for the characters drive the narrative forward.
• Family and Redemption: The relationship between Scott and his daughter Kate provides an emotional core to the film, highlighting themes of family reconciliation and redemption.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Exciting and stylish action sequences with a fresh take on the zombie genre.
• Strong performances, particularly by Dave Bautista and Tig Notaro.
• Unique blend of heist and zombie horror elements.
• Visual flair and creative zombie designs.

Cons:

• The film’s plot and character development can be uneven, with some clichés and predictable moments.
• The lengthy runtime and mix of genres might not appeal to all viewers, leading to a sense of pacing issues.

Overall, “Army of the Dead” is an entertaining and visually dynamic film that offers a fresh take on the zombie genre by combining it with heist and action elements. While it may have its flaws, its unique premise and energetic execution make it a standout entry in the zombie genre.