The city of Las Vegas has been walled off and quarantined following a zombie outbreak, whilst the survivors scrabble an existence in camps just outside the walls. Casino owner Bly Tanaka (Hiroyuki Sanada) wants the $200 million dollars languishing in his safe though and seeks out survivor and ex-special forces Scott Ward (Dave Bautista) to put a team together to go get it. 

Zack Snyder is back at the helm of his first non DC superhero film for ten years and he has chosen to return to the genre of his break out debut feature, zombies! Back in 2004 Snyder made a brilliant remake of Dawn of the Dead written by James Gunn, now famous for his Guardians of the Galaxy films. Just like Gunn’s Marvel films Army of the Dead is at its best when it is having silly fun with its large ensemble cast. 

I have to say that I loved the story and approach to zombies in this film. The high concept plot slots into place perfectly in very quick time. The zombie outbreak, the infestation of the city, the quarantine zone and the heist are all expertly zipped through whilst introducing a large cast to us. Meanwhile the shambling, alpha and animal zombies all add a slightly different and original take on the genre. 

Snyder’s visuals are typically impressive as well. On this film he has added director of photography to the roles of writer, producer and director. He employs his usual slow motion but adds in some interesting blurred background effects. And of course, another one of his masterful opening credit sequences. This one possibly even matches the one from Watchmen. 

The action sequences are intense and brilliantly staged. Most importantly in a film of this nature is that they feel cool with every character bringing their own style to the fight. 

So it’s a pretty great film then. There are minor faults. Towards the end of the film Snyder tries to squeeze in some character heart to hearts and they slow the film down and seem massively out of place. Dave Bautista is a pretty good actor in my opinion but is stretched a bit too far in these moments. I was also slightly dissatisfied with the ending as it felt a little inevitable even though other parts of the film were trying something new. 

Army of the Dead delivers a gruesome, high concept “men on a mission” movie in a zombie filled Las Vegas.