Army of the Dead: Desert of Ideas
With Army of the Dead, co-writer-director Zack Snyder returns to the genre that made his name. Aided by an alleged $90 million budget, an epic run time and a release by streaming powerhouse Netflix, the film exemplifies the pitfalls of a “bigger is better” mentality.
Not without its redeeming traits, it contains wonderful performances from Nora Arnezeder (as “The Coyote”) and comedian Tig Notaro. But CGI zombie tigers and walking corpses that think and feel are nothing new in a genre that’s taken the undead to more surprising and innovative places.
What to Watch Instead
Army of the Dead’s problems are easier to deconstruct by looking at the films it most resembles. A conventional review would be an exercise in futility.
On this week’s solo episode, Jonny talks about the films inside and outside the horror genre Snyder might have pulled inspiration from, why they’re worth your time, and why they succeed in the areas where Army of the Dead fails.
If it’s tales of mercenaries, zombie hordes or casinos that you seek, he’s got a list of suggestions…
The plot sickens: The Last Knock looks at a strong Shudder Trio!
THE LAST KNOCK horror podcast is a Crash Palace Productions’ featured show. Besides this site, you can find THE LAST KNOCK on iTunes and Spotify (and more) with new shows posted every other Sunday at 9 PM ET.
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The Last Knock always supports independent cinema!
Note: What’s up with the one-man shows as of late? Never fear, Jonny Numb and Billy Crash are still The Last Knock duo! But due to work demands, COVID-19 vaccine recovery, and individual writing projects, time has been demanding. The pair will get on the same wavelength soon enough!
(Wyrmwood: Road of the Dead still from Guerilla Films.)
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