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Is Army of the Dead a Hit or a Flop? Examining Snyder’s Zombie Heist

The question of whether Zack Snyder’s Army of the Dead is a hit or a flop is complex, and the answer isn’t a simple yes or no. While the film undeniably garnered significant viewership on Netflix, its critical reception and overall impact paint a more nuanced picture. Ultimately, Army of the Dead lands somewhere in the middle, showcasing elements of both success and shortcomings. It’s a commercial success in terms of viewership, but it’s a critical mixed bag, preventing it from being classified as an outright hit. It’s a film that has its ardent supporters and equally vocal detractors, making its legacy something of a debate.

Audience Reception and Viewership Numbers

Army of the Dead premiered on Netflix to significant fanfare, largely fueled by Snyder’s established fanbase and the intriguing premise of a zombie heist. The numbers speak for themselves: within its first 28 days, the film was watched in 75 million households, accumulating a total viewership of 186.54 million hours. At the time of its release, this performance tied with Project Power as the eighth most-watched original film on the streamer. These metrics clearly indicate a strong audience interest and consumption of the movie. This level of engagement is undoubtedly a marker of success for any Netflix original, proving that the film resonated with a considerable portion of the platform’s subscriber base.

However, viewership alone does not definitively equate to a film’s overall success. The film’s long running time may contribute to the high number of viewing hours, meaning that many viewers might have watched some of the movie but not completed it. The true measure of success includes critical acclaim, cultural impact, and lasting legacy, aspects where Army of the Dead proves to be more divisive.

Critical Reception: A Mixed Bag

Critical responses to Army of the Dead were far from uniform. Many critics lauded the film for its visual style, action sequences, and world-building. Snyder’s signature aesthetic, with its slow-motion shots and stylized violence, was praised by those who appreciated his directorial style. The film’s over-the-top gore, intentionally bordering on humorous, was also a point of attraction for some viewers. In terms of storytelling, the surprising depth of a father-daughter dynamic amidst the zombie apocalypse was a welcome element, adding a layer of emotional resonance to the chaotic action.

On the flip side, many reviewers criticized the film for its lack of originality, uneven pacing, and underdeveloped characters. Some found the film to be a cringe-worthy and uninspired mess, echoing sentiments that have been previously leveled at Snyder’s work. The seemingly arbitrary plot points, the reliance on familiar zombie tropes, and the bloated runtime were frequent points of contention. Even the aforementioned father-daughter storyline was seen by some as emotionally manipulative rather than genuinely affecting. The film also received criticism for its blurry visuals, which were a deliberate artistic choice but felt distracting to many viewers. The film’s attempt at integrating a time loop theory also seemed poorly executed or even confusing to some audiences, feeling more like a loose end than a compelling plot device.

Examining the Narrative and Style

The narrative of Army of the Dead is undeniably ambitious. The premise of a team of mercenaries venturing into a zombie-infested Las Vegas to steal millions of dollars is inherently intriguing, and the movie’s unique approach to zombie lore – with alpha zombies, hierarchical structures, and even zombie robots – adds a distinct twist to the genre. However, the execution of these concepts is where the film falters for some. The film was criticised for its overuse of exposition, where characters spend significant time explaining rather than showing. Moreover, some characters felt shallow and underdeveloped, especially beyond the central father-daughter arc, which made it difficult for audiences to form an emotional connection.

Snyder’s signature visual style, while appreciated by some, was also a point of criticism. The film’s deliberate use of a shallow depth of field, resulting in a blurry effect, was a stylistic choice that proved to be polarizing. While intended to evoke a dreamlike or otherworldly quality, some viewers found it disorienting and detrimental to their viewing experience. Similarly, the over-the-top violence was seen as gratuitous by some, while fans of the genre enjoyed it.

The “Army” Franchise: Sequels and Prequels

One crucial factor in determining the success of Army of the Dead is its role in a larger franchise. The film spawned a prequel, Army of Thieves, which focused on the character of Dieter and was released on Netflix to moderate success. Additionally, plans for an Army of the Dead 2 and even a 3rd installment are reportedly underway. This expanded universe demonstrates that Netflix and Snyder see value in the concept, suggesting a long-term investment in the franchise.

However, the success of these follow-ups is not guaranteed. The critical reception to Army of Thieves was generally more favorable than Army of the Dead, partially because it avoids the zombie genre. The success of future sequels depends heavily on the strength of the storylines, character development, and visual presentation. The studio’s commitment to an Army of the Dead franchise will impact how it is remembered and whether or not the first movie will be seen as a launchpad for something great or as the foundation of a failed cinematic universe.

Conclusion: A Divisive but Popular Film

In conclusion, Army of the Dead cannot be unequivocally labeled a hit or a flop. It garnered massive viewership on Netflix, indicating a high level of audience engagement and a successful commercial performance. However, it also received a mixed critical reception, with many criticizing its plot, characters, and stylistic choices. The film’s place within a larger franchise with upcoming sequels and prequels suggests that it is not the end of the journey, making it difficult to evaluate definitively at this stage.

Ultimately, Army of the Dead is a divisive film that has both passionate fans and vocal detractors. Its lasting legacy will depend on the success of its sequels and how it is remembered within the broader context of Zack Snyder’s filmography and the zombie genre. While not a critical darling, the film’s popular appeal solidifies it as a notable entry in the Netflix catalogue, making it a qualified success, if not an outright hit.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Army of the Dead

1. How many households watched Army of the Dead in its first month?

Army of the Dead was watched in 75 million households during its first 28 days on Netflix.

2. What is the total viewership time for the film?

The total viewership time for Army of the Dead was 186.54 million hours in its first 28 days.

3. Is Army of the Dead a remake of Dawn of the Dead?

No, Army of the Dead is not a remake or a sequel to Dawn of the Dead. It is a spiritual successor and part of a new zombie franchise.

4. What is the time loop theory in Army of the Dead?

The time loop theory is a concept hinted at through lines and visual clues, suggesting that the events of the film are cyclical. The prequel, Army of Thieves, added more weight to the theory.

5. Why do some zombies have blue eyes?

The glowing blue eyes on some zombies indicate that they are robots, not traditional zombies, hinting at a larger storyline within the franchise.

6. How much time has passed between the outbreak and the events of the movie?

The zombie outbreak happened either six years or two years before the events of Army of the Dead, depending on conflicting information in interviews and behind the scenes material.

7. Why is Army of the Dead blurry?

The blurriness is a deliberate artistic choice by Snyder, using a shallow depth of field for stylistic reasons, although many viewers found it distracting.

8. How gory is the movie?

Army of the Dead is extremely gory with over-the-top violence that is often played for humor.

9. Is there a sequel to Army of the Dead?

Yes, there are plans for an Army of the Dead 2, which could premiere as early as 2023, although a 2024 release is more likely. There is also talk of a third movie.

10. Who are the survivors in Army of the Dead?

Kate survives, as does her father, Scott Ward, who later becomes a zombie and is killed by Kate. Vanderohe also survives, and is last seen escaping into Mexico.

11. Which actor was digitally replaced in Army of the Dead?

Tig Notaro was digitally inserted to replace Chris D’Elia after production had already wrapped.

12. How is Dieter, or Sebastian, killed in the movie?

Dieter is killed after saving Vanderohe. The exact way in which he dies was debated in post production, but it is presumed he is overrun by zombies after shutting Vanderohe in the vault.

13. Is Army of the Dead in the same universe as Dawn of the Dead?

There are hints of a shared universe with Dawn of the Dead, specifically the nature of the fast, agile zombies. Although this may be an Easter egg, Snyder has not confirmed this.

14. Where did the first zombie come from?

The origin of the first zombie, Zeus, is hinted to be from Area 51, as he was being transported from there when the outbreak began.

15. Should I watch Army of the Dead or Army of Thieves first?

Chronologically, you should watch Army of Thieves first, as it is a prequel that takes place six years before Army of the Dead.

Is Army of the Dead hit or flop?