Army of Darkness is a popular cult film that was released in 1992. It is a comedic horror film directed by Sam Raimi and starring Bruce Campbell. The film is the third installment in the Evil Dead series and follows the adventures of Ash Williams, a chainsaw-wielding hero who finds himself transported back in time to the medieval era. In the film, Ash is mistaken for a prophesied savior who is meant to save the kingdom from the forces of darkness. He is tasked with retrieving the Necronomicon Ex-Mortis, a book that has the power to release evil spirits and bring about the apocalypse. However, Ash accidentally recites an incantation from the book that unleashes an army of deadites, evil creatures that are hell-bent on destroying humanity.
Indeed, for what might have been billed as a horror film first and a comedy second when it was released, it's as mild as any PG film these days. I also have to say the HD version on Apple TV looked really, really good. Indeed, a quick search tells me it has been re-mastered and released in a special Screw-Heads Blu-Ray DVD. That just went on my Christmas list.
Bound in human flesh, inked in blood - and amazingly hard to pronounce - the ancient Necronomicon Book of the Dead unleashes unspeakable evil upon mankind in director Sam Raimi s Spider-Man outrageously hilarious sword-and-sorcery epic. Bound in human flesh, inked in blood - and amazingly hard to pronounce - the ancient Necronomicon Book of the Dead unleashes unspeakable evil upon mankind in director Sam Raimi s Spider-Man outrageously hilarious sword-and-sorcery epic.
However, Ash accidentally recites an incantation from the book that unleashes an army of deadites, evil creatures that are hell-bent on destroying humanity. As the name suggests, Army of Darkness features epic battles between Ash and his ragtag group of medieval knights against the army of the deadites. The film blends horror, fantasy, and comedy elements, creating a unique and entertaining experience for viewers.
You Let Our Child Watch What!? Army of Darkness
There comes a time in the life of any good GeekDad when the decision has to be made: When is the right time to introduce your kids to the classics? Some of them are easier than others. With the popularity of Star Wars: Clone Wars on TV right now, it’s almost vital to start our […]
Save this story Save this storyThere comes a time in the life of any good GeekDad when the decision has to be made: When is the right time to introduce your kids to the classics? Some of them are easier than others. With the popularity of Star Wars: Clone Wars on TV right now, it's almost vital to start our kids on the original trilogy as early as practical, just to get them started down the right (Han shot first) path. But some of the classics are a little harder to judge.
Our family loves Burn Notice. My wife and I considered it the best way to get our kids into the work of geek icon Bruce Campbell, and it's worked well. We've just been waiting for the right time, the right age, to serve them up the genius of Army of Darkness however. Funny thing: they're not too squeamish -- they've seen Jaws at least 30 times. But the horror/monster thing can sometimes be a different animal. However, after talking it up for a while, they convinced us tonight should be the night. We rented it in HD on our Apple TV, and sat down to the experiment.
It was a tremendous success! It was almost like watching it again for the first time, getting to experience it through their eyes. Of course, for 9- and 11-year-old boys, the best things were the one-liners and the extensive kicking of Deadite butt. The cheers that went up as Ash's explosive arrows started blowing up the skeletons were raucous. As is true for any geek, the quotable lines will be repeated over and over in the following days. And the truly wonderful slapstick comedy sucked them in. Suffice to say, my wife and I are quite proud.
In hindsight, there's only very mild language (thought late in the film, I could swear I heard a sneaky f-bomb slipped in one fighting scene). The Deadites really aren't scary at all -- and in fact are often quite funny, especially the skeletal foot soldiers in the final battle. There is also the very slightest hint that something naughty happened between evil Ash and Sheila that ended up turning her bad as well, but nothing happens on screen, and it's very easily ignored.
Indeed, for what might have been billed as a horror film first and a comedy second when it was released, it's as mild as any PG film these days. I also have to say the HD version on Apple TV looked really, really good. Indeed, a quick search tells me it has been re-mastered and released in a special Screw-Heads Blu-Ray DVD. That just went on my Christmas list.
So, to sum up: the 9-year-old says "It was cool!" The 11-year-old says "It was vintage Bruce!"
And me? That's easy: "Hail to the King, baby!"
This Ash Wednesday, take a moment to appreciate one of pop culture's greatest Ashes from the 'Evil Dead' franchise.
The slapstick humor, exaggerated action sequences, and over-the-top one-liners have made the film a cult classic. Army of Darkness has gained a significant following over the years and has spawned various adaptations and merchandise. The film's success led to the creation of comics, video games, and even a television series called Ash vs. Evil Dead. The character of Ash Williams has become an iconic figure in the horror genre and is beloved by fans worldwide. Overall, Army of Darkness is a must-watch for fans of horror-comedy films. It has stood the test of time and continues to entertain audiences with its witty humor and memorable moments. Whether you're a fan of the Evil Dead series or simply enjoy films that blend different genres, Army of Darkness is sure to deliver a thrilling and hilarious experience..
Reviews for "Finding the Balance: Horror and Comedy in Army of Darkness"
1. John - 2 stars - "I found 'Army of Darkness' to be a disappointment. The humor felt forced and the exaggerated action sequences soon became redundant. The film lacked a cohesive plot and I struggled to connect with any of the characters. Additionally, the special effects looked dated and took away from the overall viewing experience. Overall, I was left feeling underwhelmed and unsatisfied."
2. Emily - 1 star - "I absolutely hated 'Army of Darkness'. The humor was cringeworthy and the one-liners felt juvenile. The plot was convoluted and hard to follow, making it difficult to engage with the story. The characters lacked depth and development, making it impossible to invest in their journey. The excessive use of slapstick comedy and gory violence only further detracted from the already weak narrative. Save your time and skip this film."
3. David - 2 stars - "I had high expectations going into 'Army of Darkness', but unfortunately, it fell flat for me. The excessive use of cheesy one-liners and slapstick comedy became grating after a while, and I couldn't find any substance beneath the surface. The film lacked a clear direction, with plot twists that felt contrived and unnecessary. While some may enjoy the campy style, it just didn't work for me, and I found myself constantly checking how much time was left. Overall, a disappointing viewing experience."
4. Sarah - 2 stars - "'Army of Darkness' failed to live up to the hype for me. The humor felt forced and the repetitive gags quickly grew tiresome. The characters were poorly developed and lacked any depth, making it difficult to care about their journey. The over-the-top action sequences became monotonous and failed to add any excitement or tension. The film felt disjointed and lacked a clear direction, leaving me unsatisfied with the overall viewing experience."