Army of Darkness Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A sassy S-Mart employee gets yeeted back to the Dark Ages and has to fight an undead army because he forgot his Latin, proving that community college is not the worst thing you can do.

🍿 Army of Darkness: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Ash’s Arrival in Medieval England

Following the events of Evil Dead II, Ash Williams is transported to 1300 A.D. He is quickly captured by Lord Arthur and his knights, who believe him to be a spy for their enemy, Duke Henry. Ash is thrown into a pit to face a Deadite, but uses his chainsaw and shotgun to defeat it, proving his worth.

The Quest for the Necronomicon

To return to his own time, Ash must retrieve the Necronomicon Ex Mortis, the Book of the Dead. He is warned by the Wise Man that he must recite the phrase ‘Klaatu barada nikto’ to safely take the book. Ash embarks on his quest, encountering various challenges along the way, including a haunted forest and evil reflections of himself.

The Rise of the Army of Darkness

At the graveyard where the Necronomicon is located, Ash forgets the last word of the phrase and mispronounces it. This unleashes the Army of Darkness, led by his own Deadite counterpart, Evil Ash. He returns to Arthur’s castle to find Sheila, a woman he’s become attracted to, has been captured and turned into a Deadite.

The Battle for Survival

Determined to save Sheila and defeat the Army of Darkness, Ash uses his 20th-century knowledge to help Arthur and his men prepare for battle. Enlisting the help of Duke Henry, they create gunpowder and build weapons. They engage in a final battle, defeating the Army of Darkness and saving Sheila.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Ash (Bruce Campbell): A wisecracking S-Mart employee transported to the Middle Ages, who must battle the undead to return to his own time.
• Sheila (Embeth Davidtz): A medieval maiden who initially despises Ash but eventually falls in love with him after he saves her and her people.
• Arthur (Marcus Gilbert): A medieval lord who initially captures Ash, but later allies with him to fight the Army of Darkness.
• Wiseman (Ian Abercrombie): A wise advisor to Lord Arthur, who guides Ash on his quest to retrieve the Necronomicon.
• Duke Henry (Richard Grove): A rival duke who is captured alongside Ash but later becomes a valuable ally in the fight against the deadites.
• Evil Ash (Bruce Campbell): Ash’s evil doppelganger who leads the Army of Darkness against the humans.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Ash: “Good, bad, I’m the guy with the gun.” – Ash declares this to the Wiseman, highlighting his pragmatic approach to dealing with the situation.
• Ash: “Alright you Primitive Screwheads, listen up! You see this? This… is my BOOMSTICK!” – Ash introduces his shotgun to the medieval people, showcasing his confidence and 20th-century weaponry.
• Ash: “Klaatu… barada… n… Necktie… Nickel… It’s an ‘N’ word, it’s definitely an ‘N’ word!” – Ash tries to remember the words to safely retrieve the Necronomicon, showcasing his incompetence.
• Ash: “Gimme some sugar, baby.” – Ash says this line before kissing Sheila.
• Ash: “Hail to the king, baby.” – Ash says this line after killing a deadite in S-Mart

💰Box Office

• Budget: $11,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $11,502,976
• Worldwide Gross: $11,514,639

💥 Army of Darkness Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so ‘Army of Darkness’ isn’t trying to win any Oscars, but it’s pure, unadulterated fun! I first saw this movie as a teenager, and I was hooked from the moment Ash wielded his ‘boomstick’. The stop-motion skeletons are hilarious, and Bruce Campbell is just the best. The “Klaatu Barada Nikto” scene is comedy gold, and I still quote ‘Good, bad, I’m the guy with the gun.’ all the time! If you need a good laugh and don’t mind some cheesy special effects, this is your movie. It’s a cult classic for a reason.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of the Evil Dead franchise”
  • “Viewers who enjoy horror-comedy films”
  • “Those who appreciate over-the-top acting and special effects”
  • “Bruce Campbell fans”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence and gore”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Suggestive themes”

Professional Reviews

• Roger Ebert: “Raimi’s manic energy is infectious. While not as scary as its predecessors, ‘Army of Darkness’ delivers a non-stop barrage of slapstick and inventive visuals. Campbell is perfect as the cocky Ash, turning him into a cult icon.
• Entertainment Weekly: “Wildly inventive and funny, but the shift to pure comedy might disappoint horror purists. Campbell’s performance is a masterclass in B-movie heroism, elevating the film beyond its schlocky origins. It’s a groovy ride!
• Variety: “Army of Darkness delivers on its promise of horror and humor, but lacks the shocking impact of the original. Campbell’s deadpan delivery is consistently funny and the special effects are creative and well-executed.

Audience Reactions

Bruce Campbell’s iconic portrayal of Ash is unforgettable.: Viewers rave about the film’s over-the-top humor and quotable lines.

The practical effects and stop-motion animation add to the film’s charm.: Many appreciate the film’s creativity and unique blend of horror and comedy.

Overall Consensus: ‘Army of Darkness’ is a cult classic beloved for its over-the-top humor, iconic lead performance, and creative special effects, though some find it less scary than its predecessors.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The ‘Klaatu barada nikto’ phrase is a reference to the 1951 science fiction film ‘The Day the Earth Stood Still’.”
• “The beat-up Oldsmobile Delta 88 that goes through time with Ash belongs to director Sam Raimi, and appears in most of his films.”
• “The film has multiple endings. The studio-preferred ending sees Ash back at S-Mart, while the director’s cut sees him wake up in a post-apocalyptic future.”

🖥️ How to Watch Army of Darkness?

Army of Darkness is widely available for streaming and purchase. You can find it on platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu where it can be rented or purchased. Check your local listings or use a service like JustWatch to find current streaming options and availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Army of Darkness, you might like these similar films:

• Evil Dead II (1987): Direct sequel that blends horror and slapstick comedy
• Shaun of the Dead (2004): British horror-comedy that mixes zombies with everyday life.
• Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975): Satirical take on Arthurian legends with absurdist humor.
• Tucker & Dale vs Evil (2010): A more modern horror-comedy featuring mistaken identities and extreme gore.
• Bubba Ho-Tep (2002): Cult film starring Bruce Campbell as Elvis battling a mummy.

🛒 Army of Darkness Related Products

• Army of Darkness: Screwhead Edition [Blu-ray]: A definitive collector’s edition packed with bonus features, including commentary, deleted scenes, and behind-the-scenes documentaries. Perfect for hardcore fans.
• Ash vs Evil Dead: The Complete Collection [Blu-ray]: Includes all three seasons of the series which continues Ash’s adventures. It’s gory, hilarious, and Campbell is at his best.
• Army of Darkness: Hail to the King (PS1): A nostalgic PlayStation 1 game that puts you in the role of Ash as he battles hordes of Deadites. Retro gaming fun for Evil Dead fans.
• NECA Ash Williams Action Figure: Highly detailed action figure featuring Ash Williams in his iconic Army of Darkness gear, complete with chainsaw and boomstick. A must-have for collectors.

🎧 Soundtrack

Army of Darkness features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “March of the Dead” – performed by Danny Elfman
• “Building the Deathcoaster” – performed by Joseph LoDuca

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

VFX Artists React to Bad & Great CGi 143 ft. William Mesa

Curious about how the iconic special effects in Army of Darkness were created? This video features VFX artists breaking down the techniques and sharing their thoughts on the film’s visual impact. It’s a fascinating look behind the scenes of one of the most visually striking horror-comedies ever made.

RedLetterMedia Army of Darkness Commentary

Want to hear what RedLetterMedia, known for their sharp wit and film expertise, have to say about Army of Darkness? This highlight reel features some of their best commentary on the film, giving you a fresh perspective and plenty of laughs along the way.

Evil Dead Franchise And Timeline Expained + How To Kill A Deadite? Evil Dead Future Explored!

Get ready for a deep dive into the world of Evil Dead! This video covers everything you need to know about the franchise, including Army of Darkness, from the origins of the Deadites to the future of the series. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just curious about this iconic horror franchise, this is a must-watch.

THE EVIL DEAD TRILOGY: The Evolution of a Horror Icon

Discover the evolution of one of horror’s most iconic franchises! This video delves into the Evil Dead trilogy, including Army of Darkness, exploring the filmmaking process, the development of the characters, and the impact these films have had on the horror genre.

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