ARMY OF DARKNESS is a 1992 comedy/fantasy film directed by Sam Raimi and starring Bruce Campbell. The third and final part in the EVIL DEAD trilogy, it picks up right where EVIL DEAD II left off. The plot of this film concerns Ash being stuck in medieval times, and attempting to get back home. Meanwhile, a group of Deadites is gathering into the ARMY OF DARKNESS. Now, even though this film follows THE EVIL DEAD and EVIL DEAD II, it has a vastly differant tone than the first two. It has a lot of comedy, and more action. There are no scares, but that's okay, since this is not a horror film. The EVIL DEAD trilogy goes from a straight horror film, to a horror comedy, to a comedy action film. That's what I like about the trilogy. Sam Raimi took each film in a differant direction, keeping the series fresh. However, even though this film is new and fresh, it still has flaws that the first two didn't have. One of my biggest problems is that there are some scenes that are not needed, and there are some scenes that I watch and I think "that could have been done better." Now, I know this film has a massive cult following, which I am a part of. I think this movie is great, and I am a big fan of it. But, I watch it and I just don't like it as much as the first two. Keep in mind, this is all my opinion, and in my opinion, this is an above average film. I think it has a great story, some great acting, and fun action scenes.
PLOT: As I said before, this film starts off right where EVIL DEAD II left off. In ARMY OF DARKNESS, Ash is trapped in the Middle-Ages, while an army of Deadites is forming. Ash must then lead an army of knights against them in order to stop the Evil Force once and for all. I think that it has a great script, and that the time travel was a great story device. However, there are some parts where this film where it just drags. Overall though, it's very funny and is a great ending to the trilogy.
ACTING: Everybody in this film does a great job acting, but, like the first two, Ash is the character that really stands out. Bruce Campbell does a great job delivering funny, sarcastic lines, and, for some reason, he reminds me of Adam West in the 60's BATMAN TV show. I don't know why, but they both give these funny, over the top performances and never break character or wink at the camera. All in all, Campbell gives another great performance.
SPECIAL EFFECTS: While THE EVIL DEAD had some great make-up effects, and EVIL DEAD II had some fantastic gore gags and a stand out stop-motion sequence, ARMY OF DARKNESS has a whole army of stop-motion Deadites and some great effects in a hilarious sequence where Ash literally fights himself. This film has the best special effects of the whole trilogy, and a great final battle.
ATMOSPHERE: Like I said in the beginning of this article, ARMY OF DARKNESS is not a horror film in any way, it is more of a mix of comedy and action. But Sam Raimi does a great job of balancing the two tones. It's more of a comedy, but it does have some great action scenes.
So all in all, it's a very fun comedy action film with some great action scenes, fantastic special effects, and another stand out performance by Campbell. But, it does drag in some spots, and overall I just didn't have as much fun with it as I did with EVIL DEAD one and two. I would give ARMY OF DARKNESS:
7/10, or, 3 1/2 stars, or in real world terms: it's worth the money to buy a high quality version of this movie and you'll watch it from time to time, and enjoy it every time. It is a good entry into the EVIL DEAD trilogy, and I'll say right now; I REALLY hope EVIL DEAD 4 happens.
On a side note: I know this really doesn't matter, but I would have preferred the title for this film to be EVIL DEAD III: ARMY OF DARKNESS. I don't know why, but I just would have liked to have had EVIL DEAD in the title somewhere.
So all in all, I thought that ARMY OF DARKNESS was a fun flick and a good ending to the EVIL DEAD trilogy. I'm just wondering, though: Why does it have to be a trilogy?! Why can't Raimi just make an EVIL DEAD 4?! I'm excited for the remake; but what I really want to see is Bruce Campbell as Ash killing Deadites! Anyway, what's your favorite film in the trilogy? Do you want to see a fourth film? Are you excited for the remake? Leave a comment below, and let me know!
COMING SOON: I may review DRAG ME TO HELL, because it is a Sam Raimi horror film with some references to the trilogy.