Army of the Damed

In the movie, Army of the Damned, viewers are taken on a high-octane trip, where, unfortunately for the characters, a quiet domestic situation suddenly becomes a terrifying foray into supernatural horror. Released in 2013 under the direction of Tom DeNucci, the film features a star-studded ensemble including Tony Todd, Michael Berryman, and David Chokachi.

The storyline revolves around the seemingly quiet, small town police department led by Sheriff Bridges, performed superbly by David Chokachi. His character's typically serene town suddenly catapults onto national television when a reality TV show, directed by Jackson Stone (played by Michael Berryman), descends upon the town to cover a routine emergency call from the Woodhaven residence.

However, things start to take a dreadful turn when the reality TV crew and the police team arrive at the house. The incident at the Woodhaven residence is anything but routine. Inside the ominous, shadowy house, they find something so grotesque and unexpected that it leaves them speechless and scared to the core. Given the circumstances, what was meant to be a simple emergency call turns into a spine-chilling encounter with a supernatural entity that is both horrifying and deadly.

Tony Todd, acclaimed for his roles in horror films, brings his A-game to the movie as the mysterious Mr. Tollman, the terrifyingly fascinating owner of the Woodhaven house. Tension escalates due to his enigmatic character, his motives not entirely clear, making him an intriguing character of this terrifying plot.

Every character in the film is given significant screen time, and their performances make them unique and compelling in their own right. The combination of the realities of a small-town, the dynamics of a reality show, and the suspenseful horror of the supernatural creates an electrifying atmosphere that grips the audience throughout the film. A distinctive blend of genuine horror and dark humor sets Army of the Damned apart from typical horror movies, striking a balance that appeals to a broad range of viewers.

The production department deserves a lot of credit for their remarkable work on the horror aspects of the movie. The realistic special effects bring vivid and shocking images that enhance the horror aspect of the movie, making it a nerve-wracking feat for lovers of the genre. Effective use of shadows and lighting also contributes significantly to the eerie atmosphere of the film, complementing the narrative beautifully. The suspenseful scenes are intricate, tense, and full of surprise elements, ensuring that viewers are always on edge.

The movie's pacing is brisk and maintains the tension effectively throughout the run. Cinematography, production design, and makeup deserve a nod for turning the apparent normalcy of a suburban house into a high stakes, sinister supernatural environment. In his direction, Tom DeNucci successfully delivers a movie which unflinchingly explores the deep, dark corners of horror, establishing him as a notable figure in the genre.

Andrew Oye's pulsating score resonates with almost every frame, intensifying the feelings of dread, anticipation, and horror. Melodramatic at times, it perfectly supports the nerve-wracking atmosphere the director aimed to achieve.

The eccentricity of the characters, combined with the suspense, clever humor, and supernatural horror, makes Army of the Damned a unique and compelling watch. The film expertly delivers what the audience would expect from a horror feature: thrill, chills, and a fair share of frights without compromising on compelling storytelling. What starts as a seemingly routine procedure, slowly but surely, spirals into a riveting clash between ordinary humans and supernatural forces, keeping viewers' hearts pounding from start to finish.

Whether you appreciate horror movies for their ability to explore the inexplicable or whether you love the adrenaline rush they offer, Army of the Damned delivers on many fronts. It is an exciting and eerie tale that keeps you glued to the screen, eagerly anticipating the characters' next move and how they combat the frightening situation they've stumbled upon.

Perfect for popcorn, a dark room, and a dare to be scared, Army of the Damned easily establishes itself as an engaging, horrifying, and highly entertaining watch from the horror genre. While the movie might come across as another horror film on the surface, it does a commendable job of blending classic horror elements with modern story-telling to offer more than just jump scares. It provides a haunting, ghastly experience that resonates long after the credits roll.