Bob Strauss May 14, 2021Updated: May 14, 2021, 4:31 pm
Dave Bautista plays Scott Ward in the Netflix movie “Army of the Dead.” Photo: Clay Enos , Netflix
Zack Snyder’s “Army of the Dead” is the first Netflix movie to get a wide theatrical release, starting this Friday, May 14, a week ahead of its debut on the streaming service. But it’s hard to imagine a bigger, more action-packed and sumptuous (if gory) spectacle to launch this pandemic-necessitated partnership between traditional business rivals.
Reopening theaters need flashy content to lure back customers, especially as newer streamers are moving in on Netflix’s turf (even Snyder’s “Justice League” director’s cut was released straight to streaming on HBO Max). Plus, Snyder’s first zombie film since his debut feature, the 2004 remake of “Dawn of the Dead,” is his most enjoyable in 17 years as well.