Episode 90: Sam Raimi’s Army of Darkness (1992)
Rotten Tomato Score: 68%
Bruce Campbell swaggers into medieval times with a chainsaw hand and a double-barrel shotgun in this cult classic horror-comedy that transforms the Evil Dead franchise from pure terror into something gloriously ridiculous.
Transported to the distant past after the events of Evil Dead 2, our reluctant hero Ash Williams finds himself captured, imprisoned, and thrown into a pit with deadites – only to emerge as a prophesied savior who must retrieve the Necronomicon to return home. What follows is a masterclass in physical comedy, stop-motion animation, and endlessly quotable one-liners that fans still recite three decades later.
Director Sam Raimi abandons the claustrophobic horror of the first two films for a sprawling adventure filled with skeletal armies, slapstick fights, and medieval romance. The film's charm lies in its perfect balance of horror elements with Three Stooges-inspired comedy, all anchored by Campbell's iconic performance as the arrogant, chainsaw-wielding S-Mart employee who battles evil with equal parts bravado and incompetence.
Behind the scenes, the film represents a triumph of practical effects and creative problem-solving – from pumping tobacco smoke through Campbell's clothing to make the chainsaw appear running, to Raimi pelting his lead actor with real potatoes to get authentic reactions during rock-throwing scenes. These stories have become almost as legendary as the film itself.
Whether you're discovering Ash's adventures for the first time or revisiting this beloved third chapter, Army of Darkness delivers a uniquely entertaining blend of horror, fantasy, and comedy that continues to influence filmmakers and delight audiences. Shop smart – watch Army of Darkness.
Sinister Sips
Bruce Campbell’s Army of Darkness
From: Drinking with Zombies
Recipe:
1/2 oz Kahlua
3/4 oz Kraken Rum
Chocolate Stout
Chill a 12 oz cocktail glass
Pour in Kahlua and rum
Top with chocolate stout
Plot Summary:
When Ash Williams is accidentally transported to 1300 A.D., he must retrieve the Necronomicon and battle an army of the dead in order to return home. (Taken from IMDb)
Watchability Scale
Sam gave the film a 5. Mike gave it a 6. Chad gave it a 7. We placed the film at 6 on the Watchability Scale.
Links
25 Years Worth of Trivia (Bloody Disgusting)
30 Groovy Facts (Halloween Year Round)
Movie Trivia (TV Tropes)
15 Things You Probably Didn’t Know (Mental Floss)