Beyonce "run the world" (video)

What's the verdict: Beyoncé's 'Run the World' video?

The world didn’t quite fall in love at first listen with Beyoncé's single “Run the World (Girls),” but perhaps the video could help us forget that.

The star singer unveiled the video on Wednesday's “American Idol," and after the pared down video for “Single Ladies” Beyoncé breaks out explosions, wild animals and a female army for this clip, directed by Francis Lawrence.

It opens with the songstress riding into the apocalyptic land on a horse, and we soon see her surrounded by her well-dressed army, ready to face off against a male police force with her footwork.

MTV notes that the video is a lot like Beyoncé's other offerings, with plenty of choreography and costume changes, but she also mashes it up with two huge beasts on chains – held down by Beyoncé, of course – as well as a moment in which she flips off the camera.
It's been described as epic more than once, although the Village Voice does inquire why she opted for such an all-out affair to illustrate her girl power point, since the first few shots alone say it clearly.
Beyoncé told Billboard of the track, "It's definitely riskier than something a bit more...simple," but said that's why she fell in love with it. The song felt "a bit African, a bit electronic and futuristic," she said. "It reminded me of what I love, which is mixing different cultures and eras - things that typically don't go together - to create a new sound."
Beyoncé's also unveiled the artwork for her next album, titled "4," which is expected to arrive in June.