Early critical reception of Amazon Prime’sFalloutpoints to an utterly enjoyable post-apocalyptic adventure. Based on the popular video game franchise of the same name, the eight-episode series follows citizens living in the future, post-apocalyptic Los Angeles who must live in underground bunkers (known as Vaults) to protect themselves from radiation, mutants, and bandits.Fallout, which premiered April 10, is off to a solid start with an impressive 93% rating onRotten Tomatoes.
Critics are giving the series high marks for its talented cast, which includes Ella Purnell (Yellowjackets), Aaron Moten (Emancipation), Moises Arias (The Kings of Summer), Kyle MacLachlan (Twin Peaks), Leslie Uggams (American Fiction), and Walton Goggins (Justified), its action sequences, and its clever use of satire to deliver commentary on topics like over-consumption and consumerism.
As far as video game adaptations go,Falloutis being heralded as top-notch. JoBlo’s Movie review calls the Prime series the “new standard for video game adaptations,” and that’s not a one-off comment, with many critics sharing the sentiment.This includes MovieWeb’s Greg Archer, who writes:
“Bold, fun and witty, it’s great entertainment, capturing the heart, detail, irony, and self-aware tone of the video game without just being ‘Fallout’fan service. It’s binge-worthy through and through.”
The Standard’s Dan Cody writes:
“…‘Fallout’ hits the landing well, and stands amongst some of the best video game adaptations out there. For fans, it’ll be catnip: who would have thought the apocalypse could be so enjoyable?”
Despite the high marks for staying in tune with its source material, reviews note thatFalloutwill also thrill audiences with little or no prior knowledge of the franchise.
Fallout’s Narrative Draws Criticism
Despite boasting promising early reviews, nothing is perfect. Even some of the series’ most favorable reviews note that the storyline in the eight-episode series sometimes drags (our review notes that “somewhere around episode six, the fatigue sets in. The narrative loses steam”).
That is a major complaint among the few critics who did not find the series enjoyable.The Hollywood Reporter’s Angie Han writes thatFalloutis “light on narrative stakes,” adding:
“At its liveliest, the sci-fi adventure captures the fun of simply getting to explore a strange new world, meeting colorful characters and going down mysterious rabbit holes. But the lack of urgency also means its eight hours take an awfully long time to get where it’s going.”
CNN’s Brian Lowry shares:
“…as Season 1 concludes, there’s less a sense of anticipation for what comes next than general relief that this somewhat messy introduction, and the contortions to incorporate its eclectic roster of players, is over. As noted, there’s ample room to further explore the world of ‘Fallout.’ Still, grading on the curve of game-to-screen translations, seeing this candle doused wouldn’t feel like the end of the world.”
Fallout’s Walton Goggins Admits He Hasn’t Played the Fallout Game Even After Getting the Ghoul Role
Fallout star Walton Goggins shared his experience playing as The Ghoul in the Prime Video series.
Falloutis currently streaming on Amazon Prime. It is created by Geneva Robertson-Dworet (Captain Marvel) and Graham Wagner (Portlandia). Westworld co-creator Jonathan Nolan directs the first three episodes.
