Age of the Living Dead Amazon Prime

The show feels like it aimed for The Walking Dead but lands closer to Falling Skies. To be fair, this is not a homogeneous quality assessment, there are ups and downs in the writing, special effects and dialogue. So let me break it down for those who care to read it, but for those of you who don't want to read my fabulous writing, know that it is not a show you would probably want to pay for unless you're a little bored.

Acting

The acting is somewhat of a challenge to properly analyze, as many instances seem to be the fault of the dialogue but there are a few things which stand out. Specifically, there is a seen where a vampire addresses others at a table. As he is speaking, his eyebrows keep going up and down, some form of nonverbal inflection. However, this becomes quickly distracting and it feels as though someone told the actor while he was reading his lines in the trailer that it would be a good idea to "talk with your brows". At other points, there is compassion on display, but when the writing shines through, it starts to all feel a little cheap.

Writing
Whoever wrote this was somewhat close, but just missed the mark. There are 2 main issues which I will address below:
- Monologues
There are far too many moments in various conversations when one actor clearly sets up a chance for the other character to use a metaphor or anecdote. It's too blatant, too on-the-nose, too transparent. Many times it's spoken slowly, with no interruptions and then explained immediately afterwards in small words. Like an obnoxious person who thinks they are funny and then explains their joke when they realize no one is laughing.

- Repetition
This brings me to the other issue with dialogue: the characters repeat themselves!! There are numerous examples throughout the film, yet none stand out so much as the last dialogue of the first season. Many of these characters don't seem to know when to stop talking so they ramble a bit and can't seem to complete a thought decisively. Combined with the issue above and the simple words used, it starts to feel like they are jamming things down our throats, too rushed to actually set up a proper point. Or thinking the audience is too stupid to get it.

Special Effects
In a word? Weak. It's not splatter-gore thankfully, but it does feel lazy at certain points. The most prominent through the film (minor spoiler ahead!!!) is when the humans shoot vampires. Rather than "believable" hole oozing blood, we get little explosions that look like they are from an 80's arcade game. There are not even any holes in the vampires' clothing! What happened? It's more like they are aliens wearing advanced leather jackets made out of magic material. Physics professors would be aghast.

Overview: The show feels rushed, blunt and cheap at several points along the way. The actors clearly did what they could and I respect them for it. However, I humbly think that there are ways in which the show could improve, big time. Yet, since I know no one is going to ask me, I'll just end my review here and call it a day. I hope this helps some of you thinking of purchasing the show. If you're like me and watch it on Amazon Prime as part of your subscription, you might not feel bad about it, as it's not the worst I've seen.

More details

DirectorsPaul TanterSupporting actorsBill Oberst JnrSeason year2020NetworkFilmhub/Dystopian FilmsContent advisoryViolencealcohol usefoul languagesexual contentPurchase rightsStream instantly DetailsFormatPrime Video (streaming online video)DevicesAvailable to watch on supported devices

Reviews

1. 50% of reviews have 5 stars

2. 11% of reviews have 4 stars

3. 0% of reviews have 3 stars

4. 11% of reviews have 2 stars

5. 27% of reviews have 1 stars

Top reviews from the United States

J. CardoneReviewed in the United States on February 1, 2022

4.0 out of 5 stars

The first episode may have been a pilot and could have been a bit better on the opening storyline. But I believe that each episode improve upon itself. It does ask some interesting questions around preventing a global pandemic by quarantining an entire country. It is worth the binge time. I would love to see a season 2.

One person found this helpful

ChadReviewed in the United States on January 20, 2022

4.0 out of 5 stars

I'm going to be honest. The acting sucked with the lovers, but the rest of the cast did a great job. The script could use some work in the reality dept, especially with the !overs. However, the base storyline is unique in my opinion and clues are left on how to combat the vampires. My hope is that the gears behind the screen get lubed and tuned, because I will be watching season 2

3 people found this helpful

Julia DeatonReviewed in the United States on November 9, 2021

4.0 out of 5 stars

I don't know what's up with all the bad reviews, but the six episodes I've binge watched were pretty good. Loved the cliffhanger ending and wish season 2 was out so I could watch more! Maybe people are upset that there isn't more action, but we're it leaves off suggest that may change. The setting just wasn't ready for more than we got. The acting, seemed accurate for everything happening as well. Interested to see where this story goes next. I've got a feeling Adam, Yvette, and Marie are about to cause some chaos! 😁

5 people found this helpful

TeeJReviewed in the United States on August 14, 2021

2.0 out of 5 stars

This series makes the original Fantastic Four with Jay Underwood look like Oscar winning material.

Two words for this show: P and U!

Really wanted to like it— Vampires and post apocalyptic nonsense... sounded great!
I watched the first four episodes (twice to make sure)... but I just cant get over how stupid the dialogue is— sounds like it was written by a ten year old.

And the acting! my gawd, the acting! It is worse than a high school rendition of Our Town in Oshkosh Wisconsin (if you haven't seen, trust me, its teeth grindingly painful).

Maybe this series is watchable after consuming large quantities of alcohol (I'm thinking almost pass out quantities?), I'll try it and revisit this review. Until then, keep scrolling.

I gave it two stars, because it wasn't as bad as a Steven Seagal movie (that's one star territory) but it came close.

5 people found this helpful

GoatflapReviewed in the United States on January 28, 2022

2.0 out of 5 stars

I love the premise for the show but it is poorly written, poorly acted and filled with cliché nonsense. I personally cannot watch something that has both bad writing and bad acting...only one or the other can sometimes save a show but not this one.

Carol ReesReviewed in the United States on February 16, 2022

5.0 out of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this series and can't wait until they release season 2 on Prime. I've rewatched it several times so it's a big hit for me.

2.0 out of 5 stars

I give this TV show a 2-star review. The actors were fine, but the writing was poor. Seriously, only 6 shows. Did the writers really have no imagination on making this a good show? If they had put in the work, this could have been a good show.

2 people found this helpful

StereoMicReviewed in the United States on August 13, 2021

2.0 out of 5 stars

The premise sounded interesting and entertaining enough. The effects looked pretty good. Too bad the script is so amateurish. I'll bet high school kids could write better dialog. Very disappointed in this one.

4 people found this helpful

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