“Borderlands” Movie Review
Exploring the thrilling world of “Borderlands” from Gearbox Software and 2K Games has been a rewarding experience with its engaging gameplay that involves teamwork and hunting for powerful weapons. The games feature a vast world inhabited by memorable characters like Claptrap and Mad Moxxi in the vibrant setting of Pandora. The film adaptation by Eli Roth fails to capture the essence of the games, lacking the creativity and wit that define the gaming franchise. The movie, which has been delayed for years, falls short of honoring the legacy of the beloved video game series.
Cate Blanchett stars as Lilith, a renowned Vault Hunter, in the movie adaptation. She is hired by Atlas, played by Edgar Ramirez, to rescue his daughter Tina, portrayed by Ariana Greenblatt. Alongside characters like Roland (Kevin Hart) and Krieg (Florian Munteanu), Lilith embarks on a mission to find a mythical vault on Pandora. The film introduces familiar figures from the game such as Claptrap, Moxxi, and Tannis, but fails to explore their personalities in a memorable way, leaving the audience wanting more depth and development.
The lackluster script penned by Roth and Joe Crombie struggles to bring the dynamic and engaging elements of the game into the movie adaptation. Despite Blanchett’s efforts to elevate the material, the film feels flat and uninspired. The action sequences, crucial in a video game-based movie, are poorly executed, lacking coherence and excitement. The movie fails to deliver the expected thrill and entertainment, missing the mark on translating the adrenaline-pumping gameplay of “Borderlands” to the big screen.
In a time where video game adaptations are gaining recognition and success, “Borderlands” struggles to make a mark. With talents like Cate Blanchett and Kevin Hart, the movie falls short of expectations, failing to capture the essence of the beloved gaming franchise. The disjointed production history and troubled development of the film are evident in its final presentation, leaving fans disappointed with the missed potential of bringing the captivating world of “Borderlands” to cinemas.
Borderlands (2024)
101 minutes
Cast
Cate Blanchett
as Lilith
Kevin Hart
as Roland
Jack Black
as Claptrap (voice)
Jamie Lee Curtis
as Dr. Patricia Tannis
Edgar Ramírez
as Atlas
Ariana Greenblatt
as Tiny Tina
Florian Munteanu
as Krieg
Gina Gershon
as Moxxi
Director
- Eli Roth
Screenplay
- Eli Roth