The highly anticipated Borderlands movie, directed by Eli Roth, is set to premiere in theaters soon. However, early impressions from critics have been overwhelmingly negative. Let's delve into the details and see what you can expect when you head to the cinema.
Borderlands Movie: Too Bad to be Good
Cast Receives Praise Despite Poor Initial Reviews
Initial reviews for Eli Roth's adaptation of the popular space Western looter shooter game, Borderlands, have been largely critical. Following its early premiere across the US, critics have taken to social media to express their disappointment. Many have criticized the film for its lackluster humor, unconvincing CGI, and uninspired screenplay.
Edgar Ortega from Loud and Clear Reviews shared on Twitter (X), "Borderlands feels like what an out-of-touch executive thinks the ‘cool kids’ find appealing. There is not a single earnest character moment here, just obnoxious quips that feel dated as soon as they leave the actors’ mouths. It’s not even so bad it’s good, just a complete mess."
Darren from Movie Scene Canada echoed these sentiments, calling the movie "a baffling video game adaptation." He noted the potential for great world-building but lamented that "it never happens due to a rushed and dull screenplay – the set design is impressive, but the film looks cheap due to poor CGI."
Despite the overwhelmingly negative feedback, some critics found a few redeeming qualities. Film critic Kurt Morrison remarked, "Blanchett and Hart are having a lot of fun here & save this from being a trainwreck," though he added that "it’ll be a big surprise if this film finds an audience." The Hollywood Handle offered a slightly more positive take: "Borderlands is a fun PG-13 action movie. It completely relies on Cate Blanchett’s star power to carry itself to the finish line — and she delivers."
Re-announced by Gearbox in 2020 after a hiatus, the Borderlands movie features a star-studded cast. However, fans of the shooter game franchise have always expressed skepticism about the movie adaptation.
The movie follows Lilith, portrayed by Cate Blanchett, as she returns to her home planet "Pandora" on a quest to find the missing daughter of Atlas, portrayed by Edgar Ramirez. Teaming up with a colorful group of outcasts, Lilith embarks on a perilous journey alongside former soldier Roland, played by comedian and actor Kevin Hart. The ensemble cast also includes Ariana Greenblatt as demolitionist Tiny Tina, Florian Munteanu as Krieg—Tina’s bodyguard, Jamie Lee Curtis as Tannis, and Jack Black voicing the robot Claptrap.As full reviews from major film review publications are expected to roll out in the coming days, fans will soon have the chance to see the movie for themselves when Borderlands hits cinemas on August 9. Meanwhile, in related news, Gearbox has hinted at a new Borderlands game.
