We Watched Borderlands So You Don’t Have To

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We Watched Borderlands So You Don't Have To

As a longtime fan of video games and a connoisseur of sci-fi action adventure, I must confess that my excitement for the Borderlands Cinematic Universe was palpable. But alas, dear reader, it seems we may have been catapulted back to the days of “Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li.”

Contains spoilers for “Borderlands”

Title “Borderlands” has hit the big screen, but based on Rotten Tomatoes reviews (surprisingly negative), it seems this video game adaptation might have been better off remaining untouched, hidden in the Vault. If you found yourself dozing during the movie or prefer to save your cinema money, here’s a detailed walkthrough of the film and its conclusion for your convenience.

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades of experience under my belt, I can confidently say that the ensemble cast of Borderlands: Legends is nothing short of spectacular. From the enigmatic bounty hunter Lilith (Cate Blanchett), to the spunky and rebellious Tiny Tina (Ariana Greenblatt), the redemptive Roland (Kevin Hart), the fearsome Krieg (Florian Munteanu), the eccentric Dr. Tannis (Jamie Lee Curtis), and the humorous mascot Claptrap (voiced by Jack Black), each character brings a unique flavor to this exciting adventure.

Instead of the Vault, Borderlands is quite open about its content. It’s a film that delivers exactly what it promises on the surface, but we were curious about what lay beneath. We’ve analyzed Borderlands to predict how the movie’s conclusion could influence the possible expansion of this franchise and the genre of video game adaptations in general. So, you can rest assured – we watched Borderlands so you don’t have to. And remember, we do it all for you!

What you need to remember about Borderlands

We Watched Borderlands So You Don't Have To

The game “Borderlands” begins by delving into detailed background about the Eridians, an ancient alien race that constructed a Vault on the planet Pandora. This Vault contains advanced technology and can only be unlocked by an Eridian, although it seems the Eridians are now extinct. Numerous individuals have attempted to find this Vault without success. The main narrative revolves around Atlas hiring Lilith to save his daughter, Tina, who is currently on Pandora. With a bit of assistance from Claptrap, Lilith locates Tina fairly swiftly, and it’s then revealed that she has the unique ability to open the Vault. Later on, she explains that she’s a clone created using ancient Eridian DNA.

Tina, Roland, and Krieg have formed a team and are on a quest to find the last key needed to open the Vault. Tina possesses one key already, with Eridian serving as the third. Lilith encounters characters on Pandora that stir memories of her past, such as Mad Moxxi (Gina Gershon) and Dr. Tannis. Sadly, the group splits apart when Roland comes close to giving his life to ensure their escape, leading Tina to suspect that Lilith may have sided with Atlas against them.

As they part ways, Lilith and Claptrap find themselves wandering through her former residence, triggering some dormant code within Claptrap. This awakens a hologram of Lilith’s mother, who explains that Lilith was so unique she had to be removed from the planet. It’s subsequently discovered that Lilith possesses Eridian blood and is the key to unlocking the Vault. In addition, she’s revealed to be the manifestation of the Firehawk, an Eridian deity, leading to a dramatic, pyroclastic confrontation.

What happens at the end of Borderlands?

We Watched Borderlands So You Don't Have To

At the Vault location, Tina discovers she’s not the real Daughter of Eridia, with Atlas, Crimson Lance, and a band of Psychos lying in wait. Earlier, Roland had been assaulted by several Psychos, but he bravely intervenes. However, it is Lilith who makes an impressive entrance as the Firehawk, displaying her teleportation abilities. She retaliates against Atlas’ forces with fire attacks and temporarily protects her allies with energy shields, working together in the ensuing battle.

It appears the enemy has been vanquished, yet Atlas coerces Lilith into opening the Vault for him by menacing Tina. Consequently, she complies. The new technologies are presented as a cluster of levitating cubes; however, what truly captures attention is the emergence of a colossal beast. One might think Atlas would have avoided such a space when his adversary is his sole means of escape, but then again, that’s typical villain behavior. Eventually, Atlas is seized by some slime-covered tentacles while Lilith and Tina manage their escape.

1. In the end, it’s the motley crew that emerges victorious, and they celebrate their triumph with a dazzling fireworks display at Sanctuary. Although Lilith initially called Pandora a “wretched place” and was focused on completing the task, she has grown fond of her new companions. It seems likely that she’ll stay on this planet for some time, and she expresses her joy by soaring through the fireworks as the majestic Firehawk.

What is Lilith’s arc in Borderlands?

We Watched Borderlands So You Don't Have To

In the film “Borderlands”, Lilith’s progression as a character follows a typical pattern. Initially, she’s a solitary bounty hunter, focused on completing her mission of retrieving Tina and returning her to Atlas swiftly. However, as the story unfolds, she begins to appreciate her eccentric teammates, with Tina being a standout. Around halfway through the movie, Lilith and Tina have a touching conversation where Tina reveals that she was cloned from Eridian blood and that Atlas requires her only if she proves useful.

It’s evident that Lilith experienced a sense of estrangement from her parental figures, much like Tina does when she suspects Lilith is still working with Atlas. As a child, Lilith barely recalls her mother because they were separated at an early age. This emotional scarring also fueled her initial anger towards Dr. Tannis, who was supposed to look after Lilith after her mother relinquished custody on Pandora. However, by the end of their journey, Lilith manages to mend their relationship and develop a bond with Tina that resembles a mother-daughter connection.

In the initial “Borderlands” game, the character Lilith is 22 years old. Although Cate Blanchett is significantly older, her casting fits well in the context of a nurturing figure. Since Lilith’s mother acted to shield her, it makes sense that now Lilith might safeguard Tina against potential perils. This full-circle narrative would not have been as powerful with a younger actress.

Who dies in Borderlands?

We Watched Borderlands So You Don't Have To

Compared to intensely violent video games, the “Borderlands” film carries a PG-13 rating. Despite needing to reduce the graphic violence, the movie delivers numerous action sequences and chaos. It’s important to note that there are casualties, but the main characters, such as Lilith, Tina, and the Vault Hunters, survive. However, Roland faces a close call with death when he sacrifices himself to fix the elevator wires to rescue his team from beneath ground level. The film then shows him being overrun by Psychos, leading us to believe he may have perished. But don’t worry – Roland miraculously escapes and reappears alive, having fought his way through the pile of bodies before reuniting triumphantly with his comrades at the Vault.

In some instances, both major and minor characters meet tragic ends in the movie, such as Commander Knoxx (Janina Gavankar), who initially acts as a counterpoint to much of the plot until she has a change of heart within the Vault. Unfortunately, before she could deliver a passionate speech, she was quickly terminated, serving as a reminder that it’s often wise to stay quiet when danger is near. The army led by Atlas suffers defeat in the climax, and Atlas himself seems to perish inside the Vault. If Atlas doesn’t miraculously escape the onslaught of tentacles or find a way out of the Vault, he’s most likely deceased, which opens up the possibility for a new villain if a sequel is ever made (provided one actually materializes). With numerous games to draw upon, finding a suitable replacement shouldn’t be too challenging.

Does Borderlands have a post-credits scene?

We Watched Borderlands So You Don't Have To

In movies derived from established stories, a post-credits sequence serves as a tempting extra. It appreciates viewers who endure the credits and hints at an intriguing future development. For “Borderlands,” such a scene might have featured a beloved character from the games or initiated a captivating storyline. Regrettably, no such thing came to pass, as there’s no post-credits sequence — however, those who linger will find a small reward.

Following the conclusion of the stylish opening sequences, Claptrap reappears on-screen. Instead of hinting at what a hypothetical “Borderlands 2” might involve, he merely exclaims, “Time to dance, buddy!” Before executing a brief dance routine, he is gradually nudged off the screen as the remaining credits ascend. It’s during this moment that Claptrap breaches the fourth wall, acknowledging his appearance was supposed to be an “Easter egg” before being pushed offscreen permanently.

Enthusiasts of the “Borderlands” video game series might find themselves let down by the absence of hidden surprises or hints following the end credits. Instead, what we’re left with appears to be a playful segment intended to maximize its PG-13 rating and provide humor for younger audiences. Whether this is seen as a relief or not depends on individual views towards the movie, but it certainly allows viewers to exit their seats promptly once the action concludes.

Where’s Handsome Jack?

We Watched Borderlands So You Don't Have To

In the “Borderlands” movie, several memorable characters from the video games are present, but some fan favorites are conspicuously absent. One potential way to generate buzz would have been an appearance by Handsome Jack, the villain from “Borderlands 2.” Set after the events of the first game, Handsome Jack rises as the tyrannical ruler of Pandora, where it’s revealed that multiple Vaults are hidden. Known for his twisted wit and captivating charm, Handsome Jack would have been a dynamic addition to the movie, especially if he made a surprise appearance in a cameo or post-credits scene.

As a dedicated Borderlands fan, I couldn’t help but wonder if Jack would step into the villain’s shoes in hypothetical Borderlands 2. However, what truly left me stunned was the absence of familiar faces like Brick and Mordecai from the game’s narrative. It appears that some other beloved characters were initially planned for the final cut but had their scenes axed. According to Entertainment Weekly, Hammerlock and Jakobs were supposed to have a wedding scene, but it didn’t make it into the film. Director Eli Roth shared the reason behind this decision: “We adored the actors, and the scene itself turned out brilliantly. But in the grand scheme of the movie, it felt like an unnecessary detour that momentarily halted the momentum and then returned us to our original path.”

As an ardent fan, I’m thrilled to share that Cheyenne Jackson and Charles Babalola brought Jakobs and Hammerlock to life in this epic adventure, and Penn Jillette, renowned for his magic duo with Teller, made a special appearance as the preacher in a wedding scene – a role he took on due to his past connections with the franchise, having previously voiced a character in “Borderlands 3”. Fingers crossed that the deleted wedding scene finds its way into the public domain someday, allowing us all to witness this magical moment.

How does the Borderlands movie fit into the video games?

We Watched Borderlands So You Don't Have To

When it comes to turning video games into movies, there’s a challenge: one game is packed with so much backstory, and it might take 40 hours or more to finish the storyline. Movies, on the other hand, can only last a couple of hours. So, the film has to please gamers who know the universe, without being too complex for people new to this world. This complexity might be why the decision was made to let the movie stand alone rather than following the game closely.

Randy Pitchford, the mind behind “Borderlands”, shared his thoughts on the movie standing independently with Game Rant. He stated that they essentially established a separate universe for the film. They have their own narrative, and they’re committed to where they came from and where they’re going in the games. In the cinematic world, instead of replicating the same tales we’ve already told, we can experiment and introduce new ideas.

To put it simply, the movie begins by clearly laying out the rules of Pandora and developing its characters in a way that everyone can easily understand, making sure not to leave gamers feeling left out. At the same time, there are hidden references for observant fans, like a quick look at a “Wanted” poster for Mick Zaford, the leader of the Zaford clan from “Borderlands 2,” who is known for his green bowler hat. While these Easter eggs don’t affect the storyline, longtime fans might enjoy spotting them.

Does it set up Borderlands 2?

We Watched Borderlands So You Don't Have To

Could it be that “Borderlands” sets the stage for further sequels? The world of Pandora still holds many unexplored corners, and the Vault Hunters seem to have formed an unbreakable team. With countless adventures yet to unfold, especially if the infamous Handsome Jack reappears in search of more Vaults, one can only speculate about potential movie spin-offs that might deviate from the current path. At this point, the specific direction for future film installments remains a mystery, but what’s clear is that Randy Pitchford envisions a Borderlands Cinematic Universe.

Amara, FL4K, Moze, and Zane.

If Cate Blanchett decides not to continue with “Borderlands” movies, future installments might introduce a new character instead. While the films don’t have to strictly adhere to the video games, they offer a flexible framework. However, it’s important to note that the release of “Borderlands 2” is still uncertain at this point.

What are the odds of more Borderlands movies happening?

We Watched Borderlands So You Don't Have To

In our initial projection of the top box office flops in 2024, “Borderlands” was accidentally omitted from the list. However, recent indications show that the movie might struggle during its debut weekend, potentially earning between $10 million and $20 million. This is a significant gap compared to its reported production budget of approximately $120 million. Such a poor opening could pose challenges for the emerging “Borderlands” Cinematic Universe and potentially deter Lionsgate from further investing in the film franchise.

In a clash at the box office, “Borderlands” went head-to-head with “It Ends With Us” featuring Blake Lively and the horror movie “Cuckoo” starring Hunter Schafer. Additionally, the Marvel film “Deadpool & Wolverine” continued to reign supreme, impressing audiences at the box office. Notably, this Marvel movie shares a similar tone and genre with “Borderlands,” being a sci-fi action adventure. Unlike “Borderlands,” however, “Deadpool & Wolverine” fully embraces its source material’s R-rated content.

Currently, it’s uncertain whether the Borderlands Cinematic Universe will succeed or not. There’s always a chance it could pick up steam due to positive word of mouth, despite its low Rotten Tomatoes rating (currently at 6%). If things continue as they are, it might end up among universes that didn’t fare well in cinema.

What impact could Borderlands have on future video game adaptations?

We Watched Borderlands So You Don't Have To

In evaluating the top live-action video game movies, it’s clear that these film versions have faced challenges throughout history. Often, they struggle to maintain the essence of the game or make peculiar stylistic decisions, resulting in a lack of connection with both diehard fans and newcomers. Yet, over the past few years, there’s been an unexpected turn of events where numerous adaptations have thrived instead.

The first season of “The Last of Us” won multiple Emmys, while the “Sonic the Hedgehog” films have been profitable ventures, leading to the creation of the spinoff series “Knuckles” on Paramount+. Additionally, last year’s “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” earned over $1.3 billion at the worldwide box office. The acclaim for shows like “Fallout” and “Arcane” suggests that we may have moved past the era of poor video game adaptations. However, “Borderlands” appears to be a step back towards older methods.

It’s unlikely that people are less enthusiastic about “The Last of Us” Season 2 simply because “Borderlands” received negative reviews. One setback doesn’t mean we’re back to the times of “Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li.” However, it serves as a reminder to production studios that producing a movie or TV show based on a popular game series doesn’t automatically guarantee success, not even in this modern era.

Borderlands was never meant to be taken seriously

We Watched Borderlands So You Don't Have To

It appears that “Borderlands” hasn’t managed to captivate many viewers yet. The film received negative reviews from critics and, based on ticket sales predictions, it seems that the public isn’t particularly interested either. However, with its upcoming release on streaming platforms, it might find a larger audience and garner more positive sentiment. Given Cate Blanchett’s comments about the movie, it’s possible she had an inkling of how things would unfold in the end.

In simpler terms, Cate Blanchett told USA Today that “Borderlands” isn’t like “The Grapes of Wrath” or “Blade Runner.” Instead, it has its unique, quirky charm. The cast is diverse and unconventional, and while it might not be a cinematic masterpiece like “Citizen Kane,” it’s intended to be enjoyable rather than a contender for the best picture award. If you find it fun, that’s great! But if not, don’t worry, others may share your sentiment too.

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2024-08-09 17:31