Borderlands Review | Good Enough Adaptation of the Blockbuster Video Games

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Borderlands Review | Good Enough Adaptation of the Blockbuster Video Games

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  • Cate Blanchett Kicks Butt with a Motley Crew
  • Good Star Chemistry in a Move That Feels Like a Game
  • Fine PG-13 Effects Until a CGI Ending
  • A Steampunk Movie Runs Out of Steam

As a die-hard fan of Eli Roth’s grisly horror masterpieces, I must admit that my expectations for “Borderlands” were sky-high. Having grown up watching his gory creations like “Hostel” and “Cabin Fever,” I was eager to see how he would translate the chaotic, vibrant world of the video game into a cinematic experience.

In the adaptation of the popular “Borderlands” video game series, Cate Blanchett heads an ensemble cast. This film is expected to satisfy open-minded viewers while drawing criticism from the more traditional, highbrow critics. The dedicated players of these first-person looter-shooter games won’t be left disappointed. The eccentric characters and the quest for treasure, complete with a few unexpected turns, remain faithful to the source material. To broaden its audience appeal, horror director Eli Roth maintains a PG-13 rating, ensuring no graphic violence or gore is depicted. Instead, you’ll find intense action devoid of open wounds or spurting arteries.

Cate Blanchett Kicks Butt with a Motley Crew

The Academy Award-winning actress Blanchett impressively portrays the fiery, action-packed character of Lilith, a notorious bounty hunter and ex-inhabitant of the desolate planet Pandora. Adventurers from all corners gather to Pandora in search of the elusive treasures and powerful technology rumored to belong to the Eridians, an extinct civilization. However, Lilith’s carefree drinking on another planet is disrupted by minions from the Atlas Corporation. The CEO of Atlas makes a tempting proposal after Lilith efficiently handles his emissaries: find his runaway daughter Tiny Tina (Ariana Greenblatt) and Lilith will receive a substantial reward.

After an unforeseen act of deceit, Atlas decides to employ Lilith. Previously, Roland (Kevin Hart), a former soldier of Atlas, liberated Tiny Tina and her devoted guardian, the massive “psycho” Krieg (Florian Munteanu), who had been imprisoned initially. He then escaped to Pandora with her and disappeared. Upon returning home, Lilith encounters a familiar reception. She recalls fragmented memories of her mother’s (Haley Bennett) demise and being exiled from Pandora as a child due to Dr. Tannis’ (Jamie Lee Curtis) obsession with the Eridian. A search in her old residence uncovers an irritating, one-wheeled mechanical ally. Claptrap (Jack Black), however, is less than thrilled about serving Lilith. He understands that the mission to find Tiny Tina is a perilous endeavor.

Good Star Chemistry in a Move That Feels Like a Game

In the game Borderlands, the plot resembles that of its role-playing game origin, with characters like Lilith and Claptrap teaming up with Roland, Tina, and Krieg following the revelation of Atlas’ deceitful plans for his daughter. This alliance takes place promptly in the initial act, after a swift introduction designed to ignite larger action sequences. Roth, who collaborated on the script, guides the characters towards diverse objectives while they’re pursued by ruthless mercenaries, beasts, and Atlas minions. Surprisingly, the second act slows down, providing ample opportunity for the group to bond effectively.

The chemistry between star-studded actors, notably Greenblatt who has impressed in ‘Barbie’ and ‘Star Wars: Ahsoka’, makes ‘Borderlands’ stand out from typical mindless video game adaptations. The characters, such as Lilith and Roland, are skilled assassins with a heart, caring for the sharp-tongued Tiny Tina. While Lilith, having been in similar circumstances, empathizes with Tiny Tina’s struggles, she doesn’t share her past connection with Atlas. However, this secret eventually surfaces, causing tension when it does. Let’s just say that Tiny Tina isn’t pleased when she learns the truth.

Fine PG-13 Effects Until a CGI Ending

Borderlands Review | Good Enough Adaptation of the Blockbuster Video GamesBorderlands Review | Good Enough Adaptation of the Blockbuster Video GamesBorderlands Review | Good Enough Adaptation of the Blockbuster Video GamesBorderlands Review | Good Enough Adaptation of the Blockbuster Video GamesBorderlands Review | Good Enough Adaptation of the Blockbuster Video Games

In Borderlands, the visuals are quite impressive until the finale, which falls short due to excessive CGI. Unfortunately, this was a letdown because the action sequences were thrilling enough to justify the ticket price prior to that point. Roth skillfully directs intense combat scenes. The team battles psychos and Atlas soldiers in a frenzy of gunfire, explosions, and traditional brawls. Munteanu’s portrayal of Krieg is particularly impressive, turning enemies into human-shaped pretzels with an unrestrained delight. The violence may be brutal, but it stops short of being graphically disturbing.


In this movie, you won’t find any violence typically associated with a Roth film, as the producers chose to avoid an R-rating and make it accessible for children who enjoy the games as well. For hardcore Roth fans accustomed to his signature graphic violence, this might not be the film for them.

A Steampunk Movie Runs Out of Steam

Borderlands Review | Good Enough Adaptation of the Blockbuster Video GamesBorderlands Review | Good Enough Adaptation of the Blockbuster Video GamesBorderlands Review | Good Enough Adaptation of the Blockbuster Video GamesBorderlands Review | Good Enough Adaptation of the Blockbuster Video Games

In the final act, Borderlands struggles with uneven pacing as it becomes bogged down by an excessive influx of characters, locations, and Eridian lore. This attempt to build suspense falters when things were moving smoothly at a brisk pace earlier on. There’s a sense that too much thought has been given to detail, resulting in superfluous content. Perhaps it would have been more effective if the visual spectacle and action sequences had continued until the end, instead of introducing additional elements.

“Borderlands” is more like a light-hearted action movie for gaming enthusiasts during summertime. Keep in mind that some initial negative reviews might not be entirely accurate, as it’s not your typical English drama set in the past with Cate Blanchett playing Queen Elizabeth. Instead, she seems to enjoy portraying a goofy character, and many viewers will likely find it entertaining too.

The game titled Borderlands is a collaborative project between Media Capital Technologies, Arad Productions, 2K, Gearbox Studios, and others. It is set to hit the big screens on August 9th, distributed by Lionsgate. You can preview the trailer below.

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2024-08-08 20:05