In the sprawling realm of movies and TV shows inspired by video games, titles like “Sonic the Hedgehog” and “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” have set high benchmarks. Franchises like “Resident Evil” continue to thrive, and critically acclaimed series like “The Last of Us” have earned a special place in the hearts of viewers. However, the adaptation of the role-playing first-person shooter game “Borderlands,” directed by Eli Roth, sadly fails to capture the essence that made the game so beloved. Despite an ensemble cast featuring Cate Blanchett, Kevin Hart, Ariana Greenblatt, and Jamie Lee Curtis, the film lacks the excitement and humor necessary for a successful sci-fi action comedy.
The movie’s tumultuous journey to the big screen is a story in itself. Initially filmed in 2021, “Borderlands” underwent reshoots in 2023, helmed by Tim Miller due to Roth’s commitment to another project, “Thanksgiving.” The script, passing through numerous hands, finally landed credits with Roth and newcomer Joe Crombie, speculated to be a pseudonym.
A Noisy Disappointment
“Borderlands” opens with a cosmic screensaver depicting an advanced alien race, the Eridians, who once ruled the galaxy. Their vast knowledge, including advanced weapons technology, is believed to be hidden in a vault on the planet Pandora. The prophecy foretells that a daughter of Pandora will one day unlock the vault, bringing order to a planet devastated by corporate wars.
Cate Blanchett stars as Lilith, a bounty hunter with a quick trigger finger and a mysterious past tied to Pandora. Despite her better judgment, Lilith is coerced by the holographic image of shady corporate overlord Atlas (Edgar Ramirez) into returning to Pandora to retrieve his missing preteen daughter, Tiny Tina (Ariana Greenblatt). On arrival, Lilith remarks, “It’s a shithole. I should know. I was born here,” setting the tone for a land filled with unresolved issues and hazardous encounters.
Lilith’s journey is marred by the presence of Claptrap, an irritating junkyard robot voiced by Jack Black. His attempts at humor fall flat, making him more of a nuisance than comic relief. Lilith’s mission quickly evolves into a complicated ordeal as she meets Tiny Tina, a demolitionist with a penchant for explosive plush-toy bunnies, and her allies: rogue soldier Roland (Kevin Hart) and the semi-literate hulk Krieg (Florian Munteanu).
Uninspired Action and Characters
The film attempts to infuse a semblance of camaraderie among the misfit group as they navigate Pandora’s treacherous landscape, pursued by Commander Knox (Janina Gavankar) and her Crimson Lance goons. They receive guidance from eccentric xenoarcheologist Tannis (Jamie Lee Curtis), who provides cryptic warnings about impending danger.
Despite the potential for an engaging narrative, the characters remain disappointingly one-dimensional, akin to lifeless avatars from the video game. This lack of depth undermines any emotional connection with the audience, making Lilith’s gradual development of maternal feelings toward Tina seem forced and unconvincing.
Visually, “Borderlands” borrows heavily from “Guardians of the Galaxy,” “Mad Max,” and “Star Wars,” yet fails to capture the energy and originality of its inspirations. The grungy aesthetic does little to elevate the repetitive shoot-’em-up sequences that dominate the film. The search for three vault keys, a central plot point, adds no suspense or intrigue.
Talent Wasted
Cate Blanchett, usually a powerhouse performer, is reduced to striding around in leather attire, her character’s potential squandered by a thin script. Kevin Hart’s natural comedic flair is stifled by uninspired dialogue, and Jack Black’s vocal performance as Claptrap is annoyingly grating. Jamie Lee Curtis and Gina Gershon, playing the flamboyant Moxxi, provide fleeting moments of interest but are ultimately underutilized.
Roth’s direction is frenetic, prioritizing constant action over coherent storytelling. Steve Jablonsky’s overbearing score and subpar CGI only exacerbate the film’s chaotic presentation. Fans of the game might find some solace in the familiar characters and settings, but the film’s shortcomings are too glaring to ignore.
Final Word
“Borderlands” is a missed opportunity, failing to leverage its star-studded cast and rich source material. What could have been a thrilling and humorous sci-fi adventure instead feels like a disjointed and joyless spectacle. As Claptrap aptly puts it after a heavy-weaponry assault, “I blacked out. Did something important happen?” Unfortunately, not in this movie.
Must Read: Deadpool & Wolverine Movie Review: A Thrilling New Adventure
