An hour after watching the new Borderlands movie, I find myself struggling to put my thoughts into words. Directed by Eli Roth and featuring a star-studded cast including Cate Blanchett, Kevin Hart, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Ariana Greenblatt, the film left me feeling a bit lost.
The movie takes us to the world of the Borderlands video game franchise, where we follow the story of bounty hunter Lilith as she embarks on a mission to find a powerful relic hidden on the planet Pandora. The plot is straightforward and lacks the free-wheeling spirit of the games, making it feel linear and uninspired.
As the story unfolds, we meet the main cast of characters, with each line of dialogue feeling forced and devoid of genuine emotion. The attempt at humor falls flat, relying on tired jokes and cliches that fail to resonate with the audience. Even the talented actors like Blanchett and Curtis struggle to breathe life into their characters, leaving the film feeling hollow.
One of the main issues with the movie is its focus on the character of Tiny Tina, played by Greenblatt. The emotional weight of the film rests on her shoulders, but her character fails to evoke any empathy from the audience. The CGI-laden world of the movie is visually jarring, with clashing aesthetics that make it hard to fully immerse yourself in the story.
Despite the efforts of the cast, the movie ultimately falls short of expectations. It lacks humanity and personality, coming across as a soulless attempt to capture the spirit of the video game franchise. The film feels like a relic of the past, trying too hard to be quirky and edgy without offering any real substance.
In the end, the Borderlands movie is not a pleasant surprise or a so-bad-it’s-good experience. It’s simply a disappointing and forgettable film that fails to leave a lasting impression. If you’re looking for a dose of early aughts nostalgia, you might find some enjoyment in this movie. But if you’re seeking a meaningful and engaging cinematic experience, you’re better off looking elsewhere.
