Borderlands (2024) Movie Review: A Loot-Filled Adventure on the Big Screen
Borderlands (2024) is the latest cinematic adaptation of a beloved video game franchise, promising a blend of action, humor, and outlandish characters. Directed by Eli Roth, known for his horror films like Hostel and Cabin Fever, this movie takes on the challenge of bringing the chaotic world of Pandora to life. With an ensemble cast featuring Cate Blanchett, Kevin Hart, and Jack Black, the film has been highly anticipated by both fans of the game and moviegoers alike. However, does it live up to the hype?
Plot Overview
Set on the lawless planet of Pandora, Borderlands follows the story of Lilith (Cate Blanchett), a notorious outlaw with a mysterious past. She’s hired by Atlas (Edgar Ramirez), the CEO of the Atlas Corporation, to find his daughter, Tiny Tina (Arianna Greenblatt), who holds the key to opening a mythical vault filled with powerful alien technology. Joining Lilith on this mission is Roland (Kevin Hart), a skilled soldier; Tannis (Jamie Lee Curtis), an eccentric scientist; Krieg (Florian Munteanu), a brutal berserker; and Claptrap (Jack Black), the sarcastic robot who provides comic relief.
As they journey across Pandora, they face numerous threats, including bandits, psychos, and rival corporations, all vying for the treasures hidden within the vault. The movie’s plot is straightforward, sticking closely to the familiar “misfits on a mission” formula. While this structure may be predictable, it’s designed to cater to both fans of the game and general audiences.
Performances and Direction
Cate Blanchett, known for her versatility, brings a mix of gravitas and camp to the role of Lilith. However, her American accent can be jarring at times, detracting from the otherwise strong performance. Kevin Hart plays Roland with a dry wit, though his usual comedic style is toned down, making his character more of a traditional action hero. Jack Black’s portrayal of Claptrap, however, is a departure from the character’s iconic voice in the games, leading to mixed reactions. His performance, while energetic, doesn’t quite capture the original charm of Claptrap, making it feel more like a new, less appealing version of the character.
Eli Roth’s direction is a departure from his usual horror fare, leaning more into the action-comedy genre. The film is visually dynamic, with CGI-heavy sequences that aim to replicate the chaotic, colorful aesthetic of the video games. However, the movie’s pacing suffers, with certain scenes feeling rushed, likely due to its relatively short runtime of 102 minutes. This brevity leaves little room for character development or deeper exploration of the game’s rich lore, making the film feel more like a series of action set-pieces rather than a cohesive narrative.
A Disappointing Adaptation?
One of the major challenges in adapting video games to the big screen is capturing the essence of what makes the game special. In the case of Borderlands, the looter-shooter gameplay, characterized by its endless variety and replayability, doesn’t translate well to a linear movie format. Fans of the game may find the film lacking the unpredictability and depth that keep them hooked on the franchise.
The film’s tone, while attempting to balance humor and action, often feels disjointed. The humor, which is a key component of the games, falls flat in many scenes, with jokes that don’t quite land. This is particularly evident with Claptrap, whose role as comic relief feels forced and out of place in the film’s darker moments.
Visuals and Special Effects
Visually, Borderlands is a mixed bag. The film attempts to recreate the game’s signature cel-shaded art style, but the result is inconsistent. Some scenes effectively capture the gritty, vibrant world of Pandora, while others look more like a standard sci-fi action movie. The CGI, while abundant, often feels overdone, detracting from the immersion and making certain action sequences feel weightless and unconvincing.
Where to Watch Borderlands Online
As of now, Borderlands is still in theaters, but plans for its online release are already in motion. Given its high-profile nature, the movie is expected to be available on major streaming platforms in the near future.
For those eager to watch it from the comfort of their home, Borderlands will likely be available for rental and purchase on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies, and Apple iTunes. In addition, streaming services like HBO Max, Hulu, or Netflix may acquire the rights for streaming later in the year, though official announcements are still pending.
Conclusion
Borderlands (2024) is a film that tries to capture the chaotic energy of its video game counterpart but falls short in execution. While it boasts a star-studded cast and impressive visual effects, the movie struggles with pacing, humor, and character development. Fans of the game may find themselves disappointed by the lack of depth and the absence of the franchise’s signature unpredictability. For general audiences, Borderlands offers a passable, if not particularly memorable, sci-fi action experience.
If you’re a fan of the Borderlands games, or just curious about the movie, keep an eye out for its online streaming release. While it may not live up to the heights of the game, it still provides an entertaining, albeit flawed, cinematic experience.
