Early critical response to Eli Roth's Borderlands movie adaptation is overwhelmingly negative, despite a star-studded cast. While some praise the performances, the consensus points to significant flaws. Let's delve into the initial reactions.
A Critical Mauling, But Not Without Merit
Critics have voiced strong disapproval, citing weak humor, unconvincing CGI, and a lackluster script as major shortcomings. Edgar Ortega of Loud and Clear Reviews deemed it a "complete mess," lacking genuine emotional depth and relying on dated, ineffective jokes. Darren Movie Reviews from Movie Scene Canada called it a "baffling video game adaptation," highlighting wasted potential for world-building due to a rushed and uninspired screenplay. While the set design impressed, poor CGI detracted from the overall visual experience.
However, not all reviews were completely scathing. Kurt Morrison noted that Cate Blanchett and Kevin Hart's performances provided some entertainment value, preventing a total collapse, though he doubts the film will find a wide audience. The Hollywood Handle offered a slightly more positive assessment, describing it as a "fun PG-13 action movie" carried primarily by Blanchett's performance.
A Star-Studded Cast in a Questionable Venture
Revived in 2020 after a period of inactivity, the Borderlands film features a high-profile cast, including Cate Blanchett as Lilith, Kevin Hart as Roland, Ariana Greenblatt as Tiny Tina, Florian Munteanu as Krieg, Jamie Lee Curtis as Tannis, and Jack Black as Claptrap. Despite this, fan skepticism regarding the adaptation has persisted.
The film follows Lilith's return to Pandora to locate Atlas's missing daughter, embarking on a dangerous quest with a team of unlikely allies.
As comprehensive reviews from major publications are anticipated, audiences will soon determine for themselves whether the film lives up to expectations. Meanwhile, Gearbox has hinted at a new Borderlands game, potentially offering a more successful adaptation in the future. The film hits theaters August 9th.
