'Borderlands' Review: Despite featuring a multiple Oscar-winner, the cast can't save this movie
BUDAPEST, HUNGARY: 'Borderlands', directed by Eli Roth, comes with high expectations, particularly from fans of the popular video game series it’s based on.
Starring Cate Blanchett as the notorious outlaw Lilith, the film follows her return to her tumultuous home planet and her reluctant alliance with a group of misfits to rescue the daughter of the universe's most powerful man.
Despite its star-studded cast, featuring Kevin Hart, Jack Black, and Jamie Lee Curtis, the movie struggles to capture the magic of its source material.
Originally announced in 2015 and undergoing a lengthy production process that included reshoots by Tim Mille, 'Borderlands' ultimately falls short of expectations.
'Borderlands' is a visually stunning yet emotionally hollow adventure
'Borderlands' offers a fun yet flawed action adventure that doesn’t quite live up to its potential.
Directed by Eli Roth, the film follows Lilith (Cate Blanchett), a tough bounty hunter who reluctantly teams up with a ragtag group—including Kevin Hart’s Roland and Jack Black’s Claptrap—to navigate the chaotic world of Pandora.
The film excels with its steampunk aesthetic and acrobatic fight scenes but stumbles due to dated CGI and rushed pacing.
Despite featuring a talented ensemble cast, the movie's overcrowded plot leaves little room for character development, particularly sidelining the intriguing dynamics between Lilith and Tina (Ariana Greenblatt).
At the heart of the film, Lilith’s bond with Tina shines. However, other relationships, such as those involving Roland and Tannis (Jamie Lee Curtis), are underdeveloped, lacking the emotional depth found in the source material.
While Borderlands is an entertaining summer blockbuster, it disappoints by not fully exploring the rich characters and complex themes of trauma and survival that fans of the game might have expected.
Ultimately, it’s an enjoyable ride but lacks the lasting impact that could have made it truly memorable.
'Borderlands' turns out to be a mixed bag of performances
The performances in 'Borderlands' are a mixed bag, with some actors struggling to find their footing while others deliver standout performances.
Cate Blanchett, as Lilith, initially struggles with her character's sarcastic delivery, caught between the film's indecision over whether to embrace comedy or gritty darkness fully.
While she eventually delivers in more dramatic moments, it raises questions about whether her casting was a misstep or if the script simply didn’t serve her talents well.
On the other hand, Ariana Greenblatt steals the show as Tiny Tina, fully embodying her character from the start. She excels in both the comedic and dramatic aspects, bringing a vibrant, explosive energy to the role that’s a joy to watch.
Jack Black and Jamie Lee Curtis also shine, with Black perfectly capturing Claptrap’s annoying-yet-funny nature, and Curtis bringing an endearing quality to her portrayal of the anxious genius Tannis.
Curtis's performance is particularly notable for showcasing a canon autistic female character over 60 who solves problems and kicks ass. Despite some inconsistencies, these performances help elevate the film.
'Borderlands' Trailer