Borderland Movie Reviews Rip It To Shreds

The highly anticipated Borderlands movie, directed by Eli Roth, is poised for its theatrical release, but early critical reactions paint a bleak picture. Let's delve into the initial reviews and what audiences can expect.

Borderlands Movie: More Miss Than Hit?

Stellar Cast Can't Save a Critically Panned Film

Early reviews for Eli Roth's Borderlands adaptation are overwhelmingly negative. Critics, following early screenings across the US, have taken to social media to express their disappointment. Common criticisms include lackluster humor, unconvincing CGI, and a weak screenplay.

Edgar Ortega of Loud and Clear Reviews tweeted, "Borderlands feels like what an out-of-touch executive thinks the ‘cool kids’ find appealing. There is not a single earnest character moment here, just obnoxious quips that feel dated as soon as they leave the actors’ mouths. It’s not even so bad it’s good, just a complete mess."

Darren Movie Reviews from Movie Scene Canada called the film "a baffling video game adaptation," acknowledging the potential for impressive world-building, but noting that "it never happens due to a rushed and dull screenplay – the set design is impressive, but the film looks cheap due to poor CGI."

Despite the overwhelmingly negative response, some critics found glimmers of hope. Film critic Kurt Morrison observed, "Blanchett and Hart are having a lot of fun here & save this from being a complete trainwreck," though he added, "it’ll be a big surprise if this film finds an audience." The Hollywood Handle offered a slightly more positive assessment: "Borderlands is a fun PG-13 action movie. It completely relies on Cate Blanchett’s star power to carry itself to the finish line — and she delivers."

Announced by Gearbox in 2020 after a period of silence, the Borderlands movie boasts an impressive cast, though the film adaptation has faced skepticism from fans of the game franchise since its inception.

The film follows Lilith (Cate Blanchett) as she returns to Pandora to find the missing daughter of Atlas (Edgar Ramirez). Teaming up with a ragtag group of outcasts—including former soldier Roland (Kevin Hart), Tiny Tina (Ariana Greenblatt), Krieg (Florian Munteanu), Tannis (Jamie Lee Curtis), and Claptrap (Jack Black)—Lilith embarks on a perilous adventure.

As full reviews from major publications are expected soon, audiences will get a chance to judge for themselves when Borderlands hits theaters on August 9th. In related news, Gearbox has hinted at a new Borderlands game.