Borderlands Movie's Poor Reviews Aren't Its Only Problems

The Borderlands movie is facing a turbulent premiere week, plagued by more than just scathing reviews. While critics have largely panned the film, with a dismal 6% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, audience scores are slightly more forgiving at 49%. The film's "wacko BS" and flat humor have been major points of contention. However, some viewers appreciate its action-packed nature and crude humor, although lore changes have caused confusion for some fans.

Adding to the film's woes is a recent controversy surrounding uncredited work. Freelance rigger Robbie Reid, who worked on the Claptrap character, publicly revealed on X (formerly Twitter) that neither he nor the character modeler received screen credit. Reid expressed disappointment, particularly given his prior consistent credit history. He speculated that the omission may be due to him and the artist leaving their studio in 2021, highlighting a common, yet unfortunate, industry issue. He concluded by expressing hope that the situation might spur positive change regarding artist crediting within the film industry.

The negative critical reception, coupled with this credit controversy, paints a challenging picture for the Borderlands film's success. While some audience members find enjoyment in the film's style, the overall negative response and industry-related concerns cast a shadow over its premiere.