Read our review of Discplus Borderlands, a star-studded video game adaptation that falls short due to chaotic story-telling.
Based on the wildly popular video game series, Borderlands arrives in theaters and streaming platforms with an all-star ensemble cast, aiming to bring the chaotic world of Pandora to life. Directed by Eli Roth, this action-packed, sci-fi adventure follows a ragtag team of misfits on a mission to rescue a missing girl who holds the key to unimaginable power.
The cast features notable names like Kevin Hart, Jack Black, Edgar Ramirez, Ariana Greenblatt, Florian Munteanu, Gina Gershon, and Jamie Lee Curtis. Despite the impressive lineup, the movie struggles to find its footing in the vast and often unforgiving landscape of video game adaptations.
One of the film’s strengths is its casting. Kevin Hart and Jamie Lee Curtis manage to turn in performances that are among the few bright spots. Hart, as the comedic sidekick, brings his usual charm and wit, while Curtis, portraying the eccentric scientist Tannis, exudes a level of gravitas that elevates her scenes beyond the otherwise juvenile material.
The duo’s performances stand out, providing moments of relief in an otherwise cacophonous and hyper-violent film. Jack Black, who voices the fan-favorite robot Claptrap, offers his signature humor, but the character’s antics often border on grating rather than entertaining.
Unfortunately, despite the cast’s efforts, Borderlands falls into the trap that many video game adaptations do. The film leans heavily into mindless violence, flashy CGI, and fast-paced action, sacrificing coherent storytelling and character development along the way.
For fans of the game, the high-octane action sequences might be a thrill ride, but for general audiences, the relentless crash-and-bang spectacle becomes exhausting. The dialogue, while peppered with a few clever one-liners, lacks depth, and the plot feels formulaic, offering little to no surprises.
Director Eli Roth, known for his work in the horror genre, brings a certain level of chaotic energy to the project, but it ultimately feels misplaced in this action-adventure setting. While there are moments of fun, the film’s tonal inconsistencies and lack of substance keep it from being anything more than a hollow adaptation.
In the end, Borderlands is exactly what one might expect from a video game movie: visually loud, narratively shallow, and ultimately forgettable. Gamers may find something to enjoy in its breakneck action, but for most viewers, it’s just another misfire in Hollywood’s ongoing attempt to turn video games into the next comic book franchise.
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