Borderland Movie Review Ripped Apart

Eli Roth's highly anticipated Borderlands movie is poised for release, but early critical reception paints a grim picture. Let's delve into the initial reviews and what moviegoers can expect.

A Critical Mauling, But Not Without Merit

Stellar Cast Despite Scathing Reviews

The live-action adaptation of Gearbox's popular game has received overwhelmingly negative feedback following early screenings. Social media is awash with critiques targeting the film's weak humor, unconvincing CGI, and uninspired script.

Edgar Ortega of Loud and Clear Reviews tweeted, "Borderlands feels like a studio exec's misguided attempt at cool. Zero genuine character moments, just tired, dated jokes. It's not even 'so bad it's good,' just a mess."

Darren Movie Reviews (Movie Scene Canada) called it "a baffling adaptation," praising the potential world-building but lamenting the "rushed and dull screenplay." He noted impressive set design undermined by poor CGI.

However, not all reviews were entirely damning. Film critic Kurt Morrison noted Blanchett and Hart's performances as saving the film from complete disaster, though he doubts it will find a wide audience. The Hollywood Handle offered a slightly more positive view: "Borderlands is a fun PG-13 action flick. Cate Blanchett's star power carries it to the finish line—and she delivers."

Despite initial skepticism from fans, the film, re-announced in 2020 after a period of inactivity, boasts a strong cast.

The film follows Cate Blanchett's Lilith as she returns to Pandora to find Atlas' missing daughter (Edgar Ramirez). She teams up with an eclectic crew: Kevin Hart as Roland, Ariana Greenblatt as Tiny Tina, Florian Munteanu as Krieg, Jamie Lee Curtis as Tannis, and Jack Black as Claptrap.

As major publications release their full reviews in the coming days, audiences can judge for themselves when Borderlands hits theaters on August 9th. Meanwhile, Gearbox has hinted at a new Borderlands game.