Early critical response to Eli Roth's Borderlands movie adaptation is overwhelmingly negative, despite a star-studded cast. While the actors' performances are receiving some praise, the film itself is facing harsh criticism. Let's delve into the initial reactions.
A Critical Mauling: More Miss Than Hit?
Critics are panning Borderlands, citing weak humor, unconvincing CGI, and a poorly developed screenplay. Edgar Ortega of Loud and Clear Reviews described it as "a complete mess," lacking genuine emotional depth and relying on dated, ineffective jokes. Darren Movie Reviews from Movie Scene Canada echoed these sentiments, calling it a "baffling video game adaptation" that squanders its potential for compelling world-building due to a rushed and uninspired script. Even the impressive set design is overshadowed by the subpar CGI.
However, not all reviews are entirely negative. Kurt Morrison highlighted Cate Blanchett and Kevin Hart's performances as saving the film from being a total disaster, though he doubts it will find a wide audience. The Hollywood Handle offered a slightly more positive assessment, calling it a "fun PG-13 action movie" that relies heavily on Blanchett's star power.
A Stellar Cast in a Problematic Setting
Despite the initial skepticism surrounding the film adaptation, Borderlands boasts an impressive ensemble cast. The movie follows Lilith (Cate Blanchett) as she searches for Atlas's missing daughter on Pandora. She teams up with a group of unlikely allies: Roland (Kevin Hart), Tiny Tina (Ariana Greenblatt), Krieg (Florian Munteanu), Tannis (Jamie Lee Curtis), and Claptrap (Jack Black).
As more reviews emerge, audiences will soon be able to judge for themselves when Borderlands hits theaters on August 9th. Meanwhile, Gearbox's hints at a new Borderlands game add further intrigue to the franchise's future.
