Aug 30, 2024 | 20:41 EST
Cast: Cate Blanchett, Kevin Hart, Edgar Ramírez, Jamie Lee Curtis, Jack Black, Ariana Greenblatt
Director: Eli Roth
Genre: Action, Comedy, Sci-Fi, Thriller
Duration: 1 hour 42 minutes
The transition from video game to film is notoriously tricky, and Borderlands is the latest Hollywood attempt to bring a beloved gaming franchise to the big screen. Directed by Eli Roth, this adaptation of the popular Borderlands games is a frenetic ride through the chaotic world of Pandora, filled with action, humor, and a touch of sci-fi madness. But for all its visual and auditory spectacle, the film’s real saving grace is Cate Blanchett, who elevates the material far beyond its otherwise superficial trappings.
Plot Overview: A Chaotic Quest on Pandora
Set on the scrapyard planet of Pandora, Borderlands follows Lilith (Cate Blanchett), a soldier of fortune who returns to her home planet at the behest of the wealthy and power-hungry Atlas (Edgar Ramírez). Atlas hires Lilith to track down his daughter, Tiny Tina (Ariana Greenblatt), a teenager with a penchant for explosives. Lilith assembles a ragtag team to aid in her quest, including the sarcastic robot Claptrap (voiced by Jack Black), the eccentric xeno-archaeologist Patricia Tannis (Jamie Lee Curtis), the mute and brutish Krieg (Florian Munteanu), and the former soldier Roland (Kevin Hart), who is seeking redemption.
As they traverse the desolate, dangerous landscape of Pandora, the group faces off against Atlas’s formidable army, Pandora’s ferocious beasts, and a horde of deranged marauders. While the setup promises high-stakes adventure, the film falls short of creating a compelling narrative, instead relying heavily on the chaotic energy of its source material.
Direction and Style: A Missed Opportunity
Eli Roth’s direction is heavy on action but light on emotional depth, making Borderlands feel more like a first-person shooter game than a fully fleshed-out film. The movie borrows liberally from other franchises, with nods to Star Wars (a la messages transmitted via robot) and Mad Max (dystopian landscapes and crazed warriors), but it never quite manages to carve out its own identity.
The potential for deeper character development is present, particularly in the budding mother-daughter dynamic between Patricia Tannis and Lilith, or the protective nature of Krieg toward Tiny Tina. However, these threads are left largely unexplored, which is a shame given the talent of the cast involved.
Performances: Cate Blanchett Shines
Despite the film’s shortcomings, Cate Blanchett’s performance as Lilith is a standout. She brings a level of gravitas and intensity to the role that the script doesn’t necessarily deserve. As a no-nonsense soldier of fortune, Blanchett is magnetic, effortlessly commanding attention whenever she’s on screen. Her portrayal is the primary reason to invest in this film, as she navigates the chaos with a blend of ferocity and wit.
Jamie Lee Curtis, as Patricia Tannis, and Kevin Hart, as Roland, also deliver solid performances, though their characters are underwritten. Curtis tries to bring depth to her role, but the screenplay’s shortcomings hinder her efforts. Hart, known for his quick wit and comedic timing, is surprisingly restrained, leaving audiences wanting more of his trademark energy.
Jack Black, as Claptrap, seems to be having the most fun, often improvising his lines to great comedic effect. However, even his antics can’t fully save the film from its uneven pacing and lackluster story.
Visuals and Aesthetics: A Mixed Bag
Visually, Borderlands is a mixed bag. The production design captures the gritty, desolate nature of Pandora well, drawing clear inspiration from the Mad Max aesthetic. However, the film’s inconsistent production values are noticeable, particularly in the early scenes, which lack the polish expected from a high-budget Hollywood production. As the film progresses, the visuals improve, but the inconsistency detracts from the overall experience.
Final Thoughts: A Flawed but Entertaining Ride
Borderlands is a film that struggles to find its footing. It borrows heavily from other, more successful franchises and fails to develop its characters and story in a meaningful way. However, Cate Blanchett’s performance is a beacon in the storm, making the film worth watching despite its flaws.
For fans of the Borderlands games, the film offers enough action and familiar elements to be enjoyable. For everyone else, it’s a chaotic, uneven ride that’s saved by Blanchett’s undeniable star power. If you’re looking for a movie that delivers depth and emotional resonance, Borderlands may not be the answer. But if you’re in it for the spectacle and the chance to see Blanchett in action, it’s worth a watch.