Borderlands Review: Cate Blanchett and Kevin Hart Cannot Save Eli Roth's Film From Mediocrity

Cate Blanchett and Kevin Hart’s latest gaming-action film Borderlands, directed by Eli Roth, is a disappointing adaptation of the beloved video game series. Despite the star-studded cast, the film fails to capture the chaotic charm and distinctive style that made the games popular among video game lovers across the globe.

The story follows Lilith (played by Blanchett), an infamous bounty hunter, who is hired to rescue the kidnapped daughter of a powerful CEO, Atlas (played by Edgar Ramírez). The movie showcases how a mismatched group of characters, including Roland played by Hart, Tiny Tina played by Ariana Greenblatt, and the wisecracking robot Claptrap voiced by Jack Black, embark on a quest that could have been a thrilling sci-fi adventure but instead falls flat on its face.

The film lacks proper execution and storytelling, which is one of the major factors of disappointment among fans of the popular game. Its biggest flaw is its inability to translate the interactive and immersive experience of the game into a compelling narrative. The film struggles with pacing, character development, and an over-influence from familiar sci-fi and action films. Even the humour, a hallmark of the Borderlands games, felt forced and out of place in many scenes within the film.

Blanchett’s portrayal of Lilith is one of the few redeeming aspects of the film. She brings a commanding presence to the role, but even her efforts can’t save a script that doesn’t seem to know what to do with its ensemble cast. Jack Black’s Claptrap provides more comic relief, than Hart, who is known for his comedy. However, even that is not enough to save the film from its mediocrity.

Speaking of visuals, the game is packed with some unique VFX, but the movie lacks the unique style of the video game. Roth has instead opted for a bland and uninspired depiction of the planet Pandora. The action sequences, too, fail to deliver the excitement that fans of the game might expect.

Overall, Borderlands is clearly a missed opportunity. It’s neither exciting enough for an action movie fan, nor does it stay true to satisfy the game’s loyal followers. It will most likely be remembered as yet another failed attempt at adapting a video game.