Borderlands movie: A missed opportunity for fans and newcomers alike

A promising premise falls flat

On paper, the wildly popular Borderlands game series seemed like the perfect candidate for a big-screen adaptation. With its ragtag bunch of space outlaws, potty humor punctuating intense action, and a lovable (albeit slightly annoying) robot sidekick, it had all the ingredients for a blockbuster hit. However, Lionsgate’s film adaptation, directed by Eli Roth, has left many fans and critics scratching their heads.

Critical reception and fan disappointment

The movie has been met with a dismal reception, holding a meager 5% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics have lambasted its predictable plot and lackluster execution. One critic noted, “As the film goes on, it’s increasingly clear where things are headed. By the time Borderlands unlocks its vault, not even the characters seem to care what’s inside.”

For gamers, like myself, who have invested countless hours into the Borderlands universe, the film is particularly frustrating. The original game, released in 2009, pioneered the looter shooter genre, combining fast-paced combat with a compelling cast of characters. The film, however, fails to capture the essence that made the game so beloved.

Missing characters and miscast roles

One of the most glaring issues with the film is its character portrayals. The game featured a diverse and engaging cast, including the siren Lilith with her powerful Eridian abilities, the berserker tank Brick, the hunter marksman Mordecai, and the former Crimson Lance soldier Roland. Unfortunately, Brick and Mordecai are absent from the film, and the casting choices for Lilith and Roland leave much to be desired.

Cate Blanchett, a talented actress, plays Lilith, but at 55 years old, she struggles to embody the spunky young gunslinger from the game. While actresses of a certain age certainly deserve action hero roles, Blanchett’s portrayal feels more like a weathered and wise rogue than the original character. Meanwhile, Kevin Hart’s Roland is reduced to a series of tired jokes about his height, stripping the character of his gruff and commanding presence.

Outdated humor and a lackluster script

The comedy in Borderlands is another point of contention. The game’s humor, which felt refreshing in 2009, has not aged well. Crude insults like “Bonerfart” may have elicited laughs back then, but they fall flat in 2024. Unfortunately, the film clings to this outdated humor while making significant departures from the source material in other areas.

One particularly cringe-worthy moment occurs when Blanchett’s Lilith and Hart’s Roland approach a narrow hallway. Lilith motions for Roland to go ahead and quips, “Ladies first.” It’s not exactly cutting-edge comedy, and nearly every joke in the film suffers a similar fate.

Production woes and a predictable plot

The film’s troubled production history is evident in its final product. Shooting began in 2021 during the pandemic, but reshoots in 2023, helmed by Deadpool director Tim Miller, failed to salvage the project. The original script, written by The Last of Us scribe Craig Mazin, was later disowned by Roth, with Roth and Joe Crombie now credited as screenwriters.

Their script builds to a third-act “twist” that could be spotted from a mile away. Lilith is revealed to be the true daughter of Eridia, possessing powerful phoenix-like traits, including the ability to “phasewalk.” For fans of the game, this reveal is particularly unsatisfying, as phasewalking is the first skill players can unlock for Lilith.

Who was this film made for?

With over 77 million Borderlands games sold, one would expect the film to cater to its dedicated fanbase. However, the movie seems to disregard the players who have invested in the franchise, leaving one to wonder who exactly this adaptation was made for.

For those interested in seeing what all the fuss is about, you can check out the Borderlands trailer and decide for yourself.

Borderlands serves as a cautionary tale for future video game adaptations. While the source material offers a rich and engaging world, translating that experience to the big screen requires more than just a superficial understanding of the game’s elements. It demands a deep respect for the characters, humor, and story that made the game a hit in the first place.