The much-anticipated film adaptation of the beloved video game franchise, “Borderlands,” has finally hit the big screen in 2024, aiming to capture the chaotic energy and quirky charm that fans have adored for years.
Directed by Eli Roth, the movie boasts an ensemble cast featuring the likes of Cate Blanchett, Kevin Hart and the ever-entertaining Jack Black. While the film succeeds in some areas, particularly in character portrayals and nods to the source material, it falters in storytelling and visual execution, leaving audiences with mixed feelings.
From the start, “Borderlands” attempts to immerse viewers in its dystopian, Mad Max-esque universe, swarming with outlandish characters and high-octane action.
The franchise, with three mainline video game entries under its belt, provides a rich tapestry of lore and peculiarity that seems ripe for cinematic exploration. The film does justice to this expansive source material by introducing a world that’s chaotic yet intriguing, offering longtime fans the satisfaction of seeing their favorite game’s universe brought to life.
One of the standout elements of the movie is the portrayal of Tiny Tina by actress Ariana Greenblatt.
She encapsulates the essence of the character with remarkable authenticity, delivering a blend of manic energy, humor and surprising depth that truly steals the show. Her scenes are a delightful mix of explosive action and sharp wit, effectively capturing the spirit of the games and providing a magnetic presence that keeps viewers engaged. Whether she’s orchestrating elaborate explosions or delivering quirky one-liners, Tiny Tina’s character brings a much-needed spark to the film, appealing to both longtime fans and newcomers alike.
Equally noteworthy is Jack Black’s rendition of Claptrap, the lovable and often sarcastic robot companion adored by many in the gaming community.
Black infuses Claptrap with his signature comedic flair, hitting the mark with impeccable timing and a voice that resonates with the character’s original allure. His interactions bring a lightheartedness to the narrative, delivering moments of genuine laughter and nostalgia. The dynamic between Claptrap and other characters adds humor and camaraderie, staying true to the game’s playful tone and endearing fans even further.
Despite these strong performances, “Borderlands” struggles to deliver a cohesive and compelling narrative. The story feels disjointed and lacks the grounding needed to fully engage the audience. Cate Blanchett, taking on the lead role of Lillith, delivers an acceptable performance but is hampered by a script that doesn’t delve deeply enough into her character’s motivations and background. As a result, viewers may find it challenging to connect with her journey or feel invested in her arc.
Kevin Hart’s portrayal of Roland also suffers from underutilization, with limited screen time and development that fails to showcase his comedic and dramatic chops effectively. The potential for dynamic interactions and character growth is mostly unexplored, leaving his role feeling shallow and unfulfilled.
Many supporting characters follow a similar pattern, appearing more as caricatures than fully fleshed-out individuals, which detracts from emotional depth and engagement. This lack of character development contributes to a sense of disconnect, particularly as the film moves towards its climax, where the stakes should feel highest.
Visually, the movie aims high but falls short in execution.
The expectations for grandiose, adrenaline-fueled action sequences reminiscent of the game’s large-scale battles and explosive set pieces are met with surprisingly lackluster visuals. The CGI appears dated and unpolished, with explosions and transformations lacking the punch and realism that modern audiences have come to expect. The costumes and set designs also miss the mark, failing to capture the distinctive, gritty yet vibrant aesthetic that defines the “Borderlands” universe.
“Borderlands” offers a mixed bag of experiences. The film shines in its character portrayals, with Tiny Tina and Claptrap providing memorable performances that capture the heart of the franchise. However, these high points are overshadowed by a fragmented story and subpar visual effects that prevent the movie from reaching its full potential. For die-hard fans of the series, there are moments of enjoyment and nostalgia to be found, but for the average moviegoer, “Borderlands” may not leave a lasting impression.
I wouldn’t see it again.
Contact multi-media & senior sports reporter Noral Parham III at 317-762-7846. Follow him on X @3Noral. For more news courtesy of the Indianapolis Recorder, visit our homepage.
