Video game adaptations historically have a rough track record, with countless high profile game franchises spawning critically-panned films and television series'. Until recently, it seemed nearly impossible to successfully adapt a video game due to the inherent differences in how these mediums operate. However, recent years have seen a shift, with several adaptations not only capturing the essence of their source material but also expanding upon it, drawing in new audiences who might not have otherwise been exposed to the games. The Last of Us, Arcane, and Fallout have paved the way for video game adaptations to be taken seriously, garnering praise from both fans and critics alike.
While the Borderlands games may not carry the same level prestige as some of the aforementioned properties, it remains an immensely popular multiplayer series with rich world-building that seemed fitting for a big screen adaptation. For those unfamiliar, Borderlands is a first-person shooter set on a desolate planet with a wild-west aesthetic, where players take on the roles of "vault hunters" in search of a mythical vault said to contain riches and unparalleled power. The film adaptation centers on Lilith, a jaded bounty hunter who reluctantly returns to her home planet to retrieve the daughter of a powerful billionaire named Atlas. However, when the mission goes awry, she is forced to team up with a ragtag group of vault hunters.
The film is particularly derivative of Guardians of the Galaxy - not only in its premise, but also in its visual presentation and its rapid fire sense of humor. Unfortunately it comes across as a pale imitation and lacking its own identity. Visually, the film is very digitized and all the effects are aesthetically unappealing There are some thrilling and well choreographed action sequences, but it's undercut by unrhythmic editing and weak cinematography.
The film's script is poorly written, failing to elevate the material or distinguish it from other sci-fi films. Cate Blanchett manages to deliver a compelling performance despite the weak material. Her portrayal of Lilith is captivating and fierce, and she even manages to draw intentional laughs with her line delivery. Sadly, the rest of the cast fares far worse. Kevin Hart’s performance feels wooden, Jack Black’s voicing of a robot is more irritating than amusing, and Ariana Greenblatt’s completely over-acts. Perhaps the biggest disappointment is Jamie Lee Curtis, who usually brings charisma and energy to her roles. Here, however, her performance is low-energy and uninspired, a far cry from the eccentricity she could have brought to the character.
In the end, Borderlands is a missed opportunity, a film that squanders its potential and talented cast on a script that fails to capture the essence of the popular game series.Rating: 1.5/5