Borderlands is a Chaotic Mess that Misses the Mark – Movie Review

When you hear names like Cate Blanchett, Kevin Hart, Jack Black, and Jamie Lee Curtis, you’d expect cinematic magic, or at the very least, a halfway decent movie. But Borderlands, directed by Eli Roth, is nothing short of a disaster—a chaotic, nonsensical mess that does an incredible disservice to the beloved video game series on which it’s based.

Watch the Official Trailer for Borderlands

First, let’s talk about the plot—or lack thereof. The film attempts to cram in countless elements from the games, but instead of weaving a coherent narrative, it feels like a jumbled collection of poorly connected scenes. The storyline is disjointed, filled with forced humor and cringe-worthy dialogue that barely elicits a chuckle, even from die-hard fans of the series. The pacing is erratic, dragging in places where it should be exciting and rushing through moments that could have been genuinely interesting.

Cate Blanchett, usually a powerhouse of talent, is utterly wasted in this film. Her portrayal of Lilith lacks the fiery intensity fans hoped for, and it’s painfully clear that even she couldn’t save the abysmal script. Kevin Hart, playing Roland, seems out of place in this role, delivering his usual comedic shtick but with none of the charisma that makes him entertaining. Jack Black as Claptrap is the only somewhat redeeming factor, but even his voice work feels more annoying than endearing.

Eli Roth, known for his work in horror, seems entirely out of his element directing this sci-fi action film. The action sequences are a chaotic blur, with shaky camera work that makes it nearly impossible to follow what’s happening on screen. The film’s visual style, while trying to mimic the game’s vibrant and zany aesthetic, ends up being an eyesore. The CGI is inconsistent, with some effects looking downright cartoonish and others painfully realistic, but in all the wrong ways.

As for the supporting cast, they range from forgettable to downright terrible. Edgar Ramírez as Atlas is a one-note villain with no depth, and Jamie Lee Curtis, despite her legendary status, feels like she’s phoning it in as Tannis. Ariana Greenblatt, Florian Munteanu, and Gina Gershon barely register in their roles, adding nothing of substance to the film.

In the end, Borderlands is an utter disappointment—a soulless cash grab that fails to capture the essence of the games and insults the intelligence of its audience. Fans of the video game series will likely leave the theater feeling betrayed, and newcomers will wonder what all the fuss was about. Save your time and money, and play the games instead. This is one movie adaptation that should have stayed on Pandora.