Borderlands: Laugh, Cry, Then Wonder What Could Have Been?

Borderlands: A surprisingly solid adventure, despite its flaws

The Borderlands movie, despite its quick release to VOD barely three weeks after its theatrical debut, isn’t a complete disaster. While it’s far from a perfect adaptation of the beloved video game series, it manages to blend visual spectacle with a surprisingly compelling story about found family and the pitfalls of power. The result is a film that, while lacking in some areas, deserves a little more credit than its poor box office performance and scathing reviews might suggest.

A visually stunning world that captures the spirit of the game

One thing Borderlands gets undeniably right is its visual aesthetic. The planet Pandora is brought to life with stunning detail, capturing the game’s signature psychedelic, hyper-stylized art style. Gone is the sickly orange filter that plagues so many desert-based films – locations and characters are vibrant and visually distinct, from the desolate wastelands to the neon-lit outposts.

Cate Blanchett shines as Lilith, a captivating lead

In a role that could have easily been a caricature, Cate Blanchett delivers a nuanced and captivating performance as Lilith. With her signature fiery red hair and a striking blue leather jacket, Blanchett embodies the tough-as-nails, yet vulnerable bounty hunter. This visual faithfulness extends to other characters like Claptrap (voiced perfectly by Jack Black). The film successfully translates the iconic visual elements from the game into a stunning cinematic world.

A departure from the typical video game adaptation

Borderlands avoids the pitfalls of many video game adaptations by choosing not to directly copy and paste elements from the game. Instead of relying on cheap fan-service nods, the film crafts its own narrative, albeit one that borrows heavily from the game’s lore and themes. As Randy Pitchford, executive producer and creator of the Borderlands games puts it: "[Borderlands] isn’t a video game movie. It’s a movie that incorporates the characters, themes, and storylines from the first game, which have been greatly enhanced by stand-out performances from Blanchett and Greenblatt."

A surprisingly engaging story about found family and power

The film centers on Lilith’s journey to rescue a young girl named Tina (Ariana Greenblatt) from the clutches of a rogue soldier, Roland (Kevin Hart), and his volatile accomplice, Krieg (Florian Munteanu). However, it quickly becomes clear that Tina willingly went with her captors, and Lilith finds herself drawn into a complex situation involving a powerful artifact and the ruthless CEO of the Atlas Corporation, Deukalian Atlas (Edgar Ramírez).

Despite the predictable beats of a typical "chosen one" trope, the film delves into themes of family, power, and the consequences of greed. Lilith and Tina’s relationship, in particular, becomes the emotional core of the film. Both yearning for connection and acceptance, they form a bond that transcends the usual tropes of mentor and student.

Where the film falters: Humor and character development

While the film does a good job visually capturing the essence of the games, it stumbles in other areas. The humor, often a key element of the Borderlands experience, falls flat in the film. The attempts at irreverent humor, characterized by a constant stream of fast-talking and sometimes uncomfortable dialogue, fall short of the mark. The film’s humor feels forced and often doesn’t translate well from the game’s format.

The supporting cast also feels underutilized. Characters like Dr. Patricia Tanis (Jamie Lee Curtis), despite being rich with personality in the games, are mostly reduced to plot exposition in the film. Curtis’s performance showcases a deep understanding of the character’s eccentricities, but unfortunately, much of her work was cut from the final film. Similarly, Jack Black’s performance as Claptrap, while entertaining, lacks the depth of his video game counterpart. Kevin Hart, despite his usual comedic charm, feels out of place as the stoic Roland, and his comedic timing feels misplaced.

Ultimately, a worthwhile experience for fans and newcomers alike

Despite its flaws, Borderlands is ultimately a worthwhile adventure that delivers on its visual promise and features an excellent performance by Cate Blanchett. The film’s flaws are mostly limited to its comedic missteps and inconsistent character development, but its strengths – its immersive visuals, compelling story, and exploration of themes related to power and family

For fans of the games, Borderlands might not be the perfect adaptation they hoped for, but it’s still a visually arresting and enjoyable experience that captures the spirit of the games. For newcomers, the film provides a solid introduction to a world filled with quirky characters and an expansive, surreal universe. If you’re looking for a high-octane adventure with a surprising emotional core, Borderlands, despite its shortcomings, is worth a look.

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