‘Borderlands’ Movie Review: A Confounding Experience That Misses the Mark

The trash-laden wasteland that serves as the film’s backdrop symbolizes the film’s overall essence.

At the beginning of Eli Roth’s *Borderlands*, inspired by the popular video game franchise, we are introduced to a clumsily pieced-together narration by Lilith (played by a miscast Cate Blanchett, surrounded by other miscast actors). The film throws every conceivable trope from the superhero/adventure genre at us. We encounter an intriguing setting, a once-thriving civilization, a prophecy about a hero, an evil antagonist seeking ultimate power, and a vault that has eluded seekers for years (which, predictably, will be discovered by the film’s end). As a viewer, the overly familiar plot in this clichéd genre raises immediate concerns.

*Borderlands* somehow manages to surpass our expectations for how poorly it could unfold. It takes these worn-out concepts and spins them into a chaotic mess. Any chance for excitement or enjoyment is quickly extinguished, replaced by a barrage of nonsensical scenes. Moments that could have had a significant impact are swiftly disregarded as we are rushed into the next absurd scenario. Opportunities for thrilling, video-game-inspired action are squandered, leaving us with unfunny quips from the characters instead.

In terms of plot, Tiny Tina (Ariana Greenblatt) is supposedly kidnapped by the rogue soldier Roland (Kevin Hart) and Krieg (Florian Munteanu, who is the only somewhat entertaining character in the film). Lilith’s mission is to rescue Tina from the planet Pandora. Meanwhile, the viewer’s task is to stay awake. Pandora is depicted as a perilous place filled with dangerous creatures, reminiscent of the Pandora in James Cameron’s *Avatar*. This isn’t the only instance where *Borderlands* draws comparisons to other films; it also evokes memories of *Guardians of the Galaxy* and *Mad Max: Fury Road*.

As the film delves deeper into chaos, it takes us to a planet where hope for redemption seems utterly lost. From the outset of each scene, the outcomes are painfully predictable. The characters lack depth, offering little for the audience to invest in beyond their superficial traits. We have the Blonde Girl Who Loves Explosions, the Black Guy Who Cracks One-Liners, and the Annoying Robot. The dialogue fails to leave a mark; it feels as though it was hastily improvised on set. The film makes clumsy attempts to evoke emotions through themes like maternal bonds, betrayal among friends, and the struggles of a loveless child. Yet, despite the background score that feels indifferent, nothing resonates.

For fans of the video game, *Borderlands* is likely to be a source of frustration. For those unfamiliar with the franchise, the experience is equally exasperating. Ultimately, the trash-strewn wasteland where the story unfolds serves as a fitting metaphor for the film itself.

Director: Eli Roth

Cast: Cate Blanchett, Kevin Hart, Jack Black, Édgar Ramírez, Ariana Greenblatt, Florian Munteanu, Gina Gershon, and Jamie Lee Curtis

Rating: 1/5 stars