Eli Roth, a master of horror, teams up with Lionsgate to bring his unique vision to the latest video game adaptation, 'Borderlands.' Co-writing the screenplay with Joe Crombie (a pseudonym for Craig Mazin), Roth has assembled a stellar cast, including two-time Academy Award winner Cate Blanchett as the infamous outlaw Lilith. The film follows Lilith's return to her home planet and her alliance with a group of misfits to find the missing daughter of the most powerful man in the universe.
The film 'Borderlands' opens with the classic ominous voiceover of a science fiction, setting the stage for a thrilling adventure. We are introduced to Roland (Kevin Hart), a former member of the Crimson Lance who is now operating as a mercenary. He is on a rescue mission to save Tiny Tina (Ariana Greenblatt), the daughter of businessman Atlas (Edgar Ramírez). As they escape, they meet fellow prisoner Kreig (Florian Munteanu), and the trio sets off for destinations unknown.
As the tension rises, Atlas turns to Lilith for help. But when Lilith meets Roland, Tiny Tina, and Kreig, she realizes that things are not as they seem. The unexpected quartet soon finds themselves teaming up with Lilith's former foster mother, Dr. Patricia Tannis (Jamie Lee Curtis), and the wisecracking robot Claptrap (voiced by Jack Black) in a desperate bid to keep Tina safe.
I want to preface my review by saying that I have never played the "Borderlands" game, so I went into the film with an open mind. However, I'm well aware of the hit-or-miss reception between movie-goers and video game adaptations, going all the way back to 1993's "Super Mario Bros" that said two things initially were on my register about the film.
The first is that Oscar-winner Blanchett is only here for a check or trying to impress her kids, and Hart has action chops. Sadly, there isn't much in the film worth mentioning. It's no secret that "Borderlands" finished shooting almost three years and required reshoots. That said, even a novice film buff will notice the plot is all over the place. Tim Miller, who previously directed "Deadpool," handled the reshoots, but nothing in the final product gives off his style.
The film's action sequences, while CGI-heavy, come off as low-budget and overuse the shaky cam technique. Furthermore, the usually reliable Edgar Ramírez is an underwhelming villain, while Jamie Lee Curtis and Florian Munteanu become caricatures. The only notable qualities of the film are Hart, who plays it straight for most of the play, and Ariana Greenblatt, who is having a fun time.
Coming across as a generic B-movie, "Borderlands" may appeal to fans of the game, but everyone else may want to avoid it.
Final Grade : D+
"Borderlands" is in theaters now
Comments