Scathing Movie Reviews Leave 'Borderland' in Tatters

The much-anticipated Borderlands movie, directed by Eli Roth, is set to hit theaters soon, but early impressions from critics appear to be overwhelmingly negative. Read on to learn more about them and what you can expect in the cinema.

Borderlands Movie Too Bad to be Good

Cast Receives Praises Despite Poor Initial Reviews

Initial reviews for Eli Roth's movie adaptation of Borderlands, the space Western looter shooter game from Gearbox, have been overwhelmingly negative. Critics have recently taken to social media to share their thoughts on the live-action adaptation, as its early premiere took place across the US this week. Generally, the reviews were largely critical, with many pointing out the film's lackluster humor, unconvincing CGI, and uninspired screenplay.

Edgar Ortega from Loud and Clear Reviews wrote on Twitter (X), "Borderlands feels like what an out-of-touch executive thinks the ‘cool kids’ find appealing. There is not a single earnest character moment here, just obnoxious quips that feel dated as soon as they leave the actors’ mouths. It’s not even so bad it’s good, just a complete mess."

Darren Movie Reviews from Movie Scene Canada added that the movie is "a baffling video game adaptation," additionally noting the movie's potential for great world-building, "but it never happens due to a rushed and dull screenplay – the set design is impressive, but the film looks cheap due to poor CGI."

Some critics found a few redeeming qualities, however, so it doesn't seem like everything was a complete trainwreck. Film critic Kurt Morrison remarked, "Blanchett and Hart are having a lot of fun here & save this from being a trainwreck, though additionally commenting that "it’ll be a big surprise if this film finds an audience." Meanwhile, The Hollywood Handle offered a slightly more positive take: "Borderlands is a fun PG-13 action movie. It completely relies on Cate Blanchett’s star power to carry itself to the finish line — and she delivers."

Re-announced by Gearbox in 2020 after a hiatus, the Borderlands movie boasts a star-studded cast, though fans of the shooter game franchise have always expressed their skepticism towards the movie adaptation.

The movie follows Lilith, portrayed by Cate Blanchett, as she returns to her home planet "Pandora" on a quest to find the missing daughter of Atlas, portrayed by Edgar Ramirez. Teaming up with a colorful group of outcasts, Lilith embarks on a perilous journey along with former soldier Roland, played by comedian and actor Kevin Hart. Alongside them are Barbie 2023 star Ariana Greenblatt—portraying demolitionist Tiny Tina, boxer and actor Florian Munteanu as Krieg—Tina’s bodyguard, EEAO's Jamie Lee Curtis playing as Tannis, and Jack Black as the robot Claptrap.

As full reviews from major film review publications are expected to roll out in the coming days, fans will soon see it for themselves when the Borderlands movie arrives in cinemas on August 9. Meanwhile, in related news, Gearbox has hinted at a new Borderlands game.