Movie Reviews Decimate 'Borderland'

Eli Roth's highly anticipated Borderlands movie is on the verge of release, but early critical response paints a bleak picture. Read on for a summary of initial reactions and what moviegoers can expect.

A Critical Miss, Despite Star Power

Stellar Cast Can't Save a Flawed Film

The live-action adaptation of Gearbox's popular game has received overwhelmingly negative early reviews following its US premiere. Critics have voiced concerns across social media, citing weak humor, unconvincing CGI, and a lackluster script as major shortcomings.

Edgar Ortega of Loud and Clear Reviews tweeted, "Borderlands feels like a misguided attempt to capture 'cool.' The humor falls flat, and the film lacks genuine emotional depth, resulting in a chaotic mess."

Darren Movie Reviews (Movie Scene Canada) called it "a baffling adaptation," praising the potential of its world-building but criticizing the rushed and dull screenplay, stating that, despite impressive set design, poor CGI makes the film appear cheap.

However, not all reviews were entirely damning. Film critic Kurt Morrison noted that Cate Blanchett and Kevin Hart's performances inject some enjoyment, preventing a complete disaster, though he doubts it will find a wide audience. The Hollywood Handle offered a slightly more optimistic view, describing it as a fun PG-13 action movie that relies heavily on Blanchett's star power to succeed – a task she reportedly accomplishes.

Despite initial skepticism from fans, the Borderlands movie, re-announced in 2020 after a period of inactivity, boasts an impressive cast.

As major publications release their full reviews in the coming days, audiences can judge for themselves when Borderlands hits theaters on August 9th. Meanwhile, Gearbox has hinted at a new game in the franchise.