Borderland Movie Reviews Rip It To Shreds

Eli Roth's highly anticipated Borderlands movie is poised for theatrical release, but early critical reception paints a bleak picture. Read on for a summary of initial reviews and what audiences can expect.

Borderlands: A Critical Miss?

Stellar Cast Can't Save a Flawed Film

Early reviews for the Borderlands film adaptation are overwhelmingly negative. Critics, following early screenings, have voiced their disappointment across social media platforms. Common criticisms include weak humor, unconvincing CGI, and a lackluster script.

Edgar Ortega of Loud and Clear Reviews tweeted, "Borderlands feels like a corporate attempt to capture 'cool' without understanding it. The humor falls flat, and the film lacks genuine emotional connection. It's not even so bad it's good; it's just a mess."

Darren Movie Reviews (Movie Scene Canada) called the adaptation "baffling," highlighting the unrealized potential for world-building hampered by a rushed and uninspired screenplay. He noted impressive set design undermined by poor CGI.

Despite the overwhelmingly negative response, some critics found glimmers of positivity. Film critic Kurt Morrison praised Cate Blanchett and Kevin Hart's performances, stating they prevented the film from being a complete disaster, though he doubts it will find a wide audience. The Hollywood Handle offered a slightly more optimistic view, calling it a fun PG-13 action film carried by Blanchett's performance.

Announced by Gearbox in 2020 after a period of uncertainty, the Borderlands film boasts a star-studded cast, despite initial fan skepticism.

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