Borderlands (2024) Movie Review

    When it was announced that Borderlands, the beloved video game series known for its chaotic humor and quirky characters, would be adapted into a film, fans were both excited and skeptical. Could Hollywood capture the spirit of Pandora’s lawless world, the eccentricity of characters like Claptrap, and the blend of absurd humor with high-octane action? Now that the movie has hit theaters, it's time to dive into this wild cinematic experience and see if it lives up to the hype. In this review, we’ll break down the film’s story, performances, and whether it managed to strike the same balance of madness and mayhem that made the games so iconic. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the franchise, let’s explore if Borderlands delivers the loot—or leaves us empty-handed.

Plot

    The Borderlands movie follows the story of Lilith, a notorious bounty hunter, who is summoned back to her chaotic home planet of Pandora to rescue the missing daughter of Atlas, a powerful corporate magnate. Once back, Lilith teams up with a ragtag crew, including the mercenary Roland, demolition-expert Tiny Tina, her protector Krieg, the quirky scientist Tannis, and Claptrap, a wisecracking robot. Their mission goes beyond a simple rescue as they discover the girl holds the key to unlocking an ancient Vault that contains unimaginable power.

    Throughout the movie, they battle alien monsters, bandits, and Atlas' forces while confronting betrayal and the complexities of trust within the group. The film blends action, humor, and emotional moments, staying true to the spirit of the video game series with its chaotic energy and eccentric characters​

Characters

    The Borderlands movie brings some of the game’s most beloved characters to life, portrayed by a star-studded cast that adds their own flair to the chaotic world of Pandora.

Lilith (Cate Blanchett)

    Lilith, a mysterious and skilled bounty hunter with a complex past, serves as the movie's protagonist. She reluctantly returns to Pandora to rescue Atlas’s daughter and unlock secrets from her own past. Cate Blanchett, known for her work in Blue Jasmine and Thor: Ragnarok, brings gravitas and charisma to the role, capturing both Lilith’s badassery and emotional depth.

Roland (Kevin Hart)

    Roland is a disciplined mercenary with a strong sense of duty, though the film hints at a softer side beneath his tough exterior. Kevin Hart, usually known for his comedic roles, takes on a more serious part here, balancing humor with moments of sincerity as he leads his ragtag team through danger.

Claptrap (Jack Black)

    Claptrap, the irreverent and quirky robot, provides comic relief throughout the film. Jack Black, a natural at voice acting (as seen in Kung Fu Panda), brings energy and humor to the character, staying true to the game’s portrayal of the wisecracking bot.

Tannis (Jamie Lee Curtis)

    Dr. Patricia Tannis, an eccentric scientist, adds a strange but crucial layer to the story. Jamie Lee Curtis, known for her legendary roles in the Halloween franchise, embraces the quirky personality of Tannis, delivering moments of odd humor while guiding the group toward unlocking the Vault's secrets.

Tiny Tina (Ariana Greenblatt)

    Tiny Tina is a young, unpredictable demolition expert with a flair for chaos. Ariana Greenblatt (Barbie, Love and Monsters) captures the explosive and wild spirit of Tina, portraying her as both fierce and lovable, adding emotional depth to the action-heavy plot.

Krieg (Florian Munteanu)

    Krieg, Tina’s loyal but mentally unstable protector, is portrayed by Florian Munteanu (Creed II). Krieg’s character adds intensity to the film with his brute strength and chaotic personality, complementing Tiny Tina’s antics perfectly​.

Atlas (Édgar Ramírez)

    Édgar Ramírez plays Atlas, the power-hungry corporate magnate whose missing daughter sets the story in motion. As the antagonist, Atlas is manipulative and ruthless, pushing the heroes to their limits in their mission to stop him from obtaining the Vault's secrets.

    The cast of Borderlands offers a dynamic blend of personalities, ensuring a faithful and entertaining adaptation of the game’s characters, with each actor bringing their own twist to the iconic roles.

Soundtrack

    The Borderlands movie soundtrack offers a mix of vibrant songs and atmospheric score compositions that complement the chaotic, action-packed tone of the film. The original score was composed by Steve Jablonsky, known for his work on Transformers. His orchestral tracks, such as “The Greatest Eridian Secret” and “Lilith Remembers,” blend tension and emotion, capturing the wild, dangerous essence of Pandora.

    The film’s curated soundtrack also features a variety of licensed songs, including “Supermassive Black Hole” by Muse, “How You Like Me Now?” by The Heavy, and Chaka Khan’s “Like Sugar,” adding energy to pivotal scenes. These tracks inject moments of fun amidst the action, aligning with the quirky, irreverent humor the Borderlands franchise is known for. The music supervisor, Trygge Toven, carefully chose these songs to enhance the movie’s distinct blend of sci-fi, comedy, and mayhem.

    This eclectic soundtrack makes the film appealing not just to longtime fans of the game but also to newcomers, as it matches the unpredictable, chaotic spirit of the source material.

Final Review

Borderlands is a fun, energetic ride that captures the spirit of the video games, though it may feel overwhelming for newcomers. If you enjoy offbeat humor, wild action, and colorful characters, the film delivers a satisfying experience. However, those expecting a tightly woven narrative or more traditional storytelling might be left wanting. Overall, it’s an entertaining, if slightly uneven, adaptation that will likely appeal most to fans of the franchise. Score: 7.5/10!

References

Borderlands (2024) - IMDb

Borderlands | Rotten Tomatoes