Summary
- Borderlands film has disappointed solid fans who were expecting a faithful adaptation of the popular video game characters.
- Critics on Rotten Tomatoes gave the movie poor ratings, with some calling it "Bored-erland" due to inconsistencies with the lore.
- Despite mixed reviews, some viewers found the film entertaining, while others criticized its lack of intense action and dark humor due to its PG-13 rating.
Some Borderlands fans had already watched the film and shared their sentiments on social media. Many of them expressed their dissatisfaction because it didn't live up to their expectations.
The Borderlands film had been in the making for nearly a decade. It was first announced in 2015 and only released today (August 9, 2024). Thus, expectations were high among solid fans expecting to finally see their favorite characters from the action role-playing first-person looter shooter video game come to life on the big screen. However, the initial reactions from those who had already watched the movie were not encouraging and might discourage others from spending their hard-earned money on the film.
The Borderlands Movie Has Achieved A Rare Rotten Tomatoes Score (It's Not Good)
Borderlands fell short of satisfying critics, as evident in its Rotten Tomatoes score.
A number of viewers turned to X, formerly Twitter, and criticized the film, Comicbook.com reported. According to them, the film directed by filmmaker and screenwriter Eli Roth was "really bad" and was a "disaster." Some said the film was "unwatchable" and a "mess" for failing to highlight the characters' earnest moments, obnoxious jests that turned old-fashioned after delivery, annoying characters, dull screenplay despite the impressive set design, and poor CGI. A number of solid Borderlands fans felt that the film lacked the imagination, life, and cringe humor that keep the game alive and make gamers crack up while playing it. The disappointment was loud online, with some fans saying their favorite video game was butchered. The scenes edge the cringe but fail to commit to being cringe all the way, which is what the game is all about. Hence making the film unsatisfactory.
Critics on Rotten Tomatoes seemingly feel the same as Borderlands has received poor ratings on the platform. It initially received a 0% rating based on 23 reviews. The score has improved, with some giving positive reviews. However, it didn't change much, with the Tomatometer now showing 7%. Just like those who aired their disappointment on social media, many on Rotten Tomatoes said the film was terrible. One even mocked it by saying it was "Bored-erland." However, some found it entertaining, especially those who haven't played the game. One fan gave it a half-star because the scenery looked and felt like Borderlands. However, in general, most have the same complaints — the cast members lacked chemistry, poor dialogue, mediocre plot, and inconsistencies with the lore.
Although the initial reactions about Borderlands on social media are negative and it has a low score on Rotten Tomatoes, some still find the film decent and entertaining enough. While others said it was Roth's worst movie, some argued it received too much hate when it was an on-screen magic. Overall, there is a mixed reaction about the film, with more finding it bad and disappointing because it lacked the factors they enjoyed in the games, like tons of guns and explosions, dark and cringing humor, and savaged action. However, one of the biggest factors could be the movie's PG-13 rating, which influenced its overall tone. It softened Borderlands' original feel and approach. Video games are usually rated M (Mature) because they contain more intense violence, strong language, and mature sexual themes that are not suitable for audiences younger than 17. The PG-13 rating could be the movie's most notable shortcoming.
Borderlands is now showing.
Interview: Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford Discusses The Borderlands Film's Purpose and Future
The Best War Games interviews the CEO and president of the Gearbox Entertainment Company Randy Pitchford about the upcoming Borderlands live-action film.
Source: Comicbook.com