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. Here's a deep dive into the feedback and what you can expect when you step into the cinema.

Borderlands Movie: Too Bad to be Good?

Cast Receives Praise Despite Poor Initial Reviews

Initial reviews for Eli Roth's movie adaptation of the beloved space Western looter shooter game, Borderlands, have been overwhelmingly critical. As the film premiered across the US this week, critics took to social media to express their disappointment. The film's humor was described as lackluster, the CGI unconvincing, and the screenplay uninspired.

Edgar Ortega from Loud and Clear Reviews tweeted, "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 echoed the sentiment, labeling the movie "a baffling video game adaptation," and pointing out its potential for great world-building that "never happens due to a rushed and dull screenplay – the set design is impressive, but the film looks cheap due to poor CGI."

Despite the overwhelmingly negative feedback, some critics found redeeming qualities. Film critic Kurt Morrison noted, "Blanchett and Hart are having a lot of fun here & save this from being a trainwreck," though he added, "it’ll be a big surprise if this film finds an audience." 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 features a star-studded cast, yet fans of the shooter game franchise have long expressed skepticism about the 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 as demolitionist Tiny Tina, boxer and actor Florian Munteanu as Krieg—Tina’s bodyguard, EEAO's Jamie Lee Curtis as Tannis, and Jack Black voicing the robot Claptrap.

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