The transition from video games to the silver screen has often been a rocky one, but some adaptations, like “The Last of Us” and “Fallout,” have managed to set a high bar for what's possible. Unfortunately, the latest entry in this genre, “Borderlands,” directed by Eli Roth, has spectacularly missed the mark, earning a rare and embarrassing 0% on Rotten Tomatoes.
For those unfamiliar, “Borderlands” is a film adaptation of the popular video game series known for its distinctive art style, chaotic combat, and dark humor. However, the movie, despite its promising premise, has been met with scathing reviews that suggest it lacks the very elements that made the game a hit.
As of now, with 24 reviews counted, the film holds an abysmal average rating of 3.3/10 on Rotten Tomatoes. Over on Metacritic, it hasn't fared much better, scoring a dismal 32/100. This ranks it as the fifth worst-reviewed film out of 298 releases this year, surpassing even the notorious “Madame Web” and the sequel to “Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey.”
The cast, led by talents like Cate Blanchett, Kevin Hart, and Jack Black, was expected to bring life to the franchise's iconic characters. Blanchett, in particular, was anticipated to shine in her role as Lilith, a gun-toting siren. However, critics have noted that despite her best efforts, the script and direction failed to do justice to her performance, leaving audiences underwhelmed.
Released on August 8, 2024, with a hefty budget of $120 million, “Borderlands” has faced numerous production delays and issues, which may have contributed to its disjointed final product. As it stands, the film is projected to earn a mere $10-13 million during its opening weekend, a disappointing return for such a significant investment.
Ultimately, “Borderlands” serves as a reminder of how challenging it can be to translate beloved video games into successful films. With such harsh reviews and low expectations at the box office, it appears that this adaptation will be quickly forgotten, leaving fans and creators alike to wonder what could have been.
