The much-anticipated “Borderlands” movie, based on the wildly popular video game franchise, has stumbled out of the gate with a dismal reception. Initially debuting with a 0% score on Rotten Tomatoes, the film has only managed to climb to 3% after receiving a single positive review. This shocking outcome has left fans and critics alike questioning how a movie with such a star-studded cast—featuring Cate Blanchett, Kevin Hart, Jack Black, and Jamie Lee Curtis—could fall so flat. The film, directed by Eli Roth, was expected to be one of the summer’s big releases, but it now appears destined for the “summer disaster” category.
Critics have been particularly brutal in their assessments, with some pointing to the movie as an example of the “video game movie curse.” DiscussingFilm described “Borderlands” as a colossal letdown, lamenting that the fans deserve much better than what was delivered. IGN went even further, calling the film “an abysmal waste of a beloved franchise” and criticizing its inability to capture the essence of the quirky and chaotic world that made the games so popular. The consensus among critics is that the movie’s adaptation drained the energy and excitement from the source material.
The initial reactions from fans were mixed when the trailer first dropped, with some expressing concern that the film appeared to be a strange mix of “Guardians of the Galaxy” with a mismatched cast. Those concerns now seem prescient, as many who were initially excited about the film are now voicing their disappointment. However, a few fans still hold out hope, arguing that the casting choices were solid and that the movie could still offer some entertainment value, even if it doesn’t live up to the expectations set by the games.
Despite the overwhelmingly negative reviews, there is still a possibility that “Borderlands” could find a niche audience, particularly among die-hard fans of the franchise. Some moviegoers might be drawn to the film out of sheer curiosity or a love for the original games, hoping that the critics got it wrong. However, the early indications suggest that “Borderlands” may struggle to gain traction, especially with such a poor critical reception hanging over its release.
As the film approaches its August 9 release date, all eyes will be on the box office to see if “Borderlands” can defy the odds and find success despite the initial wave of bad press. For now, the movie serves as a stark reminder of the challenges that come with adapting beloved video games into live-action films. Whether “Borderlands” can overcome its rocky start and win over audiences remains to be seen, but it’s clear that the film has a steep hill to climb.
