Borderlands (2024) Movie Review: Bringing Chaos to the Big Screen
I’ve been a massive fan of the Borderlands franchise for years. From the moment I first played the game, I was hooked by its chaotic world, sarcastic humor, and crazy characters. So, when I heard that Borderlands was being adapted into a movie, I had mixed feelings. On one hand, I was super excited—this is one of the most unique video game universes out there, and seeing it on the big screen could be amazing. But on the other hand, we all know how video game adaptations can go… sometimes it’s a hit, but often, it’s a miss.
Now that the Borderlands (2024) movie has finally hit theaters, I’ve had time to sit down and process it. And honestly? My feelings are all over the place. There are definitely moments where I was like, "Yes, this is what I was hoping for!" But there were also parts where I thought, "Hmm, this feels a bit off."
Let’s start with the visuals. If you’ve played the games, you’ll recognize right away that the filmmakers really tried to stay true to the Borderlands aesthetic. Pandora, the desolate and chaotic planet where the story unfolds, looks exactly like it should: dirty, dusty, and full of danger. The film keeps the signature cel-shaded look that the game is known for, but they manage to do it without making it look too cartoonish. There’s plenty of CGI, of course, but it works for the most part. Honestly, there were moments where I felt like I was actually in the game.
As for the characters, well, this is where things get a little more complicated. Cate Blanchett as Lilith was one of the big casting choices that had me curious from the start. I love Blanchett as an actress, but picturing her as Lilith—who’s this badass, sarcastic "Siren" from the game—was tough. But after seeing her in action, I’ll give her credit: she brings her own unique take to the role. It’s not exactly like the Lilith I remember from the game, but she manages to make it work in a way that’s both charismatic and strong. However, I do feel like some of the character interactions fell a little flat. Whether it was the script or just the difficulty of adapting these larger-than-life characters to the screen, some of the dialogue felt forced and unnatural.
One character that really nailed it for me was Claptrap, the quirky little robot everyone loves (or loves to hate). As one of the most iconic Borderlands characters, there was a lot of pressure to get this right—and they did. Claptrap was hilarious, delivering one-liners that had the whole theater laughing, and he added that perfect touch of comic relief in an otherwise intense movie. His presence on screen is exactly what fans of the games were hoping for.
Now, let’s talk about the plot. This is where the film stumbles a bit, in my opinion. It tries to follow the story of the first game but throws in elements from the sequels, and at times, it feels like there’s just too much happening. I get that they’re trying to appeal to both longtime fans and new viewers, but in the process, some parts of the story feel rushed. The movie attempts to balance introducing the world of Pandora and satisfying the die-hard fans with references and Easter eggs. But sometimes, it felt like the plot was trying to do too much at once. I wish they had streamlined the story a bit more instead of cramming in so much from the Borderlands lore.
However, when it comes to action, Borderlands definitely delivers. This is a franchise known for its explosive gunfights and chaotic battles, and the movie brings that to life in a really exciting way. There’s one particular fight scene involving Lilith and Roland (played by Kevin Hart) where they face off against a horde of Psychos—it felt like it was pulled straight from the game. The adrenaline, the humor, the over-the-top violence—this is what Borderlands fans came for. Kevin Hart, who I initially had doubts about as Roland, actually surprised me. He played the role with just the right amount of seriousness, but still added some humor when needed, without turning the character into a joke.
As for the soundtrack, Borderlands (2024) does a decent job of capturing the feel of the game’s music, which was always a big part of setting the mood. There’s a mix of grungy, intense tunes that really helped pull me into the chaotic world of Pandora. They even brought in some newer artists, but it still felt in line with the vibe of the game series.
Now, I do have to admit, there were a few moments in the movie where I found myself getting slightly frustrated. There’s this one part near the end where the film gets a little too preachy. It’s like they felt the need to hammer in a moral message, and while I appreciate the effort, it was a little heavy-handed. Sometimes, it’s better to let the audience figure things out on their own rather than spoon-feeding them the lesson.
In the end, Borderlands (2024) is a fun, chaotic ride that captures a lot of what makes the game so beloved. Is it a perfect movie? No. There are some pacing issues, and the plot can feel a little cluttered. But if you’re a fan of the game, or just looking for a wild action movie that doesn’t take itself too seriously, this one is definitely worth checking out.
For those who haven't seen it yet, grab some popcorn, sit back, and get ready for a crazy adventure on Pandora. And for those of you looking to dive straight into the madness, Watch FuLL Movie Here.