Borderlands takes audiences on a wild ride across the chaotic planet of Pandora, as it brings the beloved video game franchise to the big screen. Directed by Eli Roth, the movie merges the vibrant, action-packed world of the game with a unique cinematic experience, staying true to the essence of the franchise while offering fresh perspectives.
| Directed by: | Eli Roth |
| Cast: | Cate Blanchett, Kevin Hart, Jack Black, Edgar Ramírez, Ariana Greenblatt, Florian Munteanu, Gina Gershon, and Jamie Lee Curtis |
| Produced by: | Ari Arad, P.G.A., Avi Arad, Erik Feig |
| Based on: | The Video Game Borderlands created by Gearbox Software and published by 2K |
| Genre: | Action, Adventure, Science Fiction |
| Rating: | PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, language and some suggestive material |
| Runtime: | 101 minutes |
| U.S. Release Date: | August 9, 2024 |
Borderlands: A Journey Back to Pandora
The movie follows Lilith, portrayed by the versatile Cate Blanchett, as she reluctantly returns to her home planet of Pandora, a place she’d rather forget. Tasked with finding the missing daughter of the powerful Atlas (played by Edgar Ramírez), Lilith assembles an unlikely team of misfits to help her on this dangerous mission. Her team includes Roland (Kevin Hart), a seasoned soldier seeking redemption; Tiny Tina (Ariana Greenblatt), a demolition-obsessed pre-teen; Krieg (Florian Munteanu), Tina’s hulking protector; Dr. Tannis (Jamie Lee Curtis), a quirky scientist; and Claptrap (voiced by Jack Black), a wise-cracking robot. Together, they must battle alien creatures, ruthless bandits, and unravel one of Pandora’s most explosive secrets.
Meet the Misfits in the Borderlands
Lilith (Cate Blanchett): Lilith is a master thief and bounty hunter, burdened by her past and struggling with a deep sense of worthlessness. Blanchett’s portrayal of Lilith is both physically demanding and emotionally charged, showing a side of the actress that fans have rarely seen. As she embarks on this dangerous mission, Lilith’s journey becomes one of self-discovery, learning to give and sacrifice, which ultimately begins to restore her sense of self-worth.
Roland (Kevin Hart): Roland, a seasoned mercenary, represents a departure from Hart’s usual comedic roles. Once a respected soldier, Roland is now seeking redemption and a chance to do some good after realizing he’s been on the wrong side of history. Hart’s Roland is disciplined, skilled in combat, and a natural leader, offering a contrast to Lilith’s more chaotic persona.
Dr. Patricia Tannis (Jamie Lee Curtis): Tannis, an eccentric scientist, brings her vast knowledge of Pandora’s history and treasures to the team. Curtis, known for her iconic roles across genres, plays Tannis with a blend of wit and wisdom. Her character’s reunion with Lilith adds depth to the story, as Tannis aids the team with her expertise, helping them navigate Pandora’s dangers.
Tiny Tina (Ariana Greenblatt): One of the most unpredictable characters, Tiny Tina is a 13-year-old demolitions expert with a penchant for chaos. Greenblatt’s portrayal captures Tina’s wild energy, blending childlike innocence with a dangerous edge. The relationship between Lilith and Tina is central to the film, evolving from mutual disdain to a complicated but strong bond.
Krieg (Florian Munteanu): Krieg, Tiny Tina’s loyal bodyguard, is a “Psycho” with a soft spot for the young girl. Munteanu brings a surprising depth to Krieg, a character who, despite his limited communication abilities and brutal nature, is driven by a protective instinct towards Tina. Their relationship highlights the theme of chosen family, a key element of the film.
Claptrap (Jack Black): Claptrap, the persistently wiseass robot, adds comic relief to the ensemble. Voiced by Jack Black, Claptrap is both annoying and endearing, providing a humorous counterbalance to the film’s intense action sequences. His interactions with the team, especially Lilith, are sure to elicit laughs from the audience.
Atlas (Edgar Ramírez): Atlas is the catalyst for the entire story, a corporate overlord with questionable motives. Ramírez’s portrayal of Atlas embodies the ruthless, power-hungry nature of a corporate giant, making him a formidable antagonist. His demand that Lilith find his daughter sets the events of the film in motion, leading to a showdown that will determine the fate of Pandora.
Mad Moxxi (Gina Gershon): Moxxi, the proprietor of the best bar in Sanctuary City, is a character full of allure and cunning. Gershon channels the spirit of classic Hollywood icon Mae West, infusing Moxxi with a blend of charm and danger. Moxxi’s role in the film is pivotal, as she provides crucial support to the team while maintaining her own mysterious agenda.
Gamers might Recall
Fans of the Borderlands video games will recognize many familiar elements in the movie. The film stays true to the game’s distinctive style, combining over-the-top action with dark humor and a rich, dystopian world. The characters, particularly Lilith and Tiny Tina, are faithfully brought to life, maintaining their personalities and quirks from the games. However, the movie also introduces new layers to these characters, giving them more emotional depth and backstory, especially in the case of Lilith, whose personal journey becomes a central focus of the story.
Visually, the movie captures the game’s vibrant, cel-shaded aesthetic, making Pandora feel as chaotic and dangerous as fans remember. The action sequences are intense and stylized, reminiscent of the game’s fast-paced combat. However, the film’s narrative diverges slightly, offering a more structured and cinematic storyline compared to the game’s open-world exploration and looter-shooter mechanics. This change helps make the story more accessible to a broader audience while still retaining the essence of what made Borderlands a hit.