Borderlands 4K UHD Review
Just when you thought video game movies were improving…
Based on the sci-fi video game franchise of the same name, 2024’s “Borderlands” revolves around a bounty hunter (Lilith) who is hired by Atlas to find his daughter Tiny Tina who was kidnapped by a soldier (Roland) and a former Psycho (Krieg). Her destination? Her homeworld wasteland planet Pandora which she had hoped to never step foot on again. Upon arrival, this seemingly simple mission becomes complicated when the Atlas hired Commander Knoxx and the Crimson Lance are also seeking to capture Tina. It seems that Atlas has an ulterior motive and that he needs Tina to find and open the mythical Vault that Pandora is known for. Lilith ends up teaming up with Tiny Tina, Roland, Krieg, her foster mom Patricia, and a robot named Claptrap and discovers a few secrets about her past and present that will change her life forever.
Directed by Eli Roth (with reshoots by Tim Miller) and written by Eli Roth and Joe Crombie, “Borderlands” is a big budget, long delayed video game movie that attempted to start a new franchise. Alas, it flopped at the box office and received a critical drubbing and it’s not hard to see why. Instead of sticking closer to the games, “Borderlands” tries to be more like “Guardians Of The Galaxy” but fails miserably. Some stories in other mediums simply don’t translate well to live-action and “Borderlands” looks to be one of them. The world building here is lacking, the CGI is atrocious, the dialogue is nothing short of lousy, and there are far too many “been there done that” action set pieces. Sure, there’s some detailed big sets, excellent costumes, and easter eggs for the fans, but that can only take you so far. It’s puzzling as Eli Roth tends to be a rather consistent director. This movie never once feels like it came from him.
One would think the all-star ensemble of Cate Blanchett, Kevin Hart, Jack Black, Jamie Lee Curtis, Ariana Greenblatt, Gina Gershon, Janina Gavankar, and Edgar Ramirez would at least salvage the film, but there’s only so much they can do with the lackluster script. The good news is Cate Blanchett carries the film on her back and gives it her all here as Lilith. Without her the movie would have been downright unwatchable. Kevin Hart deserves props for attempting to go outside of his comfort zone a little by going full action hero. The underrated Ariana Greenblatt is likable as Tiny Tina while Jack Black tries to liven the movie up as the comedic, fast talking robot Claptrap.
Video/Audio:
Presentation: 2.39:1 2160p With Dolby Vision. How does it look? Expect a transfer that is so pristine that it makes the CGI shortcomings even more apparent.
Audio Track: Dolby Atmos. How does it sound? This is a loud, active and layered Atmos track. Everything you could ask for from an Atmos track.
Extras:
* Blu-ray copy
* Digital copy
* “Borderlands: From Game To Screen”- A featurette on the big screen adaptation of the video game with interviews and behind-the-scenes footage.
* “Meet The Team” covers the main characters.
* “All Aboard The Death Choo Choo” revolves around the action and stunts.
* “Bringing Borderlands To The Screen” showcases Eli Roth’s vision.
* “Badonkadonk Time” is all about the weapons.
* “Fashion And Action On Pandora”- A featurette on the costumes.
* “High-Tech Hellscapes” is dedicated to the special effects.
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