Eli Roth's highly anticipated Borderlands movie is poised for theatrical release, but early critical reception paints a bleak picture. Read on for a summary of initial reviews and what moviegoers can expect.

Borderlands: A Critical Miss?

Stellar Cast Can't Save a Flawed Film

Early reviews for the Borderlands film adaptation are overwhelmingly negative. Critics, following early screenings across the US, have taken to social media to express their disappointment. Common criticisms include weak humor, unconvincing CGI, and a poorly developed script.

Edgar Ortega of Loud and Clear Reviews tweeted, "Borderlands feels like a studio exec's misguided attempt at 'cool.' No genuine character moments, just stale, unfunny jokes. It's not even so bad it's good; it's just a mess."

Darren Movie Reviews (Movie Scene Canada) called the film "a baffling video game adaptation," praising the potential world-building but criticizing the rushed and uninspired screenplay. He noted that, despite impressive set design, poor CGI undermines the overall visual appeal.

Despite the largely negative response, some critics found glimmers of hope. Film critic Kurt Morrison noted that Cate Blanchett and Kevin Hart's performances elevated the film, preventing it from being a complete disaster, though he doubts it will find a wide audience. The Hollywood Handle offered a slightly more positive assessment, describing it as a "fun PG-13 action movie" carried by Blanchett's star power.

Announced by Gearbox in 2020 after a period of uncertainty, the Borderlands movie boasts a strong cast, despite initial fan skepticism.

As major publications release their full reviews in the coming days, audiences will have the opportunity to form their own opinions when Borderlands hits theaters on August 9th. In other news, Gearbox has hinted at a new Borderlands game.