Plot: What’s it about?
When I try and think of all the movies that are based off video games, the list becomes very short. And if I try and think of all of those that are good (i.e. that I enjoyed), the list gets even shorter still. For every Tomb Raider or Resident Evil, we’ve got a film like this. I’ll do my best not to unnecessarily bash this “work of art.” However, after viewing the movie I felt it was somewhat akin to getting head in the head with a board – a couple hours out of my life with me saying “what the hell happened?” To the filmmakers credit, they’ve assembled a top notch cast with two time Oscar winner Cate Blanchett leading the way. She’s joined by another Academy Award winner in Jamie Lee Curtis and added to the mix are Kevin Hart and Jack Black (reuniting from their Jumanji days). Behind the camera is Eli Roth, a filmmaker who’s made his name doing horror, so for him to grab this one left me scratching my head. Was it a stroke of genius or should he have stayed in his lane?
Most films have a bona fide plot. This one seems to forego that. Rather it seems to be a series of missions that, well, rarely work. Having never played the game, I have to assume that this is what it’s lie. The characters must make their way to a certain place where they have to find a special object or two and to do that they must traverse many dangerous obstacles and not, you know – die. In essence, it’s like playing a video game without the actual satisfaction of having done anything. Still, we meet Lilith (Cate Blanchett), a bounty hunter who’s hired to return to her home planet to find Tiny Tina (Ariana Greenblatt), a teenager who may or may not be the key to opening a vault of alien technology. She’s got her protectors in Roland (Kevin Hart), Krieg (Florian Munteanu) and Tannis (Jamie Lee Curtis). Lest we forget the wisecracking robot, Claptrap (voiced by Jack Black).
I’ve got two pieces of advice when approaching a movie like this. Or, more to the point, approaching this…either don’t see it or simply approach it with zero expectations. If you choose the latter, you’ll have a better time. And don’t get me wrong, it’s not totally bad, it’s just that there’s much better out there. The cast is competent and really has nothing to lose. Their careers will be fine as will Eli Roth’s. But these ensemble films are so hit and miss (mainly the latter) that it’s hard to imagine how they got greenlit in the first place. Add to that the cost of the film (likely most of which went to pay the actors’ salaries) isn’t exactly a case study in economics – the budget was $115 million and it made back $30 of that worldwide. I imagine a studio executive or two are polishing up their resumes. Take it with a grain of salt. You’ll be glad you did. Or don’t see it at all and you might be even more thankful.
Video: How’s it look?
Movies like this (based on video games) will often have a very particular aesthetic associated with them. This is no exception. The cast of characters themselves cover the entire spectrum from Lilith’s fire-engine red hair to some of the somewhat cartoonish scenes in between. Regardless of your personal opinion on the film, I have to say that the 2.39:1 HEVC 4K image does look flat out amazing. Colors are bright, bold and beautiful, detail is off the charts and so on. We know what to expect from a day-and-date release and this is no exception. Viewers will love the way this looks.
Audio: How’s it sound?
Again, films based off video games are generally going to sound good. Borderlands takes quite a few cues from some other films of the genre, but if you’ve got a full Dolby Atmos setup – this is what it was made for. Vocals are sharp and crisp and I did have to chuckle hearing Jack Black’s voice. Say what you will about the guy, but he’s got an amazing sound that comes out of that little frame. Directional effects are used often and with great effect. Suffice it to say that like the video presentation – you’ve got an equally amazing-sounding film.
Supplements: What are the extras?
- Borderlands – From Game to Screen – Pretty much that. We get some talking points with Eli Roth leading the way about how this was adapted from video game to the big screen.
- Meet the Team – We meet the ensemble cast of characters.
- All Aboard the Death Choochoo – I thought I was the only person who referred to trains as “Death Choochoo’s?” Guess not. At any rate, this one focuses on the stunts in the film.
- Bringing Borderlands to the Screen – This is essentially an overlapping feature much like the first one, though we get more Eli Roth if that’s your thing.
- Badonkadonk Time – This one takes aim at some of the unique weapons featured in the film.
- Fashion and Action on Pandora – I imagine it’s rather hard to adapt a video game to a movie. That’s why I don’t do it. But others can and do, this is a view of the high points.
- High Tech Hellscapes – Wrapping things up we get a look at the production design of the film. Again, it goes back to that “translating the game to screen” thing that was covered way too much in the above features.
The Bottom Line
As someone who doesn’t really play video games, I can’t attest as to how successful this one was. I suppose if they made a feature-length film about it, it must have done OK. And we all know that Eli Roth is a competent filmmaker, though this isn’t really in his wheelhouse. Add to that a couple of Oscar winners in the cast and I’m sure they thought they had a home run. They struck out. While the technical merits are top notch, it’s the content that’s lacking. At least it was for me.
