The first reactions to the Borderlands film are predominantly negative.
Premieres took place in numerous locations this week, and the social media embargo was lifted early so attendees could share their first impressions before full reviews were released later.
The vast majority of these first impressions are critical of the film, with many criticizing the humor (or lack thereof), the unconvincing computer animation, and the lack of suspense.
Only the cast, including Cate Blanchett and Jack Black, can get some praise, according to the first tweets about the film.
Movie review Edgar Ortega wrote: “Borderlands feels like what an unworldly executive thinks the 'cool kids' will find appealing.
“There isn't a single serious character moment here, just obnoxious lines that feel dated as soon as they come out of the actors' mouths. It's not even so bad that it's good, just a complete mess.”
Bitesize Breakdown Critics Adriano Caporusso said: “Borderlands is a disaster. This film is crammed with every cliche imaginable and trades the chaos and fantasy of the games for a lifeless, unfunny and visually repulsive flop with annoying characters and a cast without an ounce of chemistry.”
Hs worked together Nick van Dinther added: “Borerlands is borderline unbearable. The violence is boring and uninspired, the chemistry is off, and the story progression is both boring and painfully obvious. I had no expectations and was still somehow disappointed.”
Critics of films we have written about Matthew Simpson wrote: “Oh hey, I can tell you that I've seen Borderlands now and it's really bad. I really wanted to like it, but an uninspired plot + several lame performances + being stuck in a weird place where it looks expensive and cheap at the same time make it a huge flop.
“Jack Black is great though. He's the only one who achieves the energy that the game and the trailers promise.”
Freelance critic Sean Patrick Kelly wrote: “The social media embargo is now lifted and I can say that Borderlands has an exceptional level of detail for those who have played the video games, but I don't know if that's enough to stop people from calling it a Guardians of the Galaxy rip-off.”
Film Scene Canada Author Darren Movie Reviews added: “Borderlands is an amazing video game adaptation. There's potential for great world-building, but it never happens due to a rushed and boring script – the set design is impressive, but the film feels cheap due to poor CGI.
“Cate Blanchett, Ariana Greenblatt and Jack Black are all great, even if their characters are underdeveloped and most of the jokes are rubbish. And while the video game is rated M, the movie is rated PG-13 and you can tell it forces Eli Roth into an uncomfortable position while trying to create a fun and bizarre space adventure. Not bad, but completely forgettable.”
Critic Kurt Morrison wrote, “As predictable as movies get these days, Borderlands is almost unbearable. With so much talent in front of and behind the camera, it's amazing to me that this is the finished product in the end.
“Blanchett and Hart have a lot of fun here and keep the film from being a disaster. The film is intended to be a franchise starter and it would be a big surprise if it found an audience.”
The Hollywood Grip was more positive, saying, “Borderlands is an entertaining PG-13 action movie. It relies entirely on Cate Blanchett's star power to carry it to the finish line – and she delivers.
“Although the film has nothing special to offer, it is entertaining from start to finish and has a good pace throughout. Jack Black is also a comedic masterpiece.
“Aside from some cheesy flashbacks and acting choices that don't always work, there's nothing to complain about in Borderlands, but also nothing to be happy about.”