The following contains spoilers for Borderlands, now playing in theaters
Summary
Borderlandssuffers from a serious mistake in the adaptation process.Borderlandsis just the latest video game property to get a big-budget remake. Any adaptation is a tricky proposition, but it has proven to be particularly hard for filmmakers seeking to bring the joys and thrills of video games to film and television. In recent years, video game adaptations have been experiencing a number of solid results, with faithful recreations likeThe Super Mario Bros. Moviedelighting audiences whileThe Last of UsandArcaneexpanded on the originals in compelling ways.
A lot went wrong forBorderlands, but the actual process of adapting the games is a big reason for the story problems. While the original game series has usually leaned more heavily into visual style and gameplay over intricate storytelling, the games have featured some really compelling character-driven plotlines. However, instead of reflecting the strengths of one title or directly adapting any overarching plots, the film’s attempt to use too much established material to tell a new narrative ends up hurting the film rather than setting upan excitingBorderlandssequel.
The Borderlands Movie Cutting This Video Game Character Is Even More Disappointing Now
The Borderlands movie is finally here, and of all the criticisms of the film, this missing character is one of the most disappointing ones.
The Borderlands Movie Isn’t An Adaptation Of A Specific Video Game
BorderlandsPulls From A Lot Of Different Games
Borderlandsisn’t a direct adaptation of any specific story from the game series, and this broad approach to the source material ends up negatively impacting the finished film.Borderlandsis a hodgepodge adaptation, taking elements and characters from several different entries in the series to tell a largely original story. Elements of the story are drawn from the overall lore of the series, even as it makes big changes to Lilith’s powers and origin. The result is the film feels overstuffed with concepts, but doesn’t have the time or focus to commit fully to any of them.
Having a more specific adaptation from a script and world-building level could have been the right way to salvage the film, as it would have retained a tighter focus. For example, the film could directly channelBorderlands, keeping the focus more on Lilith and Roland’s arc as they explore Pandora instead of trying to also force in focus for characters like Krieg and Tina. This would have given the film plenty of breathing room and more time to develop the characters while leaving plenty of characters to explore further with a prospective sequel.
Borderlands 2’s Influence On The Movie Hurts The Movie & Franchise
Borderlands 2Is A Series Highlight, But That Might Have Hurt The Film More Than Helped It
Borderlands 2is arguably the best entry in the game series, and remains a fan-favorite for introducing characters like Tina and Handsome Jack. However,trying to fit those elements into a story that is supposed to be focused on Lilith ends up overstuffing theBorderlandsmoviewith characters and concepts. Characters like Atlas are morphed to resemble Handsome Jack, but lack the distinct touches that make that character memorable. Tina was always an important supporting character, but never necessarily the lead in the story, something the movie makes clear with an underwritten version of the character.
Borderlandstakes cues from the first game while also developing its own unique approach to classic franchise characters and concepts. However, trying to add inBorderlands 2elements only made it unwieldy.A more straightforward story and cast of characters would have likely improvedBorderlands, keeping the film more character-driven. Part of the appeal of the firstBorderlands' admittedly thin story is the way it’s portrayed as just another day on Pandora, instead of the manufactured stakes of the film. This is reflective ofBorderlands 2’s expanded scope, which feels rushes and underdeveloped in the film.
8 Reasons Reviews For The Borderlands Movie Are So Awful
Critic reviews for Borderlands are awful, and there are several major reasons why the movie has been met with so much negativity and criticism.
Borderlands Would Have Been Better By Only Adapting The First Game
Lowering The Stakes & Building Up The World Could Have Seriously ImprovedBorderlands
More than anything, the firstBorderlandsgame was great at world-building. It set up just enough fascinating elements and unique touches to make the grungy and colorful sci-fi setting stand out. Teases about a larger scope were enticing, and helped draw audiences into a more ambitious and fulfillingBorderlands 2.TheBorderlandsfilm tries to do both, and as a result fails at both. The world-building inBorderlandsfeels rushed, while the overstuffed narrative means the characters lack the compelling edge they need to stand out.Borderlandsneeded to be a more tightly focused adaptation.
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New Tales From The Borderlands
Reducing or even cutting characters like Tina and Krieg from the narrative and focusing more on the hunt for the Vault from the start,it might have been able to capture the effective elements of the first game. Even makingchanges between theBorderlandsmovie and gamesisn’t necessarily a bad thing, allowing the film to reinvent villains. However, the broad approach the film takes to recreating the games means there’s no specific elements that elevate it. A successfulBorderlandsfilm would have justified further exploration of Pandora and could have given those fan-favorite elements the proper room they needed.
Borderlands
Cast
Based on the video game franchise, Borderlands is a sci-fi action-comedy film that follows Cate Blanchett as Lilith, a treasure hunter who returns to her home planet, Pandora, to find a tycoon’s missing daughter. Together with a group of unlikely allies, such as a soldier, a teenaged demolitions expert, a wise-cracking robot, and an eccentric scientist, the group will work together to save the girl - all while learning to deal with each other’s unyielding quirks.
