Cate Blanchett’s Borderlands had some very big shoes to fill. Based on a video game series of the same name, it was very important for the new film to meet fan expectations. Due to this, a lot was invested into the film, being directed by Eli Roth, and having an impressive and star-studded cast ranging from Ariana Greenblatt to Jamie Lee Curtis, Kevin Hart, and Blanchett herself.
While many would think that this would be enough to make the film a massive success, however, recent reviews say otherwise. The first wave of fan reactions has come in, and they are nothing but negative. Not only has this made many hesitant about watching the film, but to say that it will hurt the film’s profits is an understatement.
Borderlands and the Video Game Curse
Over the years, fans have become especially cautious and critical when Hollywood decides to adapt a video game into a film or a series. The reason for this is because it hardly ever works out. There are several reasons for this, ranging from a complicated story, behind-the-scenes conflicts, a poor understanding of the source material, and so much more.
Unfortunately for Cate Blanchett, her recently released film, Borderlands, has become the latest casualty of the video game curse. Many fans have taken to X to talk about their thoughts on the film, and they have been nothing but negative. Some have called it the worst film of the year, lacking personality and a good script.
#Borderlands is simply one of the worst films I’ve watched this year and a disgrace to one of my favourite video game franchises.
Eli Roth sucks out all the personality and visual style like a vampire at night. He takes the name of Borderlands and the names of its characters and… pic.twitter.com/b6kVGTJn17
— Chris 🦦 #VENOMANIACS (@LuminousDagger) August 7, 2024
Is it too soon to call #Borderlands the worst movie of ’24? There are still many cinema turkeys headed our way. But this gobbler mixes inept directing, terrible writing, indifferent acting and gawdawful CGI into such stupefying boredom, it feels nothing could top it for badness. pic.twitter.com/C8CTJuwoWG
— Peter Howell 🖊 (@peterhowellfilm) August 8, 2024
Why do studios constantly hire directors that don’t care about the source material and just make their own thing. It always goes poorly
— Snowgard (@Snowgard_) August 7, 2024
Why do videogame adaptations always suck shit, I’m looking at YOU Uncharted(and why is it usually the ones of my all time favorite games!?)
— bring back bruno and sakura🍉🇵🇸XO (@TheDudeSWG) August 8, 2024
me after watching 2 minutes of the borderlands movie https://t.co/9Ej9wFpcp4 pic.twitter.com/HrSlK4Pi4q
— Aspekt (@tehemopenguin) August 7, 2024
i mean….im not shocked at all. I've said it before and I'll say it again, we aren't quite in the era where studios will give a damn about every videogame IP they get ahold of.
Some have, but we are another 5+ years away from better constant adaptations— Tony | RESIDENCE of EVIL (@one_big_boss) August 7, 2024
Every single aspect of the movie has been ripped to shreds online, with audiences criticizing its CGI, action sequences, writing, as well as acting. Many seem to believe that it has no redeeming qualities. One fan mentioned how the director, Eli Roth, has not done a good job of adapting from the source material, losing all the personality and uniqueness that the games had.
It is safe to say that fans are extremely unhappy with what was delivered to them, having yet another classic video game ruined.
Cate Blanchett’s Borderlands Needs A Miracle
It is only natural that such bad reviews are bound to hurt the ratings and the profits that a film makes. Unfortunately for Borderlands, that is very catastrophic thanks to their budget. It was reported by ScreenRant that the estimated budget for the film was around $100 million, considering its cast, its action sequences, and how big its production was.
With this in mind, the movie would have to make over $200-$300 million in order to be considered profitable. While many movies can make this amount very easily, and the same could be the case with Cate Blanchett’s film after its release, the initial reception before it was even released could seriously hamper its performance.
Since word is starting to spread about the quality of the series, it would not be surprising if fans decide against going to the theater and watching the film.
