BORDERLANDS. US, 2024. Starring Cate Blanchett, Kevin Hart, Edgar Ramirez, Jamie Lee Curtis, Ariana Greenblatt, Florian Munteanu, Gina Gershon, Haley Bennett, voice of Jack Black. Directed by Eli Roth. 102 minutes. Rated M (Action violence)
Borderlands is based on the popular videogame. It is an adaptation by writer-director, Roth (horror films such as Hostel, fantasies such as The House with a Clock in its Walls and the effective crime drama, Thanksgiving). On the whole, however, the critical response has been poor.
It has the usual science fiction ingredients, distant planets, conflict in the universe, power-hungry rulers, a tough bounty hunter, commentary from a scientist, a young girl at the centre of the conflict. The film depends on its cast, special effects, complex sequences, chases, fantasy imaginings.
It would have been interesting to be a fly on the wall at the discussions with the casting director. The main desire would be a strong tough female figure, warrior type, muscles and force rather than feminine grace, more of a martial arts champion. And the choice was made for Cate Blanchett who is too subtle a screen presence to be persuasive as the bounty hunter, more convincing in the final transformation to be the saviour of the world. The next question then, a tough warrior, tall and strong, able to resist all comers. And the choice of a for Kevin Hart noted for his wisecracking performances and not the tallest of actors. And what about a scientist, a kind of wisdom figure, able to articulate what is going on in terms of the planets, civilisation, a hidden vault with secrets of the universe? The choice of Curtis who has a strong history of being a strong woman in difficult situations.
And the other main asset of the action is a one-wheel robotic machine whose every thought is voiced aloud, and is also full of wisecracks. Actually, Black fits the role perfectly. And, for this reviewer, one of the more enjoyable aspects of the film.
And, the rest of the cast is strong, Greenblatt (65, Barbie) is the precocious young teenager who seems to be the key to the quest for finding an opening the vault. Ramirez, Hispanic instead of a British villain, is the power-hungry father.
So, that is the cast, the origin of the film is a computer game, the expected action strange planets – all of which are indications for you to decide whether Borderlands is a film to see or not.
Roadshow
Released 8 August