Eli Roth teams up once again with Cate Blanchett and Jack Black for “Borderlands,” a film that attempts to deliver a thrilling action-fantasy experience but ultimately falls short. Cate Blanchett, known for her diverse range of roles, steps into the shoes of an action hero as Lilith, a bounty hunter tasked with a perilous mission on her home planet of Pandora. Despite her natural charisma and ability to command the screen, Blanchett is left with a film that fails to live up to her potential as an action star.
The story follows Lilith as she is hired by a wealthy businessman to retrieve his kidnapped daughter. However, the plot takes a twist when Lilith discovers that the true villain may be closer than she thinks. Along her journey, she teams up with a diverse group of characters, including the skilled warrior Roland (Kevin Hart), the imposing Krom (Olivier Richters), the clever scientist Patricia (Jamie Lee Curtis), and the quirky robot Claptrap, voiced by Jack Black.
While the concept of unlikely allies in a futuristic world might remind viewers of “Guardians of the Galaxy,” the similarities end there. The action sequences in “Borderlands” are plentiful but lack the innovation and excitement needed to make a lasting impression. The set pieces, ranging from car chases to cave explorations, feel more like levels in a video game rather than an immersive cinematic experience. Unfortunately, the world of Pandora is visually dull and creatively uninspired, leaving the audience with little to remember.
Jack Black does his best to inject humor into the film with his lively performance as Claptrap, even referencing his role in “Kung Fu Panda” during a fight scene. However, the humor and energy he brings are not enough to elevate the lackluster script. Kevin Hart, who previously brought energy to their collaboration in “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle,” struggles to make an impact here.
Cate Blanchett and Jack Black previously showcased their chemistry in Eli Roth’s 2018 fantasy-comedy “The House With a Clock in Its Walls,” but “Borderlands” doesn’t capture that same magic. Even the presence of Jamie Lee Curtis can’t save the film from its uninspired execution. The movie could have been an emotional story of homecoming and growth disguised as an action fantasy, but these themes feel forced and disjointed. In the end, “Borderlands” is a hollow action film, best enjoyed in an immersive 4DX experience if at all. As we wait for Cate Blanchett’s defining moment in the action genre, we can still enjoy her memorable performance as Hela in “Thor: Ragnarok”—a role that truly deserved applause.