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Let's face it... movies have been less than original for the most part lately. Besides sequel 2,954 of the latest horror movie the newest best-selling novel screen adaptation or some comic book hero franchise, there isn't much that is unique in cinemas. Therefore, it only makes sense that the film studios would look to another theatrical medium for content. In this case, we are talking about video games. Sure, we had Lara Croft: Tomb Raider and Mortal Kombat but now from the mind of writer/director Eli Roth (Thanksgiving) comes the film adaptation of Gearbox Software's 2009 game, Borderlands.
Lilith (Cate Blanchett; Blue Jasmine) is a bounty hunter who is hired by Atlas (Edgar Ramírez; Point Break) to find his daughter, Tiny Tina (Ariana Greenblatt; Barbie) who has supposedly been kidnapped by a former member of Atlas' Army, Roland (Kevin Hart; Ride Along). Unfortunately, tracking them down lands Lilith on her home planet of Pandora, which she has not been to since she left as a child. Supposedly, Pandora is home to a hidden Eridian vault that houses the lost civilization's advanced technology. Once Lilith realizes that Tina was bio-engineered by Atlas and that she doesn't want to go back to him, Lilith helps Roland hide Tina as they search for the elusive vault. However, the result of their adventure on Pandora ends with Lilith reaching the true potential she was unaware she possessed.
Immediately out of the gate, with a truly talented cast, there were high expectations for Borderlands. Besides two-time Academy Award winner Blanchett, Hart, Greenblatt, and Ramírez, the cast includes comedian Jack Black (School of Rock), Jaime Lee Curtis (Everything Everywhere All At Once) and Florian Munteanu (Creed II). Unfortunately, there isn't much chemistry or cohesion among the actors. Greenblatt is terrific and Blanchett is good, but Black's nasally voice makes Claptrap more often annoying than funny and Curtis portrays a bit daffy, eccentric scientist, a role that doesn't serve her well.
The Dolby Vision video quality of this 4K UHD release is spotless and offers a beautiful representation of the source material. The minute details, and plenty of them, are sharp and clean. The special effects look rather realistic and not overly processed, thankfully. Color saturation is strong and skin tones look natural.
A Dolby Atmos audio track is complemented by the video with layered sounds on multiple tracks. Explosions are deep and booming, as is the music soundtrack with heart-pounding, bass-heavy songs. Dialogue is clean and crisp and sits in the front speakers for the most part. Overall, the audio quality is excellent and a treat to listen to.
The 4K combo pack comes with the 4K disc, Blu-ray Disc, and digital download. There are also seven extras but they are less than stellar and leave much to be desired. The extras include Borderlands- From Game to Screen, Meet the Team, All Aboard the Death Choochoo, Bringing Borderlands to the Screen, Badonkadonk Time, Fashion and Action on Pandora, and High Tech Hellscapes.
Borderlands, as a movie, had so much potential. From the budget to the cast and Roth's direction to the built-in gaming audience, if it had been done well it could have been a box office success. Sadly, in this case, the sum of the parts of Borderlands the movie doesn't equal more. It is a mishmash of plot points all thrown together hoping to stick. Sadly, it doesn't. Technically, the 4K release is excellent but the movie itself isn't a great entry into the realm of video game adaptations.
Grade: C
