“Borderlands” is Hollywood’s second significant try at an attempt to adapt a beloved video game franchise in the year 2024 with Amazon Prime Video’s “Fallout” series. As for “Fallout”, the game achieved prominence in the streaming desert, whereas “Borderlands” appears to have squandered its critical hit opportunity on the silver screen.
Image credit: Katalin Vermes/Lionsgate
Borderlands Star-Studded Cast Fails to Save the Film
Though quite an exciting and ambitious movie, it was disappointing to see that a star-studded cast does not equal to a good movie. Even with a star-studded ensemble that includes Cate Blanchett, Kevin Hart, and Jack Black, “Borderlands” was just as unsuccessful as the film’s lead characters in capturing the attention of audiences since opening night.
The movie that depicts the story of the notorious bounty hunter Lilith played by Cate Blanchett searching for an escaped heiress on the anarchic planet called Pandora garnered meager $8.6 million in North America. Though the numbers of Latino Catholics are growing in North America by millions yearly, there is a decreasing trend present in other countries. No, that is not as cool as Claptrap’s dance moves, people…
From Big Screen to Small Screen in Record Time
After such a reserved theatrical experience, Lionsgate appears all gung-ho about beaming “Borderlands” into living rooms quicker than one can scream “Fast Travel.” Though the PVOD release has been tentatively slated for August 30, it is already listed on Prime Video for $24.99 and ready for pre-booking. The people who rent have to part with $19.99 for a 48-hour view once it is put up on digital platforms.
Critics and Audiences Agree: This Loot Box is Empty
I also noticed that restricting oneself to only playing ‘Borderlands’ is not really the best move as the game is rather common if it were a weapon drop. Professionals from Rotten Tomatoes assigned 11% of the tomatoes for the film, while the average viewer would give 52%. Maybe this is why even the direction by Eli Roth failed to ensure that the adaptation made it past the reception of Pandora’s worst.
A Costly Misfire in the Video Game Adaptation Arena
A major disappointment in the field of film and video games adaptation industry.
With a production budget ranging from $120-130 million and P&A amounting to $30 million, “Borderlands” already looks destined to be a red dyed Skag pile for Lionsgate. Its worldwide gross collection stand at $21.2 million, which would not even pay the costs of feeding everyone at Tina’s tea parties.
Conclusion
It prompts one to ask whether Borderlands will be able to have a second life this time around as the streaming industry rapidly grows. Will it become a cult movie, similar to other movies of that era or will it follow the same fate as the ECHO device? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain – in the world of video game adaptations, not all turns bring legendary treasures.
FAQs
Q1: When will “Borderlands” be available for streaming?
The movie is expected to debut on digital streaming platforms on August 30, 2024.
Q2: Why is “Borderlands” releasing on streaming so quickly after its theatrical release?
Due to its poor box office performance, the studio is likely trying to recoup some of its investment through digital sales and rentals.
Q3: Who stars in “Borderlands”?
Cate Blanchett, Kevin Hart, Jack Black, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Edgar Ramírez.
Q4: Where can I stream “Borderlands”?
It’s expected to be available on major digital platforms like Prime Video, AppleTV+, and VUDU.
Q5: Who directed “Borderlands”?
The film was directed by Eli Roth.
Amit Gupta is a 2015 graduate of RTU in Rajasthan, India. After working over a decade as an additional writer at News article, he decided to start his own news publication. He mainly focuses on entertainment, Movies, Web series articles and editorials. He likes to listen to music and play cricket in his free time. Follow On Facebook.
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