Borderlands

While being at the heart of the summer film season, we are typically in the lookout of films that would exude what we would expect from a summer flick. Many films might exude that look, however nothing like "Borderlands" comes close. This is the quintessential summer flick on a stick to revel and have fun with. 

Lilith (Cate Blanchett), an infamous bounty hunter with a mysterious past, reluctantly returns to her home, Pandora, the most chaotic planet in the galaxy. Her mission is to find the missing daughter of Atlas (Edgar Ramirez), the universe's most powerful S.O.B. Lilith forms an unexpected alliance with a ragtag team of misfits--Roland (Kevin Hart), a seasoned mercenary on a mission, Tiny Tina (Ariana Greenblatt), a feral pre-teen demolitionist, Krieg (Florian Munteanu), Tina's musclebound protector, Tannis (Jamie Lee Curtis), the oddball scientist who's seen it all, and Claptrap (Jack Black), a wise-ass robot. Together, these unlikely heroes must battle an alien species and dangerous bandits to uncover one of Pandora's most explosive secrets. The fate of the universe could be in their hands--but they'll be fighting for something more: each other. Based on one of the best-selling videogame franchises of all time, welcome to BORDERLANDS.

Others to round out the cast are Janina Gavankar as Knoxx, Benjamin Byron Davis as Marcus, Olivier Richters as Krom, Gina Gershon as Moxxi, Ryann Redmond as Ellie, Haley Bennett as Lilith's mom and Steven Boyer as Scooter. 

This was directed with grit and wit by the comparable Eli Roth ("Cabin Fever" '02, "Hostel" '05, "Hostel: Part II" '07, "The Green Inferno" '13, "Knock Knock" '15, "Death Wish" '18, "The House with a Clock in Its Walls" '`18, "Fin" '21, "Thanksgiving" '23) plus TV, shorts and videos. First of all, Roth is a filmmaker that knows how to go for the juggler, and secondly, as compared to some of his other films, this is rather toned down in its graphic violence, which I believe can allow the audience to dwell more on the story than be subjected to blood and guts aplenty. Each character had their own distinct original personality, and not only is this effective acting, but surely talented directing as well. He truly can give a one two punch with his projects, this being of no exception. It was also written with fun, adrenaline and adventure by Eli Roth ("Aftershock" '12, "The Man with the Iron Fists" '12, plus films listed above) plus TV, a short and videos, and Joe Crombie, based on a story by Eli Roth, which is based on a videogame by Gearbox Studios, produced by 2X. The best thing going for this film is the fact that it was simply created as an excellent form of escapism, replete with crude humor, fun, tons of explosives and high-adrenaline--the quintessential ingredients for a rollicking summer flick. Is it an Oscar worthy contender? Absolutely not, but obviously this wasn't made with that in mind. It apparently has received a number of poor reviews, and I'm not sure why. This running time moved right along leaving one wanting more. Really, other than a couple of very small places of disjointedness, this film was enjoyable and fun as can be! Everyone in the cast were casted well and all worked well off of each other. If you like Roth's work, his "Thanksgiving 2" is in development.

Certainly, if you like video games, or are in the demographic of a single male between the ages of 18-30, you will revel, however, I believe anyone can like this film if you just want to unravel for the day and sit back and enjoy this roller coaster ride. If you like that up, close and personal feel, this also presented in an IMAX format as well. 

Out of 4 Stars: 3.5                                           Rated: PG-13                                         100mins.