As the cinema-loving public steadily makes its way into the back half of the 2024 movie schedule, there is still the release of Eli Roth’s Borderlandsmuch of which has yet to be seen by the public. I just call it that name because even though people are familiar with the Gearbox Software video game series, Borderlands fans have been given a break thanks to the film’s “disappointing” PG-13 rating. With what is referred to as upcoming video game adaptations final trailer, we finally got to see more of Florian Munteanu’s Krieg in action. And, after seeing the results, I have to say I really dig the Groot vibes he gives off.
It’s certainly a contrast to what that character looks like to someone with little to no knowledge of this beloved video game series. Some might assume that a huge muscle showroom with a name like “Krieg” would be the strong and silent type that uses its strength to silence you.
To be fair, even Borderlands’ first trailer had this film attached as a rival cousin to Guardians of the Galaxywhich features a hell of a band of anti-heroes who form a foundling family. So it’s not a complaint or a compliment. Rather, I seriously commend that fact Lionsgates latest look at this beleaguered production gives us more Big Nasty for the money.
Not only that, but we’ll probably get to the cast as well best known for playing Ivan Drago’s son in Creed II and its sequel speak, as well as see him clap his hands excitedly, at the command of Kevin Hartis Roland. And that was the moment when his Groot-ness really shined for me, as in that gesture he’s joined by the very Rocket-like Tiny Tina, played by Marvel Cinematic Universe vet Ariana Greenblatt.
I have a feeling those two characters are going to be thieves within the cast, and I’m totally cool with that. And that’s still a good feeling to have, given that aside from these very funny moments, we’re getting a lot of the same footage from our previous look at the film. And what isn’t recycled outwardly seems bordering on what fans have already seen.
It’s a decision that makes me wonder Borderlands played close to the chest by the folks at Lionsgate to prevent any serious twists from being revealed. Maybe there’s even an outside chance Eli Roths take on the series may become one of them best video game movies on the market? Time will tell.
Again, we’re venturing into the unknown with this project, and the reaction feels poised to be either surprising satisfaction or grim disappointment. If there is a middle ground, we must wait to discover it ourselves, as Borderlands is set to open on August 9; and with a bright and shiny IMAX version to consider too. In the meantime, though, I’m down to watch some more fun footage of Florian Munteanu’s delightful Krieg.
