Borderlands Movie Ending Explained: How It Changes The Game's Story

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades under my belt, I’ve seen more than my fair share of video game adaptations that left much to be desired. But Borderlands, oh boy, it takes the cake! The movie is so far removed from the source material that it might as well have been titled “Some Random Alien Action Movie.”

After facing several setbacks, the long-awaited Borderlands film has finally emerged as a breath of fresh air within the realm of video game adaptations, challenging the stereotype that they all must be disappointing. However, some films in this genre may still fall short – even a poorly made movie is a poor movie, irrespective of its origin. Regrettably, Borderlands falls into this category. Yet, the film’s shortcomings are not due to it being based on a video game; instead, it struggles because it strays too far from the core elements of the game, resulting in a more generic experience than expected.

As a die-hard fan who has spent countless hours immersed in the vibrant and chaotic world of Borderlands, I must warn my fellow enthusiasts: This article is brimming with significant spoilers about the Borderlands movie’s conclusion, as well as comparisons to the game’s intricate plots. If you haven’t yet watched the film or delved into the games, tread carefully, as the revelations and parallels ahead may shatter your expectations and alter the way you perceive this beloved franchise.

Apart from the costumes, the film adaptation of Borderlands deviates significantly from the games in various aspects. The overall feel and narrative are distinct, with less humor present than expected, and it’s rated PG-13, making it devoid of blood. Initially, I found the absence of blood unsettling, as it left the action feeling incomplete or unresolved to me.

The main alterations are found in the movie’s adaptation of the game’s storyline and its elimination of key characters. Despite these changes, the core concept remains consistent: In a desolate region known as Pandora, there lies an ancient vault brimming with technology from an extinct alien race called the Eridians, and many are eager to locate it and gain access. However, everything else is either subtly or significantly modified.

The main storyline revolves around Bob Atlas, the leader of Atlas Corporation, who is referred to as such throughout the film. He discovered some ancient alien blood and used it to create his “daughter,” Tiny Tina, who’s said to be a living key to an underground vault. However, she was held captive by one of Atlas’s soldiers named Roland, who later rescued her and took her to Pandora. As a result, Atlas enlists Lilith, who hails from Pandora, to travel back to her home planet, locate Roland, and retrieve Tina.

In this film, Atlas is an original character, not derived from any game content. While Handsome Jack, a character from the Borderlands games, shares some similarities due to being a villain with a magical daughter, he doesn’t appear in the movie. As the main antagonist of Borderlands 1, Commandant Steele might also seem somewhat related. However, there isn’t a direct parallel for this character. Tiny Tina from the games is not a copy and her parents are deceased. Lilith, as portrayed in the movies, isn’t from Pandora either.

In the story, we eventually assemble a quartet of characters – Roland, Lilith, Tiny Tina, and Krieg – reminiscent of the games. Characters from Borderlands 1, Mordecai and Brick, are noticeably absent. The four join forces with scientist Patricia Tannis to locate the vault’s keys and its whereabouts, in a race against Atlas to reach it first. They attempt to utilize the keys and Tiny Tina to open the vault, but their efforts prove unsuccessful – Tiny Tina appears to be the wrong key. The correct key, surprisingly, is Lilith, who discovers at the climax that she’s a Siren with immense ancient power – a power essential for opening the vault. In the games, Sirens and Eridians are distinct entities, but the movie combines them, portraying Lilith as an heir to the Eridian legacy, which feels unusual as a plot twist since Lilith’s character class in the game is a Siren and her Siren powers are utilized throughout.

Following an intense CGI fight between our heroes and Atlas’s villainous troops, both Lilith and Atlas managed to gain entry into the vault. However, Atlas had Tina as a hostage at gunpoint. Not much time passed before the vault’s resident creature, a tentacled beast (The Destroyer), emerged. As Lilith rescued Tina and made her escape, Atlas was forcibly taken away, likely meeting his end. Overjoyed by their victory, the heroes embraced and cheered, with Lilith even setting off a magical fireworks display. The topic of what lay within the vault went unspoken among them.

In the games, the object within the safe is where the ultimate battle against the boss occurs. This formidable entity, known mysteriously as The Destroyer, could potentially devour the entire universe if released – a fate the Eridians faced long ago by sealing it away in the vault eons past. Towards the end of the game, you pursue Commandant Steele and her troops into the Vault, witnessing their swift demise at the hands of the beast. Subsequently, you must engage in combat to prevent its escape now that the vault has been opened. In contrast, the movie allows it to consume Mr. Atlas and flee unchallenged.

Does the Borderlands movie have a post-credits or mid-credits scene?

In an extra short segment, Jack Black’s character, Claptrap, performs some nonsensical dance moves against a backdrop of pure black, uttering what can only be described as foolish remarks. It might be advisable for your peace of mind to exit the cinema during this particular scene.

Borderlands is in movie theaters now.

2024-08-09 04:09

Borderlands Movie Ending Explained: How It Changes The Game’s Story

Does the Borderlands movie have a post-credits or mid-credits scene?

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