Cate Blanchett stars as Lilith, a fan-favorite character from the popular video game, in a film adaptation that has been delayed for quite some time. In this story, Lilith is a bounty hunter who is approached by the powerful Atlas, portrayed by Edgar Ramirez, who offers her a lucrative job. The amount of money on the table raises questions about whether Blanchett received a substantial payday for participating in a project that seems below her usual standards.
Lilith’s mission is to rescue Tina, played by Ariana Greenblatt, the daughter of Atlas. Tina has been kidnapped by Roland, a soldier gone rogue, and assisted by a character named Krieg, played by Florian Munteanu. Tina’s return is crucial as she may hold the key to a legendary vault on Pandora, sparking interest among treasure hunters.
Upon her return to Pandora, Lilith encounters Claptrap, a robot voiced by Jack Black, who is intended to provide comic relief. However, the film falls short of delivering genuine comedy, relying instead on prolonged dialogue. Game enthusiasts will recognize other characters like Moxxi, voiced by Gina Gershon, and Tannis, portrayed by Jamie Lee Curtis, alongside minor appearances from Scooter and Hammerlock.
The narrative attempts to create a team dynamic reminiscent of “Guardians of the Galaxy,” but the script by Roth and Joe Crombie lacks depth, leaving the characters feeling one-dimensional. While Blanchett’s performance injects some life into the script, Kevin Hart’s portrayal occasionally appears disengaged, possibly influenced by the extensive reshoots that caused delays. Notably, Craig Mazin, known for his acclaimed work on “Chernobyl” and “The Last of Us,” was originally credited with the script but has since distanced himself following the film’s troubled production. The resulting final product showcases the disarray of its development, lacking the thoughtful world-building that could have elevated the story.