Five movies based on games to watch while waiting on the release of Borderlands

If you are like me, the trailer for Borderlands has you excitedly awaiting the August 9th release date. The trailer very much has a Guardians type feel to me and looks like we are in store for a good time.

But if you’re in the mood for some movies based on gaming adventures ahead of Borderlands, I highly suggest these five ( six, counting a bonus sequel )…

Just a note to the reader. I am not a gamer; put a game controller in my hand and it’s just an exercise in pushing all the buttons till I blow myself up. That being said, these recommendations are based on how much fun the movies are and not how well the film did at reproducing your favorite video game. Also, I should note that three are based on video games, but you will also find a film based on a role-playing game and another that is based on an old school popular board game. I think you will enjoy all of them.

1. The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023)

I’ll start the list off with what turned out to be the most well-executed video game-themed movie of the past several years, and better yet, it’s suitable for the whole family. The Super Mario Bros. takes everything gamers know and love about the Classic Nintendo game and transports it onto the big screen, giving the beloved Mushroom Land inhabitants personalities like never before.

The movie follows the titular brothers, Mario and Luigi, as Brooklyn plumbers who while at work one day, are transported through a mysterious pipe to a magical new world. Soon separated, the pair are each set off on equally epic adventures. The cast all add nice touches to their characters, with Chris Pratt leading the way as Mario, Jack Black as Bowser, Charlie Day as Luigi, Seth Rogen as Donkey Kong and Anya Taylor-Joy as Princess Peach.

The Verdict: Zippy and Full of Life, The Super Mario Bros Movie earns the Acute Film Addictive Rating of 7.7/10

Sonic the Hedgehog (2020) and Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (2022)

When the first film was released in 2020, it won over audiences and myself, alike, with Ben Schwartz’s enthusiastic voice-over work and the forever comic ham Jim Carrey as Dr. Robotnik. The movie follows Sonic and a Montana sheriff as they try to evade Robotnik and track down Sonic’s iconic rings.

The sequel doesn’t stray too far from the path of the original. Robotnik is up to his mad schemes again and the power of friendship is once again on display. We do get added wrinkles to the plot with the addition of Knuckles and the special effects are noticeably improved. With a third film in the works, now may just be the right time to catch up with the Blue Blur (if you can).

The Verdict: Two Snappy Movies and Sonic’s Race Isn’t Run Yet. The films receive the Acute Film Addictive Rating of 7.2/10

Pokémon: Detective Pikachu (2019)

In this video game movie from 2019, Ryan Reynolds, voices the fuzzy little yellow guy. The film focuses on 21 year old Tim Goodman, who in an effort to find his missing private investigator dad Henry, teams up with Pikachu in the process. Cue lots of CGI, plenty of sentimental stuff about family and more than enough jokes to tickle a Snorlax.

The Verdict: Rob Letterman directs an eclectic cast and gives the Pokémon world the love and care it deserves. The movie receives the Acute Film Addictive Rating of 7.2/10.

Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves (2023)

How to describe this film…? It’s like “Game of Thrones” went to the Renaissance Faire but decided to make a pit stop to learn one-liners at a comedy club. And it all works. Chris Pine (Edgin Darvis) is a solid lead as a heroic character meant for audiences to swoon as they laugh at his antics, all at the same time. Michelle Rodriguez, as Holga, continues to perfect the badassery she has displayed in large scale productions like The Fast & The Furious franchise while embarking on a crowd pleasing blockbuster that was meant for kids, adults and everyone in between. Audiences will also find Hugh Grant in a supporting role to be consistently devilish and charming.

Allies and nemesis are kept a mystery throughout the movie, which fulfills by centering around its namesake by including multiple scenes with dungeons and, yes, dragons alike. Titular characters aside, the film shows how a bit of comedy can make an epic presentation, even (if like me) you never played the role-playing game that is the source material before. The visual effects are both stunning and complementary to the story. In a nutshell, the movie is fast paced but also witty.

The Verdict: D&D excels by not taking itself too seriously, instead allowing the audience to enjoy a fun, captivating mythical experience. Acute Film Addictive Rating 7.9/10

Clue (1985)

For my last film to get you prepared for the upcoming release of Borderlands, I choose this classic board game adaptation. Clue showcases Tim Curry in fantastic form in what is practically a playable Agatha Christie novel already. The game: six shady characters, a dead body, a country house filled with rooms and weapons. And the player has to figure out whodunnit.

Clue has fun moments throughout, but really finds it stride halfway through the movie. With its structural gamesmanship, genre riffs and an immensely handsome production, Clue is extremely likable and is clearly a fun watch to keep you happy while you wait for the release of Borderlands.

The Verdict: Nostalgia at its funniest, Clue receives the Acute Film Addictive Rating of 7.9/10

Okay, now you have some films to tie you over until the August 9th release of Borderlands. As always, I wish you happy movie watching. See you soon at the theater.

Lee Pittman – July 8, 2024