Cube Critics Jacob Aloi and Max Sparber discuss a mediocre adaptation of a video game and a horror film about aliens who don’t like city noises. They’re just like Max!

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‘Borderlands’

“Borderlands,” adapted from the popular dystopian video game series, transitions to the big screen with mixed results. Cate Blanchett stars as Lilith, delivering a standout performance that showcases her formidable presence and action chops.

Blanchett’s portrayal is a high point in the film, offering a refreshing look at a woman over 40 leading a science fiction fantasy narrative.

However, beyond Blanchett’s performance, “Borderlands” suffers from a lackluster execution that doesn’t capture the essence or the appeal of its video game origin. The plot meanders through a clichéd storyline involving treasure hunters, a malevolent trillionaire and the race to secure a powerful artifact. The visuals are loud and the dialogue often falls flat, exacerbated by poorly executed ADR.

Fans of the video game series and newcomers alike have expressed disappointment. The film lands in the realm of mediocrity, unable to deliver the thrilling or coherent adventure fans might have hoped for.

— Jacob Aloi

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‘A Quiet Place: Day One’

“A Quiet Place: Day One” is the third installment in the series about an alien invasion where making any noise can be deadly — a terrifying scenario for anyone prone to sneezing loudly, like me.

Unlike “Inside Llewyn Davis,” where the protagonist spends the entire film unsuccessfully searching for a lost cat, in “Day One,” Lupita Nyong’o’s character experiences the opposite: her cat keeps reappearing. Much to the relief of animal lovers, the cat survives the ordeal unscathed.

Directed by the filmmaker behind “Pig,” known for its less fortunate tale of a truffle farmer and his pig, “Day One” is structured as a B-movie but elevates the format with an A-list cast and an independent director. This creates a distinctive vibe that blends mainstream appeal with indie sensibilities.

While the monsters didn’t scare me — a simple contraption involving a boombox and a bug zapper could solve the problem — the film excels in crafting sustained suspense sequences.

— Max Sparber

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