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Borderlands, directed by Eli Roth, stars Cate Blanchett as Lilith, Kevin Hart as Roland, Jack Black as the voice of Claptrap, and Jamie Lee Curtis as Dr. Patricia Tannis, with a runtime of 101 minutes. As someone who hasn't played the game, my review is based solely on the movie itself.

Borderlands is entertaining enough to keep you watching, but it feels highly formulaic and anticlimactic. The film has all the ingredients of a sci-fi action-comedy, yet it follows a predictable path that misses the chance to build any real suspense. While humor is attempted several times, none of these moments really hit the mark, leaving the film without much comedic impact. The action scenes are passable, but they lack the intensity and creativity that could have elevated them into memorable sequences.

On the positive side, the world of Pandora is well enough built, immersing viewers in a gritty, chaotic environment that adds some visual intrigue. The dialogue, though not particularly remarkable, didn't come across as cringeworthy or forced, which kept interactions feeling relatively natural.

Overall, while Borderlands has its entertaining moments, its formulaic approach and lackluster humor prevent it from being truly engaging. I give it a 6 out of 10.

The Instigators is a heist action-comedy directed by Doug Liman, featuring Matt Damon as Rory and Casey Affleck as Cobby, with Hong Chau in a supporting role as Dr. Donna Rivera. Running for 101 minutes, the film follows an unconventional trio - a desperate father, an ex-con, and a therapist - as they scramble to evade authorities, bureaucrats, and a vengeful crime boss after their heist goes wrong.

The film doesn't take itself too seriously, and that playful approach works like a charm. The result is a fun, light-hearted heist movie that keeps you entertained from start to finish; yet another enjoyable production from Apple.

The dialogue is sharp and entertaining, with enough humor and wit to keep each scene engaging. The plot itself is well-paced, with constant action that keeps you on your toes - there's always something happening, so it never drags or feels drawn out. The chemistry between Damon and Affleck adds to the experience, making their unlikely partnership believable and often humorous. Supporting performances, especially from Hong Chau as Dr. Donna Rivera, add a quirky edge that complements the main storyline.

For anyone in the mood for an easygoing action-comedy, The Instigators is a solid choice. With its engaging plot and lively pace, it's a movie you can sit back and enjoy without realizing that time has flown by. I give it a 7 out of 10.

Ezra, directed by Tony Goldwyn, stars Bobby Cannavale as Max Bernal, with Robert De Niro, Rose Byrne, and William Fitzgerald in key roles, and has a runtime of 105 minutes. The film tells the story of a father navigating the challenges of co-parenting his autistic son, Ezra, through a heartfelt cross-country road trip.

Initially, the movie threw me off with a somewhat cliché start. The plot was set into motion by decisions that felt irrational and not entirely believable, making it difficult to get fully immersed right away. However, as the story unfolded, Ezra managed to win me over. The narrative gradually moved away from the typical setup and developed into a more nuanced exploration of family, connection, and personal struggles.

One of the film's biggest strengths is the performances from the entire cast. Bobby Cannavale and William Fitzgerald lead the charge with compelling portrayals, and you can feel every emotion emanating from their characters. Robert De Niro and Rose Byrne add depth to the supporting cast, and all the actors bring a sincerity to their roles that makes the story engaging. Each scene is given room to breathe, allowing the characters' emotions to resonate without feeling rushed.

The film's pacing is another highlight, as it never felt hurried or forced. This careful approach allowed Ezra to evoke some truly heartfelt emotions, making the viewer feel invested in the journey of Max and his son. It's clear that Tony Goldwyn's direction and Tony Spiridakis's writing aimed to capture the raw and tender moments of parenting, and for the most part, they succeeded.

In conclusion, despite a rocky start, Ezra finds its footing and delivers a touching, emotional journey. The strong performances and well-paced storytelling make it a movie worth watching. I give it a 7 out of 10.