Kevin Hart & Ariana Greenblatt Overcome 2024 Video Game Movie Flop With 10% Rating on Rotten Tomatoes

The surge in popularity of video game adaptations has paved the way for innovative interpretations, exemplified by Prime Video’s Secret Level. This anthology series creatively showcases a variety of beloved gaming titles. Earlier this year, both Ariana Greenblatt and Kevin Hart made their mark in Borderlands, a cinematic endeavor that ultimately fell short of expectations. Following starring roles in widely acclaimed projects such as Avengers: Infinity War and Ahsoka, Greenblatt experienced a meteoric rise in her career with her major involvement in 2023’s blockbuster hit, Barbie. Her visibility in the entertainment industry has only increased since then.

Secret Level: A Superior Adaptation for Greenblatt & Hart

Prime Video Show Surpasses Borderlands in Adaptation Quality

In the wake of Borderlands‘ disappointing reception, Secret Level has emerged as a much stronger video game adaptation showcasing the talents of Hart and Greenblatt. The film adaptation of Borderlands suffered from significant creative deviations from its source material, opting for convenient elements while neglecting the essence of the game. Many of the cast members bore little resemblance to their video game counterparts, both in appearance and demeanor. The narrative itself felt more akin to a Guardians of the Galaxy escapade than a faithful Borderlands story, which contributed to its underwhelming feedback.

Challenges Faced by Hart & Greenblatt in Secret Level

Specific Episode Shortcomings for Hart and Greenblatt

While Secret Level marked a successful comeback for Greenblatt and Hart in 2024’s video game adaptations, their episodes were not without flaws. In Episode 12, titled Spelunky: Tally, Greenblatt portrayed Ana, who struggles to navigate the ever-shifting Spelunky landscapes, leading to a cycle of defeats and frustration. Although the episode was visually appealing and carried a touching message, it lacked sufficient length to fully explore Ana’s character arc.

Despite the heartwarming relationship between Ana and her mentor Liz, this emotional connection could have been deepened with a longer runtime. Furthermore, the representation of Spelunky’s intricate levels leaned towards a montage-style approach, which could have benefited from a more explorative narrative style.

On the other hand, Kevin Hart’s storyline in Episode 15, Playtime: Fulfillment, introduced a compelling father-daughter dynamic as they seek adventure in gaming. While it was intended as a tribute to PlayStation, featuring beloved characters, the execution fell slightly short. Viewers hoped to see more of iconic figures like Kratos and Jin Sakai in richer narratives, rather than brief cameos that were not as fulfilling. Although the episode had a promising premise and was well executed, it could not quite match the strongest adaptations of the series, leaving some viewers slightly unsatisfied.

Potential Reunion for Season 2: A Step Beyond Borderlands

Forging New Paths to Erase Borderlands’ Failures

Kevin Hart and Ariana Greenblatt in Borderlands — Custom Image by Yailin Chacon

Following the successful conclusion of its inaugural season, Secret Level has been renewed for a second season, offering Greenblatt and Hart an ideal opportunity to leave Borderlands behind. While their first episodes did not manage to capture their full capabilities, both actors accurately portrayed their roles. A reunion for Season 2 would be a perfect chance for redemption. Their chemistry demonstrated in Borderlands suggests that collaborating on a shared episode could restore the faith of fans and showcase their talents in a more favorable adaptation.

The anticipation for Secret Level Season 2 is high, especially as the show continues to attract a diverse range of voice actors inspired by their video game counterparts. Potentially, the duo could step into new characters, highlighting their versatility in different roles.

With all 15 episodes of Season 1 now available for streaming on Prime Video, fans are eager to explore what fresh narratives await in the forthcoming season. If Secret Level can find the right game and story to challenge Greenblatt and Hart, there’s no doubt they can deliver impactful performances that will heighten the excitement surrounding the next season.

Source & Images