This live action feature is inspired by the most successful interactive video-game character in history -- Lara Croft. Beautiful and brainy, Lara (Angelina Jolie) is the heroine of Eidos Interactive's phenomenally successful "Tomb Raider" game series. It is one woman's fearless quest crisscrossing the globe, in an amazing attempt to save the world. (1)
Review
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Hello, Movie Buffs!
Ever since Indian Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark (Lost Ark) hit theaters in 1981 there have been a number of films made that have tried to replicate the treasure hunting and clue solving film again. At least until 2001 when director Simon West (Wild Card) came out with Lara Croft: Tomb Raider starring Angelina Jolie, Daniel Craig, and Iain Glen, and there is no doubt that this film is greatly entertaining.
Both series are very similar. First, in their search for historical and mythological relics that could change mankind as we know it. And second, there is the idea of a possible apocalypse but the fear for such an event is never at the forefront. Similarly to the Lost Ark, Tomb Raider opens up with Lara (Angelina Jolie) deep inside an old dusty tomb and from there the plot follows the heroes and villains in a search for a precious artifact on a journey around the world. Most of the scenes are predictable but that doesn’t make them any less suspenseful. Now while the plot may be a bit thin you have to remember that this film is based on a video game. The story is more of a puzzle within itself than an actual script with a multitude of different ideas throughout. Every clue, action, and dialogue carries some sort of puzzle both hidden and obvious. The action sequences are fast and carry a great deal of violence but there is never an overabundance of gore or vulgarity. The special effects are realistic and the sets are eye-catching.
The character performances were pretty great. Academy Award winner Angelina Jolie (Maleficent) portrays Lora Croft, a cross between Indiana Jones and James Bond, with a special charm that makes her perfect for this role. Judging by the action sequences Jolie took on a very physically demanding role that caused her to endured physical hardships and injuries throughout filming. But her agility and flexibility are what make this role perfect for her. Daniel Craig (Specter; Logan Lucky) as Alex West, works great with Jolie, plus its both funny and interesting to see Craig and Jolie impersonate each other’s nationality and accents; Craig who is British plays an American character and Jolie who is an American plays British character. Iain Glen (Game of Thrones) as Manfred Powell is great as the villain. There were times when he probably could have been better but for what the film demanded he delivered.
Overall, Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001) is an adventure film filled with puzzles and action that will entertain fans of Indian Jones and even James Bond. Although the story has a few plot flaws, director Simon West managed to pull together a great film based on a complex video game. Jolie is perfect as Lara Croft, rest of the characters deliver strong performances, action sequences are fast-paced, the special effects are eye-catching, and the sets are convincing. I can’t wait to see what the latest Tomb Raider reboot, starring Alicia Vikander (Danish Girl) and Walton Goggins (Death Cure) is going to be like later this year.
"To see your world in a grain of sand, and a heaven in a wild flower. Hold infinity in the palm of your hand, an eternity in an hour. -- William Blake."
- Lara Croft
Final Vote
Worth Seeing: 7.5
Worth Buying: 7.5
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Movies Similar
Indiana Jones and Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984)
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989)
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008)
Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life (2003)
Mummy, The (1999)
Mummy, The (2017)
Mummy Returns, The (2001)
Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor, The (2008)
National Treasure (2004)
National Treasure: Book of Secrets (2007)
Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)
Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest (2006)
Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End (2007)
Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011)
Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales (2017)
Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (2010)
Sahara (2005)
Tomb Raider (2018)
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