Tomb Raider

I still sometimes reminisce about the original Tomb Raider starring Angelina Jolie. I remember the times when I played Tomb Raider on my good old Pentium graphics card and the times when I started to go to the movies on my own. That is because the first movie my parents have entrusted me to see was Tomb Raider. Alicia Vikander, unlike Angie, is no Lara Croft. She came close to the restarted series, but even though she’s smoking hot, it’s just not the same. The story and the action scenes were good, but the entire time, I thought that something was missing. Something that stops me from saying that this is a great adventure movie. The movies with Angie were simply better, more fun, even though at the same time, they were sillier and quirkier. (04/05/2018)

It could be said that Tomb Raider is merely a metamorphosis of the excellent reboot of the eponymous video-game franchise from 2013 into a live-action film, in that it takes on the game’s story and environment, as well as its characters and action concept. Furthermore, in comparison with the video game, the film very much comes across as a poorer relation in terms of both the design and variability of the environment, as well as the narrative and character development. This illustrates the advantages found in the potential of video games in relation to cinema, which is analogous to the comparison of cinema with television series. However, it is necessary to recognise that film does not emerge from this situation completely devoid of positive aspects, which consist in ever-increasing mass accessibility and the less time-consuming nature of films, as well as their ability to enchant through casting and formal nuances. With respect to most of the cinematic adaptation’s positive aspects – starting with Lara’s development arc and ending with the superb physical action – it can be said that the game offered these in a more intense and sophisticated form. What remains intrinsic and indubitable, however, is the cast, with the actress portraying Lara Croft at the fore, though by no means limited to her. With her physical condition and charisma, Alicia Vikander is captivating as a new icon and role model for female viewers. Some fans and viewers who are familiar only with the classic image of Lara gripe that she raises her iconic twin pistols only at the very end of the film. In this, however, lies the demanding nature of the character’s concept, in that she has to carry the entire film and be an action heroine with those traditional attributes, which must be balanced with physical ability. Thanks to the fact that priority is given to action in which physical fitness and reluctance to engage in shootouts take precedence, the film not only superbly relates to the revolutionary concept of the rebooted video game, but also brings into cinemas a breath of fresh air in the context of action blockbusters. Though the action scenes abound with computer animation, their foundation is comprised of the lead actress’s physical performance. At the same time, it is worth noting the film’s subtle progressiveness with respect to gender and racial stereotypes. Whereas the classic image of Lara Croft had viewers of the films with Angelina Jolie staring at her cleavage and derriere, in the new concept (again established by the video game), her muscular back and arms become her main attributes. However, these are shown in the context of the scenes and not as a result of objectifying shots, thanks to which the film is refreshingly simple. In addition to that, with the supporting character Lua, played by Daniel Wu, American cinema for the first time tears down the stereotype that Asian men are not masculine and sexy. (07/08/2018)

The fragile character actress Alicia Vikander, whom I originally found unsuitable for the role (I wanted to see some of those well-endowed, fast-and-furious girls), makes Tomb Raider infinitely more likable and relatable. Thanks to her, the film breathes. And the first two-thirds are even intelligent, skillfully working with the interactions of the characters and their setting in an attractive environment. Before entering the final cave, however, all of the intellect somehow evaporates and the movie resorts to cheap twists, which made me drop the rating down to three stars. I also see untapped potential in the fact that the screenplay did not bring anything new into the genre, let alone its conventions. On the contrary, it stole one of the movie’s main attractive elements from The Lost World. (04/06/2018)

I wanted to like the movie, but I didn't expect it to be that easy. After the mediocre trailers and reactions from abroad, I was expecting something that would be average at best. Instead, I had a proper blast at the cinema. Alicia Vikander is almost perfect in the lead role. She is likeable in the dialogue scenes, as the heroine and as the scared girl. You believe her with every punch she takes, every hit or fall, but also that she doesn't give in and won't back down when she has to fight someone body to body. Fans of the game get several scenes that are based on the first "new" Tomb Raider, but the bottom line is more that these scenes work within the context of an adventure movie. In fact, we haven't seen anything better in this genre since at least The Mummy with Brendan Fraser, but maybe more so since the third Indy. It's gritty, suspenseful, riveting, believable, painful and pumped with adrenaline from the very first action scene. And aside from a few small things like the occasional inferior visual effects (nothing terrible) I don't really know what to fault it for. I enjoyed the straightforwardness and the adventure with no frills around it. Very much so. Go for it, make it earn it, because I want a sequel! (07/27/2018)

Before comparing it to the failed (and now, with a ten-year gap, properly funny) antics of Angelina Jolie, the new concept deserves the subtitle "Tomb Raiders of the Lost Lara". There are so many jumps, puzzles, edge-of-your-seat situations, and diverse gadgets that even the gradual introduction or abbreviated start of events on the island function as part of an archaeological adventure with a strongly emphasized number one. It is surprising how much weight rests on Miss Croft herself because Alicia Vikander has such power in her acting that she squeezes the maximum emotion out of the scenes, and the sadder ones almost brought tears to my eyes thanks to her. If it weren't for Walton Goggins, who, despite appearing promising and believable as Vogel, doesn't do anything extra and falls short in several places due to his acting ability, I might have reached the highest rating. The well-crafted screenplay finally dares not to come up with unnecessary special effects and simply adapts the game without unnecessary indulgence in inventing its own path, which always leads to disappointment either among fans, the critics, or box offices, often all three at once. Roar Uthaug's vision is on track, if not for a new trend, then at least for a gripping genre trilogy. (03/15/2018)