Tomb Raider

Next to Wonder Woman, Lara comes across as a poor relation (perhaps producers perceive gamers as a weaker audience than comic-book readers). Tomb Raider offers a total of four environments (London, Hong Kong, an island, a tomb), no spectacular action scenes with the exception of the waterfall, and basically just one (rising) Hollywood star. In the context of the efforts to create a full-fledged action heroine, however, it represents a small degree of progress. Lara Croft is absolutely believable as portrayed by Alicia Vikander, who has natural acting ability. The pair of screenwriters (Geneva Robertson-Dworet also wrote Captain Marvel) did not engage in experimentation, instead offering a traditional origin story that clearly introduces non-gamers to the world of Tomb Raider and gives gamers a satisfying portion of backstory and a number of direct quotes from the game. Lara is introduced to us by the pair of opening action scenes as a woman who does not excel through tremendous physical strength, but through her ability to come up with clever solutions to problems. In both cases, she fails anyway. It is only after she actively resolves here “daddy issues” that she becomes a strong and self-confident (though not fearless), yet relatively credibly vulnerable action heroine. One gets the impression she has always had all of her presented abilities, some of which she owes to her father (problem-solving, archery), but that she only lacked inner balance, as she had no father figure in her life. In this respect, this outwardly progressive film is terribly traditionalist (actually in a similar manner as The Last Jedi – substitute Dominic West for Mark Hamill and you get the middle part of the film). However, the family storyline, primarily presented through flashbacks at first, is incorporated well into the main narrative, driving the plot and explaining the heroine’s motivations, while helping to bridge longer periods of time when the characters are moved to a different location. When it comes to any given scene’s contribution to the narrative, Tomb Raider is above reproach. There are almost no dead spots when we would lose interest in what happens next (Nick Frost’s cameo could have been shorter, or deleted). Everything is nicely connected and all of the parts fit together, though perhaps too smoothly and straightforwardly. The action scenes are sufficiently diverse and boldly reminiscent of the video game (and demonstrate how Lara improves herself in individual areas – hand-to-hand fighting, escaping from pursuers, jumping long distances) and the pace does not slacken. Just as in The Wave, Uthaug displays flawless mastery of his craft and knowledge of the principles of classic Hollywood storytelling. Within the action genre, that is not a bad thing at all, but I hope that the sequel, for which the conclusion of this film somewhat long-windedly and too obviously lays the groundwork, will not be as exceedingly cautious. 65% (03/15/2018)

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)

Lara Croft in Uncharted Territory or the last crusade to go after the mummy Björk. It succeeded. The mix of gaming aesthetics and realism is still quite unbalanced, but Uthaug is able to very pleasantly balance a digital ballast and the physical conception of the action. What’s more, Vikander is great, cheeky, rebellious and doesn’t meet the expectations of those who like to masturbate to cleavage. I had a great time and I hope this party will continue! Definitely one of the best video game adaptations. (06/25/2018)

Awesome shit! Oscar-winning actress Alicia Vikander is naturally gorgeous, young, battle-hardened and even though her breasts aren't like Angelina's, it doesn't matter her acting is far more impressive. The film has a very nice pacing, Lara is nice to look at and gets an incredible set of lines throughout the film that by the end I left the cinema more broken than she was. The first half is highlighted by a bike chase that is more intense than any other car chase, and an impressive shipwreck that takes your breath away with its suspense. Once Lara finds herself on the island, it's an adventure romp that takes the best of Indiana Jones while sticking beautifully to the game's template, plus a sleazy Walton Goggins playing the villain and good-guy Daniel Wu, whom I'm a little sorry he didn't showcase any martial arts. The finale will make you think of The Mummy , so those who love tombs, black magic, traps, puzzles will enjoy this film to the fullest. Well I'm thoroughly entertained, I got a nice adventure mix that hasn't been in cinemas for years and trogether with Warcraft, Lara is definitely the best game. I want the sequel as soon as possible, so feel free to go out and contribute! After a second viewing, the enthusiasm has waned slightly, but still a fine affair. 80% (03/21/2018)