Tomb Raider

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)

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)

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)

A classic in a new wrapper. Bells frequently ring inside your head telling you that this is really similar to Indiana Jones, but isn’t that what we wanted, for Lara to have the DNA of an adventure classic that can be copied whenever necessary? The new Tomb Raider is undeniably the best adaptation of the video game and I hope it earns enough for a sequel. This restart of the classic video game with the busty archaeologist was the best thing that could have happened and even though the movie takes the same route, it doesn’t matter. That’s right, there are almost no surprises and no need to roll back the milometer, but that’s exactly what I was hoping for from a potential first episode of a series. The wonderfully cast Alicia Vikander is great both in her girl-next-door pose and also as a raider of lost tombs. The main villain is pleasantly believable (Goggins is great as the corporate figure with understandable motivation). Thanks to making a sure bet (in story terms), director, Roar Uthaug, could concentrate on the characters without the need of building a new world. Exotica in the form of locations in China/Japan and legends set the scene for a believable outcome (less said about that now the better) and a feeling of distance in time from the rest of the world. Angelina can go fly a kite. Looking forward to the next part. (03/29/2018)

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)