Movie fans may look at this recent take on the Tomb Raider franchise and wonder how a few mediocre movies starring Angelina Jolie could ever get rebooted. Video game fans see the Tomb Raider franchise as something that cannot be killed even when it should disappear at times.
Every time a new video game adaptation (of any kind) is released, I want to pat the director and crew on the collective head and say “You can do it. This could be the one.” It must take a lot of courage to jump into a genre that is largely terrible or mixed at best. It’s a conundrum as to why no one can make this genre translate to the big screen, but it just hasn’t happened yet. Now, Norwegian director Roar Uthaug joins the fray with Academy Award winner Alicia Vikander as the aforementioned Tomb Raider.
In this film, we see the origin of Lara Croft (Vikander). She begins the story as a risk-taker that has no direction in life. Even years after her father’s death, she refuses to come to terms with it and take ownership of her family’s estate. Yet, fate (and her naturally clever intuition) lead her to find out more about her father (Dominic West) and she, in turn, seeks to finish his final adventure.
The title “Tomb Raider” isn’t exactly misleading. However, you will have to be quite patient in order to see her actually accept this mantle and explore a dangerous tomb. The movie takes its time trying to show us Lara’s life in London and the preparation it takes to start her first expedition. Even when she does get to a mysterious island, she sadly spends more time dealing with the villains than exploring.
Walton Goggins (Justified) cashes his check as the go-to villain. However, Goggins has the ability to steal any scene he’s in, in really any project. Nobody quite mugs like him. Plus, his motivation for villainy is actually relatable and not overblown. (See also: No Sky Beam.)
Alicia Vikander is the right choice for Lara Croft. While this role may be seen as her slumming it, she shows that she actually cares for the portrayal and plays it straight. Also, she really gives it her all. Lara gets her butt kicked throughout this movie, which is true to the character. In her adventures she is put through every life-threatening situation you could imagine, and comes out the other side a physical wreck. Lara goes through an old fashioned hero’s journey, but with more grievous harm. This all helps her to be a great protagonist that feels fresh.
The problematic nature of video game movies is that they can’t navigate the line between fan service and being approachable for those brand new to the series. The more I’ve thought about this movie, the greater appreciation I’ve had for its ability to walk this tightrope. It uses several elements from the recent games, but is, at its core, a standard action movie that anyone can like. If anything, it’s the standard elements that hold it back from being great. There are intense scenes, but nothing here feels original. And honestly, this franchise has the ability to provide action that audiences have never seen before.
Tomb Raider is a middle-of-the-road action movie and is disappointing because it could have been so much more. However, this is a step in the right direction for video game adaptations. The more I’ve thought about this movie, the more I like it. Go with average expectations and you’ll have a good time. B-
Comments are closed.