Tomb Raider

"Tomb Raider" is a 2018 action-adventure film directed by Roar Uthaug and starring Alicia Vikander in the titular role of Lara Croft. The film is a reboot of the popular "Tomb Raider" video game franchise, which previously spawned two film adaptations in the early 2000s.

The film follows Lara Croft, a young woman who has been living in London and working as a bike courier in order to make ends meet. She is also struggling to come to terms with the disappearance of her father, a wealthy adventurer who vanished without a trace several years earlier. When Lara receives a clue to her father's whereabouts, she sets out on a perilous journey to a remote island off the coast of Japan in search of answers.

As a video game adaptation, "Tomb Raider" faced an uphill battle from the start. Previous attempts to adapt the franchise for the big screen had been met with mixed reviews and mediocre box office results. However, "Tomb Raider" manages to avoid many of the pitfalls that have plagued other video game adaptations.

One of the film's strongest assets is Alicia Vikander's performance as Lara Croft. Vikander brings a sense of vulnerability and humanity to the character that was lacking in previous film adaptations. She is not just a two-dimensional action hero, but a young woman with a complex emotional life and a strong sense of determination. Vikander's physical performance in the film is also impressive, as she performs many of her own stunts and convincingly portrays the athleticism and agility that are required of the character.

The film's action sequences are another highlight. Director Roar Uthaug brings a sense of gritty realism to the film's action scenes, which are both thrilling and visceral. The film's set pieces, including a thrilling bike chase through the streets of London and a harrowing escape from a sinking ship, are expertly staged and executed.

Unfortunately, the film's script is where it falls short. While the film's story is serviceable, it lacks the depth and nuance of the best action-adventure films. The film's villains, a shadowy organization known as Trinity, are one-dimensional and clichéd. The film's attempts to explore themes of family, identity, and destiny are also ham-fisted and lack subtlety.

Another issue with the film is its pacing. The film takes a while to get going, with the first act feeling somewhat sluggish and unengaging. Once the action kicks into gear, however, the film picks up steam and becomes much more enjoyable.

Overall, "Tomb Raider" is a competent action-adventure film that benefits from strong performances and thrilling action sequences. While the film's script may not be its strongest asset, it is still an enjoyable and engaging adventure that should satisfy fans of the video game franchise and action movie fans in general. While it may not be a groundbreaking film, it is a solid entry in the crowded field of action-adventure films and a step in the right direction for video game adaptations.

The film also features a strong supporting cast, including Dominic West as Lara's father, Walton Goggins as the leader of Trinity, and Daniel Wu as a friend and ally to Lara. While their characters may not be particularly well-developed, the actors bring a sense of gravitas and charisma to their roles that helps elevate the film.

In terms of its visuals, "Tomb Raider" is a mixed bag. While the film's action sequences are expertly choreographed and staged, the film's cinematography and visual effects are somewhat lackluster. The film's CGI is often distracting and unconvincing, and the film's color grading feels overly desaturated and drab. While the film's use of practical effects and on-location shooting is admirable, the film's overall visual style feels somewhat uninspired.

One area where the film does excel is in its representation of women. While the original "Tomb Raider" video games were criticized for their depiction of Lara Croft as a sexualized object, the film takes a more nuanced approach to the character. Vikander's Lara is a capable and competent adventurer, but she is also vulnerable and imperfect. The film also features a diverse cast of female characters, including a woman of color in a prominent role.

One interesting aspect of "Tomb Raider" is its use of puzzles and riddles, which are a hallmark of the video game franchise. The film features several scenes in which Lara must solve complex puzzles and decipher ancient inscriptions in order to progress in her quest. While these scenes may not be as challenging as their video game counterparts, they add a sense of intellectual engagement to the film that is often missing from action movies.

Another area where the film succeeds is in its portrayal of Lara's relationship with her father. The film explores the themes of loss and grief in a compelling way, and West's performance as Richard Croft is a highlight of the film. The scenes between Lara and her father are some of the film's most emotional, and add a layer of depth to the character that is often missing from action heroes.

While "Tomb Raider" may not be a perfect film, it is a step in the right direction for video game adaptations. The film manages to avoid many of the mistakes of previous video game adaptations, and offers an entertaining and engaging adventure that should satisfy fans of the franchise and action movie fans in general. The film's strong performances, thrilling action sequences, and engaging puzzles make it a worthy addition to the "Tomb Raider" canon.

In conclusion, "Tomb Raider" is a competent and entertaining action-adventure film that manages to avoid some of the pitfalls of video game adaptations. While the film's script may lack depth and nuance, its strong performances and thrilling action sequences make it an enjoyable and engaging adventure. While it may not be a groundbreaking film, it is a solid entry in the genre and a step in the right direction for video game adaptations. If you are a fan of action movies or the "Tomb Raider" franchise, you will likely find something to enjoy in this film.