amazon Tomb Raider reviews
It can be said that for those who love the adventure game over the past two decades, no one is unaware of Tomb Raider – a legendary game with many versions of her Lara Croft to other lands And find the treasures lost. By 2013, Square Enix has decided to remake Tomb Raider and it’s the same version of the movie based on the same name.
Accordingly, after her father’s mysterious departure (Richard Croft), Lara does not seem to be able to overcome this pain and has escaped the inheritance of her family. A new way came out when Lara discovered the father’s work room and he was not only a successful businessman but also a great archaeologist with the desire to stop Trinity – and use spiritual power. And that was the beginning of a myth – Lara Croft had a difficult adventure to the tomb of the female Himiko on the desert island and face many times face death to find the identity of the father as well as prevent the evil forces mentioned above.
The plot is pretty good, but the way the movie exploits may make a large number of “non-fans Tomb Raider” ever before feel boring. The film almost revolves around Lara Croft in the course of her survival in the wilderness but forgot the other characters also need some attention. Therefore, we will have a Lu Ren (played by famous actor Daniel Wu) – a sailor is very courageous and willing to take the risk to help Lara but unfortunately all her help. Support him or when he is armed full, the film also comes to an end. Or it is Mathias Vogel – the gang boss has the dreaded threat but the feeling is “disable” than his soldiers.
As mentioned above, the movie is centered on Lara Croft and it is fortunate that the Oscar-winning actress Alicia Vikander has performed exceptionally well on both sides: charisma and action. Throughout the film, audiences will see many climbing, swimming, rocking the cliffs, old aircraft that every time Lara’s judgments are accurate. However, it is necessary to be objective in taking on the mission of “main-role”, Lara was extremely “lucky” when in the midst of thousands of situations dangergous, she still find a way to escape the godly way.
The view of Tomb Raider can be good. The first is the picture of Lara Croft by Alicia Vikander – a small but honest girl, but the possession of very strong will. There is a controversial point here that Lara is shaping up to be a glamorous one. In Vikander, some viewers will feel unhappy. In addition, the wild island to the jungle and especially the tomb of Queen Himiko is not invested and carefully. The film should cut unnecessary scenes from the beginning of the film and focus on the adventures inside the grave will create better effects from the audience.
In addition, there is a very rare exceptions in Tomb Raider is the complete removal of magic, the phenomenon of supernatural. Tomb Raider is not only associated with the ancient tombs, but also pyramids, mummies, evil spirits, etc. These are the elements that keep the audience excited. Rather than trying to explain these things with a physical or chemical phenomenon.
Overall, Tomb Raider has temporarily completed its initial film role. Lara Croft, played by Angelia Jolie more than a decade ago, has yet to surpass the iconic “Angelina Jolie,” but the viewer has the right to expect her next film to be full. The impression is more proportional to her age (Alicia is only 29 years old).
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Plot Summary
“Tomb Raider” follows a young Lara Croft, portrayed by Alicia Vikander, as she embarks on her first major adventure. The film’s plot is loosely inspired by the 2013 reboot of the video game franchise, focusing on Lara’s quest to uncover the truth behind her father’s mysterious disappearance.
The film opens with Lara struggling to make ends meet as a bicycle courier in London, grappling with the loss of her father, Richard Croft (Dominic West), who vanished seven years earlier. Lara’s life takes a dramatic turn when she discovers a hidden message from her father, leading her to a remote Japanese island in search of the legendary tomb of Himiko, a queen said to possess supernatural powers.
As Lara ventures deeper into the jungle, she encounters mercenaries led by Mathias Vogel (Walton Goggins), who are also seeking Himiko’s tomb. The film’s central conflict revolves around Lara’s struggle to find the tomb before Vogel and his team, as well as uncovering the truth about her father’s disappearance and the dark secrets surrounding Himiko.
Characters and Performances
Alicia Vikander as Lara Croft
Alicia Vikander’s portrayal of Lara Croft is one of the film’s standout aspects. Vikander brings a fresh, grounded approach to the character, departing from the more fantastical elements of the previous films and focusing on a more realistic depiction of the iconic adventurer. Her performance effectively balances vulnerability with determination, capturing Lara’s evolution from a novice adventurer to a seasoned heroine.
Vikander’s physical performance is also noteworthy; she underwent rigorous training to convincingly portray Lara’s physicality. The result is a believable, dynamic portrayal that resonates with the character’s origins in the 2013 video game reboot. Vikander’s Lara is a character driven by personal loss and a quest for answers, which adds depth to her role and aligns with the emotional core of the story.
Walton Goggins as Mathias Vogel
Walton Goggins plays the antagonist, Mathias Vogel, a mercenary leader with a personal stake in finding Himiko’s tomb. Goggins delivers a solid performance as Vogel, providing a menacing presence and a complex motivation for his actions. His portrayal adds a layer of tension and danger to the narrative, and his interactions with Lara are pivotal in driving the film’s conflict.
While Vogel is a well-crafted antagonist, his motivations and backstory could have been more deeply explored. Nonetheless, Goggins’ performance elevates the character and provides a credible threat to Lara’s quest.
Supporting Cast
The supporting cast includes Dominic West as Richard Croft, Lara’s father, and Daniel Wu as Lu Ren, a ship captain who aids Lara on her journey. West delivers a poignant performance as the missing father, adding emotional weight to the story. Daniel Wu’s portrayal of Lu Ren provides both comic relief and a valuable ally for Lara, enhancing the film’s dynamic.
Direction and Cinematography
Roar Uthaug’s Direction
Roar Uthaug’s direction brings a blend of action and adventure to the film, successfully translating the video game’s sense of exploration and danger to the screen. Uthaug’s approach focuses on grounding the story in a more realistic setting, which contrasts with the more fantastical elements of previous “Tomb Raider” adaptations.
The pacing of the film is generally well-managed, balancing action sequences with character development. However, some viewers may find the film’s slower segments a bit drawn out, especially in the buildup to the more action-packed sequences.
Cinematography and Visuals
The cinematography in “Tomb Raider” is one of its strengths, with impressive visuals that capture the lush, dangerous environments of the film’s tropical setting. The use of natural landscapes and practical effects adds authenticity to the adventure, and the action sequences are well-shot and engaging.
The film’s visual effects, particularly in the depiction of the ancient tomb and its traps, are effective in creating a sense of danger and intrigue. The contrast between the modern-day sequences and the ancient ruins helps to emphasize the film’s exploration of history and myth.
Themes and Narrative
Exploration and Discovery
A central theme of “Tomb Raider” is the spirit of exploration and discovery. The film captures the thrill of uncovering ancient secrets and the danger inherent in such quests. Lara’s journey is both a physical and emotional one, as she confronts the legacy of her father and the mysteries of Himiko’s tomb.
The theme of self-discovery is also prominent, as Lara evolves from a young woman with little direction into a resilient adventurer. The film explores how personal loss and the search for answers can drive individuals to confront their deepest fears and challenges.
Father-Daughter Relationship
The relationship between Lara and her father is a key emotional component of the film. Richard Croft’s disappearance and the clues he left behind serve as the catalyst for Lara’s adventure. The film explores themes of legacy and family, as Lara uncovers the truth about her father’s work and his connection to Himiko’s tomb.
While the father-daughter dynamic adds emotional depth to the story, some viewers may feel that the film could have delved more deeply into this relationship. The resolution of this subplot, while satisfying, leaves some questions unanswered about the full extent of Richard Croft’s involvement in the tomb’s mystery.
Reception and Impact
Critical Reception
“Tomb Raider” received a mixed-to-positive reception from critics. The film was praised for Alicia Vikander’s performance and its faithful adaptation of the 2013 video game reboot’s more grounded approach. The action sequences and visual effects were also highlighted as strengths.
However, some critics felt that the film struggled with pacing and character development, and that the story, while engaging, did not fully capitalize on the potential of its source material. The film’s adherence to a more realistic tone, while generally effective, was seen by some as a departure from the more fantastical elements that characterized earlier “Tomb Raider” adaptations.
Box Office Performance
The film performed reasonably well at the box office, grossing over $274 million worldwide. Its success demonstrated that there is still strong interest in video game adaptations, particularly those that stay true to the source material’s core elements.
Impact on the Franchise
“Tomb Raider” (2018) reinvigorated interest in the franchise and contributed to the ongoing conversation about video game adaptations in cinema. The film’s success paved the way for potential sequels and further exploration of Lara Croft’s adventures on screen.
Comparison to Previous Adaptations
Angelina Jolie’s Lara Croft Films
The 2018 film is a reboot that departs from the more fantastical and action-oriented tone of the previous Lara Croft films starring Angelina Jolie. While Jolie’s films were known for their larger-than-life action sequences and elaborate set pieces, the 2018 adaptation takes a more grounded and realistic approach.
This shift in tone reflects the evolution of the character in the 2013 video game reboot, focusing on Lara’s personal growth and survival rather than on supernatural elements. The film’s more realistic portrayal of Lara Croft aligns with the modern vision of the character, though it may not appeal to fans of the more extravagant elements of the earlier films.
Conclusion
“Tomb Raider” (2018) offers a fresh take on the iconic video game franchise, featuring a grounded and realistic portrayal of Lara Croft and a visually stunning depiction of her adventures. Alicia Vikander’s performance as Lara is a highlight, bringing depth and authenticity to the character.
The film’s direction, cinematography, and action sequences contribute to an engaging adventure, though it may not fully satisfy all fans of the franchise or those seeking a more fantastical experience. The exploration of themes such as self-discovery and the father-daughter relationship adds emotional weight to the story, though some aspects of the narrative could have been further developed.
Overall, “Tomb Raider” is a solid adaptation that successfully reintroduces Lara Croft to a new generation of audiences while paying homage to the character’s roots. Its impact on the franchise and the broader landscape of video game adaptations highlights the ongoing potential for cinematic interpretations of beloved game characters and stories.