Tomb Raider review: Alicia Vikander leads the cast of the video game reboot, directed by The Wave’s Roar Uthaug.
Tomb Raider review by Ben Read.
Tomb Raider review
In the age of cinema dominated by the heroes, villains, gods, legends and Dwayne Johnson, franchises are key to any studios longevity. Indeed, rightfully or wrongfully, a tentpole series of sequels, spin-offs, prequels, and potential timeline-shuffling reboots, are the highest form of currency in Hollywood right now. As a result, it was only a matter of time before Lara Croft was dusted off and revamped for a modern day audience. The popular video game series has proven the test of time over and over. But, can this latest reboot avoid the age-old curse of bringing these adventures to the big screen? Or was this a Tomb best left unopened?
Related: The Wave review
This time around the character is played by Alicia Vikander (Ex Machina), as a suitably modernized Lara Croft for the Wonder Woman age. Gone are the days of Angelina Jolie’s overtly, and shamelessly, provocative take on the character. Instead, we are treated to a grounded, realistic, and believable interpretation, that has shed Hollywood’s embarrassing former male gaze. The story begins seven years after the mysterious disappearance of Lara’s father. Living a solitary and reckless lifestyle in central London, it’s not long before Lara encounters trouble with the law. When Lara then discovers a secret video message from her father in his old office, she begins a quest to find answers, and (of course) save the world from a strange supernatural curse.
Tomb Raider review
The plot is appropriately predictable, and riddled with cliches, but is also one of the most enjoyable video game adaptations to come out of the gates in a very long time. This is in no small part due to Vikander’s charisma and charm, which carries the film through even its weakest points. Clearly intended as a blender-mix of Katniss Everdeen and Diana Prince, Vikander effortlessly conveys humanity, while simultaneously maintaining her presence as a force to be reckoned with.
Leading the films supporting cast is Daniel Wu (Into the Badlands) as Lara’s reluctant companion also in search of answers. While Wu’s instantly likable Lu Ren is undoubtedly a scene-stealer, he is seemingly forgotten about all too quickly. This leads to a disappointing pay-off for a promising character, who is almost entirely absent from the films third act. Walton Goggins, an immensely talented star who can be seen next in Marvel’s Ant-Man and The Wasp, is also largely wasted as the films central antagonist. While Goggins (sporting a very Rick Grimes-esque beard) is always a joy to behold on screen, his wafer-thin villain is only granted mere moments of dimension and subtext. This is a huge shame considering Dominic West’s hammy and repetitive Lord Croft, who is given far too much screen time compared to much more deserving characters.
Related: The Danish Girl review
Tomb Raider frequently displays glimpses of greatness but is far too quick to move on to the next big set piece. Two of the films most emotional scenes, including the harrowing moment Lara takes her first life, are all-too-quickly forgotten in favour of loud, bone-crunching spectacle. Having said that, Roar Uthaug delivers some of the most genuinely thrilling action sequences in recent memory. A rocky start overall (no pun intended), but the film builds enough foundations here to cement interest in viewing further installments. As the anchor holding the entire script together, Vikander stuns as a relatable, human Lara Croft we would be happy to watch again and again.
Also, Nick Frost’s hilarious cameo is a role practically begging to be expanded on in future sequels.
Tomb Raider review by Ben Read, March 2018.
Tomb Raider is released in cinemas on Thursday 15th March 2018.
