Angela Lansbury plays a computer in Lara Croft: Tomb Raider. That is the first strange choice made by this adaptation, and it sets the tone for everything that follows. The film wants to be an action blockbuster about a tomb raider, but it spends far more time explaining the rules of its world than letting the action breathe.
Trailer, via HD Retro Trailers.
Opening Stretch
The film opens with a slow crawl through the history of Lara’s family, complete with flashbacks to Victorian times and a grandfather who served as a British agent. This backstory does nothing to serve the present-day plot, which mostly involves Lara chasing a map and avoiding a government agency.
The Premise
Lara Croft, played by Angelina Jolie, is a treasure hunter who travels the world solving ancient puzzles. In the game, she is a skilled fighter and a determined explorer. On screen, she becomes a tourist who occasionally fights.
The Action
When the action finally arrives, it is often shot in a way that hides the stuntwork behind quick cuts and handheld cameras. A chase scene through a jungle village is exciting in theory, but the quick editing keeps the audience from seeing the actual stunts.
The Villain
The villain, played by Jon Voight, is a corporate tycoon who wants to use an ancient artifact for his own ends. His motives remain opaque, and his scenes feel like filler rather than a genuine threat.
Lara Problem
Angelina Jolie is physically fit and carries herself with confidence. But the script treats her character as a passive observer to her own adventure. She solves puzzles and runs from danger, but rarely does anything that feels like agency.
Final Act
The final act rushes through a series of set pieces, including a temple crawl and a confrontation with the villain, without giving the audience a moment to care about what happens. The film ends abruptly, leaving the viewer wondering if there was ever a point to any of it.
The Score
Critics at the time scored the film 3.3 out of 10, and that low mark holds up today. The film is competent at best, and it fails to capture the spirit of the games it draws from.
Hard Numbers
- Title: Lara Croft: Tomb Raider
- Lead: Angelina Jolie
- Villain: Jon Voight
- Score: 3.3/10
Lara Croft: Tomb Raider is a missed opportunity. It has a strong lead and a premise that could have thrilled audiences. Instead, it settles for a safe, forgettable ride that never lives up to the legend it tries to build.
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