Is Tomb Raider (2018 Film) convincing proof that video game movies could work?
Tomb Raider (2018 Film) Synopsis
Despite being heiress to a massive fortune, Lara Croft leads a reckless and impoverished life in London, unable to come to terms with her father’s sudden disappearance. When she finally brings herself to sign the inheritance papers, she discovers a series of clues pinpointing her father’s final expedition and location. Hiring the services of Hong Kong skipper Lu Ren, Lara then proceeds to the uncharted island of Yamatai, hopeful that her father might still be alive. There, she is swiftly captured by the mercenary forces of Mathias Vogel. She also discovers the secret her father sacrificed his life to protect.
Snappy Review
I think it’s long accepted by most movie lovers that video game movies seldom work. Recent efforts seem to suggest otherwise, but on the whole, it still looks the case that video games just do not convert into movies well.
Worse, try remedying any effort by tweaking story or characters, and one ends up incurring the never-ending wrath of hard-core fans. This then becomes a death trap given such fans are the most enthusiastic viewers in the first place. There just seems no easy way out of this cycle.
Be it story or action sequences, Tomb Raider (2018 Film) is similarly plagued by these issues, the most obvious example of which being how Lara Croft alternates between being intrepid daredevil and clueless rich girl thrown into an adult world of subterfuge and murder. At times, it feels almost as if the movie is torn between which versions of Lara to portray. The more popularly known i.e. sex bomb explorer version, or the more realistic origins version.
This approach is, in turn, further made attractive by Alicia Vikander’s splendid performance. Believe me when I say her screen presence and attractiveness easily rival that of husband Michael Fassbender.
In summary, thanks to Vikander and the overall careful handling of the story, Tomb Raider 2018 looks to be convincing proof that video game movies could work after all. I certainly wouldn’t mind a sequel after a year or so. As a gamer, the adaptation certainly encouraged me to play the reboot series too.
Click here to view the trailer.
Check out my other snappy movie reviews.
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Great review. I’m seeing the movie this week. Looking forward to it!
It’s pretty, kick-ass, ahem, and quite not what I thought it would be. I had to say I was pleasantly surprised.
I will check it out… Normally would not go but think yu got me going to the movies after reading your reviews 🙂 Thanks !
Hey, I’m so glad I got you interested in movies. I consider that an accomplishment for this blog. 🙂
yes, after reading your reviews I’m normally impressed when I see the movie 🙂 Have a wonderful day!
Yes it really is . Hahhaha, and you are quite good at impartial reviews. Makes for good selections.