‘Tomb Raider’ (2018): Lara Croft with a dash of Indiana Jones (review)

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Lara Croft first debuted in the classic “Tomb Raider” video game for the PlayStation 1 in 1996. The archeologist adventurer swooped into box offices in 2001, where Angela Jolie portrayed the titular Croft. Now, in a 2018 reboot, Alicia Vikander assumes the role of Lara Croft. A somewhat mixed film, the 2018 “Tomb Raider” retains the spirit of the video game franchise, as well as action-adventure atmosphere, though it’s at times a bit cliché.
Lara Croft (Vikander) leads a spirited life in the wake of her father Richard’s (Dominic West) disappearance. Working mainly as a courier, she finally accepts her inheritance, largely at the urging of Richard’s business partner, Ana Miller (Kristin Scott Thomas). Because signing for her inheritance means acknowledging her father’s supposed death, Lara is initially reluctant. But an encounter with the police and a tight financial situation force her into taking the money.

Upon signing for her father’s estate, Lara receives a puzzle box which leads to a hidden room at Croft Manor. This leads to an ominous message with Richard instructing Lara to burn his research. The rebellious, reckless Lara instead ventures out in search of her purportedly deceased father. Along the journey, Lara meets Lu Ren (Daniel Wu), whose father shared a connection with Lord Richard Croft. Lara and Lu travel to a remote island where Lord Croft was last said to be researching the mythical Himiko, Queen of Yamatai who was reported as holding the power to control life and death.

The 2018 “Tomb Raider” adaptation draws its inspiration more from the 2013 “Tomb Raider” video game more so than earlier iterations of the Lara Croft saga. Whereas the 2001 and 2003 films starring Angelina Jolie were campy action films, the Roar Uthaug-directed “Tomb Raider” ushers in a more nuanced version of Lara. Vikander plays a down-to-earth Lara that’s more relatable. Rather than the superhero-esque Lara Croft, Vikander lends a commanding presence that’s both capable and unassuming. She’s flawed, and though it’s no surprise Lara ultimately prevails, it’s not without more than a few mishaps. It’s a refreshing change of pace seeing an imperfect hero.

Acting is generally solid, with a phenomenal performance by Vikander, and enjoyable co-starring roles from Wu and West. Notably, Walton Goggins appears as crazed archeologist Mathias Vogel who channels quite a bit of Colonel Kurtz. Aside from Lara, most characters are painfully one-dimensional, though it’s a fault of writing, not acting.

Unfortunately, though the 2018 “Tomb Raider” reboot is action-packed and entertaining, it’s nothing new. Instead, “Tomb Raider” treks into familiar territory with call backs to everything from the previous Jolie incarnations of Lara Croft, to “Indiana Jones.” Particularly, the booby-trapped tomb of Himiko feels plucked from “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.” There’s a strong Dan Brown-esque vibe which prevails, though this harks back to early “Tomb Raider” video games with abundant puzzle solving elements. It’s not the ham-fisted romp which was “National Treasure.” Though the film is admittedly over the top, it’s enjoyably so and even self-referential. After a series of near-death moments Lara mutters a self-aware “Really?”

While this patchwork of tropes offers a sense of familiarity which makes “Tomb Raider” all but unique, it’s not unenjoyable. Amidst the sea of clichés, there’s a strong, likable character in the inexperienced Lara. Though CGI is plentiful, and I’ll fully admit I’m partial to practical effects, the CG crafts an atmosphere rather than plummeting into Michael Bay territory. Additionally, for fans of the video games, the 2018 “Tomb Raider” is a total gem, drawing inspiration from the 2013, more nuanced Lara Croft title, but ending with a delightful reference to the franchise roots.

It’s the ending which clumsily sets up a sequel that truly brings the 2018 “Tomb Raider” down. A sequel would likely have happened nonetheless. Sure, sequels don’t regularly surpass the originals, and video game adaptations specifically have an uneven record. However, the top sequels spawned organically. “Aliens,” “Terminator 2,” and “The Empire Strikes Back,” were preceded by films which ended sans sequel set up. As such, the finale feels cheap and unnecessary.

Ultimately, the 2018 “Tomb Raider” is a bit of a mixed experience. The new Lara Croft remains grounded, powerful, and unobjectified. Action is engaging, but Vikander is the saving grace of the film. Through her superb performance and the revamped Croft, “Tomb Raider” is a watchable, if somewhat forgettable, franchise reboot.