Tomb Raider (dir. Roar Uthaug)

Failing to truly believe that her explorer father is dead, Lara Croft (Alicia Vikander) finds herself on a quest that involves journeying to an island filled with mythology and mystery in pursuit of answers. She soon discovers she is not alone in her quest and that there are those with bad intentions seeking similar answers.

I wasn't the biggest Tomb Raider fan first time round. The Jolie films do not hold any real fond memories or nostalgia for me, nor does the computer game from which this world is formed. I did play the original version, but always found myself trapped in some pit or other inescapable quandary that led to me giving up and trading in for something less involved. All this led me to having fairly low expectations for watching this reboot. While not the biggest fan, I was pleased to find myself getting swept away in some of the better action sequences in the film, an early chase through London being my favourite.

Vikander is impressive in the role, a commanding and likeable presences he shows Croft to have several flaws. She is stubborn, refuses to listen to her better judgement and pays the price for it. The film script treats the character well, with both strengths and flaws displayed and her depiction is respectful without the lear of the earlier movies.  

While the action is passable and Vikander strong in her role, there are problems with the film. Poor CGI at points, cheesy voiceovers as narrative deliverer and inescapable plot flaws stand out like sore thumbs. Video camera batteries with 20 year shelf lives, journeys by impassable seas rather than opting for the more rational air option are jarring and inexcusable. Also there is an odd attempt to add comedy at times that seem out of step tonally with everything else happening within the story.

'Myths are based in some form of reality' is the main theme of the film, the myth of the ancient Queen of Death, the myth of the disappearance of Lara's father. Stories passed down like Chinese whispers that have tinges of reality but have lost truth in the retelling. A nice idea that never gets the full attention it warrants sadly.

Hints of a franchise to come are dropped and I'm not against that. I had fun, albeit momentary rather than throughout. I'm not at fever pitch with excitement about this possible return, but I'm not fully against it either. There is enough character within this version of Croft and the world she inhabits to warrant further exploration, my only hope is that the franchise doesn't fall into an inescapable pit and get traded in for something else too quickly.