Review of Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001) by Thequietgamer — 02 Feb 2018

When Lara finally decides to leave her mansion you get a movie with beautiful scenery and exciting action. You just have to get past the first 40 minutes. The film's extended opening is so dull that not even the titillating shower and side boob scenes do all that much to hold your attention. It takes too long setting up it's story and almost killed my interest. When we get to Cambodia though, everything turns around and we get the entertaining ride we were expecting. The action is of that ridiculous early 2000-era style that we just don't see anymore. The kind where the hero flies around and pulls off ridiculous stunts while simultaneously having access to some absurd technology and other gizmos. There are some pretty impressive set pieces, such as a more acrobatic sequence involving an octopus carnival ride of death. Angelina Jolie proves to be a good fit for Lara Croft, and not just looks-wise. She shows a remarkably physicality and a cocky persona that are both well-suited for an action hero role. It's mix of action and sex appeal may be more suited for the teenage crowd out there, but every now and then it offers a little something else to do other than ogle the leading lady. You'll have to turn your brain off for the story, but there are some genuinely cool and memorable moments. There are times where everything just comes together and it works. Unfortunately, so much of Tomb Raider gets saddled with it's own inane plotting.

6.