Review of Tomb Raider (2018) by Alan W — 23 Mar 2018

Putting aside whether there is any demand or need to reboot the Tomb Raider franchise (the answer is probably no, by the way), this is a very pedestrian production hampered by a predictable and unimaginative script, and this is despite a wasted Alicia Vikander who has presence and does her best with the materials she is given.

The only thing I can say in its favour are a few set action sequences which are decently mounted - the bike chase and the rusty jet carcass over a waterfall scenes are nicely done and provide a few thrills in an otherwise dull and unimpressive film in which characters bumbles from one perilous situation into another with little preparation or skills that make any logical sense.

Out of the two so-called 'twists' in the script, one is so obvious I don't think even the most naïve of audience will be shocked by it and the other is just so random, it's laughable and is optimistically put there just to set up future sequels.

A British supporting cast comprising of Dominic West, Kristin Scott Thomas, and Derek Jacobi looks awkward as if they are slightly ashamed about picking up their paychecks and by the time the film reaches its final act, I honestly believe that the only tomb they've raided is that of Indiana Jones's as it turns into a shamefully sub-standard rip off of the Raiders of the Lost Ark.