Review of Tomb Raider (2018) by Ben H — 19 Mar 2018

Clearly, some of the disparities amongst reviews are due to the fact that many reviewers are doing so from the "video game movie" point of view, and that's fine.

Simply as a free-standing film not related to any video game, however, I found TR to be a highly watchable, entertaining film.

In reading many of the reviews here, it seems that - not entirely but by and large - most fans of the video game dislike this second movie version, while far more of those who have not played the game or simply went to see TR on its own merits as a film enjoyed it.

For me, I believe this version tells a compelling, granted fantastical story, in a simple, exciting, fast-paced manner.

Whereas some might say Jolie's portrayal was more overt and exciting, I felt that Vikander brought a certain subtlety and texture to the role while maintaining the physicality of the first film.

Yes, on some levels it's a "mash-up" of certain aspects of National Treasure / Raiders / Assassins Creed, and not done as well of any of them, but that doesn't take away from the fact that this is a very enjoyable film.

Is it faithful to the video game? That's for gamer moviegoers to decide and express, and they are right here on RT.

But for the rest of us, maybe this TR and Vikander have taken a story to where a new generation of filmgoers who are unfamiliar with TR The Video Game can very, very much appreciate it. I know I did.