User Reviews

In the movies there is good nonsense and bad nonsense. Lara Croft: Tomb Raider is 100% good nonsense! It won't win any awards or bowl you over with textured and deep themes or performances, but what it will provide you with is a good looking well made slice of pure fun!

Angeline Jolie is wonderfully likeable as Lara, plus her English accent is flawless which further endears you to her. Red Dwarf's Chris Barrie pops up as Lara's butler and the two have genuine chemistry together when they are on screen. The film is very well directed by Simon West and it has a very polished sheen to it all plus the pacing is spot on, which for a game adaptation is rarer than hen's teeth.

Smashing good fun which is surprisingly well made and well performed too.

Highly recommended for a boozy Saturday in or a lazy Sunday on the couch.

The use of space in the bunjee-jumping-inside fight scene is masterful - all three dimensions are used in a clever way. But I only worked this out afterwards. It was the choreographer's work that was masterful; the idiots who filmed and edited it did their darndest to make it choppy, incoherent, and unexciting. As if that weren't enough, someone - it may have been the composer, it may have been the director - thought that the action scenes would be best accompanied by a tuneless, relentless, jackhammer techno beat.

"Tomb Raider" is "Raiders of the Lost Ark" emulated by people who haven't seen it. If they HAD seen it, they'd know that Spielberg edited his action sequences so as to let the audience know what was going on, to give us an idea of where the hero stood and what obstacles he faced; also that John Williams wrote actual MUSIC, complete with themes and chords and rhythms and consecutive bars that often as not differed from one another.

I'm not familiar with the computer game - if I were, I would be doubly grateful to see Angelina Jolie in the leading role. It must get tiring looking at large computer-generated breasts that just SIT there, like cast-iron balloons. Oddly, the audience I was with tittered because Jolie's breasts bounced as she walked downstairs. I don't get the joke. That's what breasts, by and large, DO - those of Hollywood actresses being an unfortunate exception to the general rule. -Anyway, all this aside, Jolie was, as always, terrific, when the film allowed her to be. This wasn't often. Usually I can at least decipher the storyline of a film afterwards, but this one has me baffled. It SEEMS that the film's heroine, in order to Save the World, merely had to sit still and do nothing - and KNOWING this, she Endangered the World, so that she could later save it in a more rope-swinging, kick-boxing, ammo-expending fashion. But surely nobody would spend millions of dollars on a film with this central weakness ... would they?

Positives: 1. A.J. put in a lot of training to perform the Croft action sequences as authentically as possible. 2. The sets were fantastic w/less CGI than we see now. 3. The actual filming sites (Cambodia; Iceland) were a gift in themselves. 4. The usual ancient guardians coming to life were well done and not stereotypic. 5. Slightly prefer the A.J. interpretation over the new Vikander rendition, but they both did as well as expected given the challenges. Also preferred this version's script over the 2018 script. Negatives: 1. The puzzle solving in the game was much more challenging than the all to common & typical movie weird little rotating disk antiquity device combined w/rotating circular door. 2. The (what was then nine) planets lining up - not going to happen, and they don't produce a solar eclipse - you only need the moon to do that. 3. The good guy, bad guy plot makes movies but would have liked a more creative action challenge. 4. Some day would like to see the studios pursue an actress w/academic smarts, and an athletic background for these action roles.

I don't know why the ratings for Jolies Tomb Raider movies are so low. The story may be a bit cheesy but so were the games. Angelina's performance as Lara is perfect. Love rewatching this from time to time. Fun movie. I think after the new adaption 2018 tomb raider movie maybe gamers and fans of Lara will appreciate Jolies Tomb Raider a lot more.

Like Mr. Schwarzenegger is the one and only Conan (+Terminator) and Peter Sellers the one and only Inspector Clouseau, Angelina Jolie embodies Lara Croft to the day. Yes, both movies (Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life)) are far from perfect but at least they tried to capture the spirit of the games - character- and story-wise. Alicia Vikander may be a good looking woman and a decent actor but she is in no way Lara Croft (that "modernized" Lara is just plain terrible). Anyway, as most movie adaptions of games are rather total fails or subpar, both Tomb Raider movies starring Angelina are solid adventure and action food.

She was phenomenal in this. Appreciate her coolness now more than ever after the new "reboot" came out....

This is a classic entertainment action flick. If you're expecting deep revelations to life, you won't get it. If you want great entertainment in what I'd say is what the majority of summer action flicks strive for - then Tomb Raider is just awesome.

I'm genuinely surprised that the rating for this movie is so low. Tomb Raider is one of the movies that I'll occasionally throw on when I just feel like watching a good action flick circa Mission Impossible. It's entertaining, it's pretty smart, and it's a clever adaptation of a video game.

I'm also a huge fan of the soundtrack to this movie. The compilation of songs is really great.

Many video game enthusiasts were looking forward to the movie adaptation of the "Tomb Raider" game series. When "Lara Croft: Tomb Raider" was finally released, not all of them were satisfied. But the movie does have its good points. Angelina Jolie takes the lead as Lara Croft, the famed archaeologist/adventurer, woman warrior and gamer's dream girl. She plays the role as if she were meant to be Lara Croft. The movie also boasts some very good visual effects and exciting action. The plot does leave a bit to be desired, though. The ancients may have had deep knowledge about the universe and the planets, but the concept with the planetary alignment was just barely plausible. But, really, with movies like this, it's all about explosions and the star's body. Lara Croft's game might not be for everybody, and the same goes for the movie.

"Tomb Raider" is a harmless diversion that should please its core audience. I loved the performance of Angelina Jolie, who brings the computer game heroine Lara Croft to life. I watched an interview with Jolie in which she said that she really "became Lara Croft".

With her mock British accent, Jolie is a lot of fun as the adventurer-archaeologist who is equal parts Bruce Wayne and Indiana Jones, but with a much better body.

Taking its cue from the video game, the film's screenplay is more of a puzzle than a plot. The script is a patchwork of ideas that plays like a Greatest Hits collection of other films. It deals with end of the world stuff, but it never feels apocalyptic. It's controlled chaos, utterly lacking in surprise. The script jumps from one expected moment to the next, never apologizing for its lack of originality.

At least Jolie understands the limitations of the script. There's enough conviction in her performance to make you want to believe in Lara Croft, the spunky heiress is who is equally at home in her spacious mansion or within the catacombs of a lost tomb. She's guided by the spirit (both literally and figuratively) of her late adventurer father, Lord Croft (Jon Voight), and assisted by an archaeologist Alex West (Daniel Craig) and cyber-geek creator Bryce (Noah Taylor).

The film opens like "Raiders of the Lost Ark," with Lara Croft deep inside one of those musty, dusty tombs. Instead of outrunning a giant boulder, Croft squares off against a mechanical monster, a robotic menace that seems to come out of nowhere. It doesn't. We learn that it's a creation of Bryce, used to keep Croft on her toes.

Angelina Jolie made the perfect Lara Croft; her facial expressions and sly smirks added a personality to the flick that I can only imagine the video game is missing. She seemed smart, brave, and composed as well as full of emotion. Okay, maybe the parts with her father (real-life papa Jon Voight) were a little over the top, but since the whole movie is just eye-candy anyway they seemed to fit.

The fight scenes among ruins got me. How can you not love Lara Croft jumping onto a swinging obelisk to smash a glass eye that holds the key to time, or sledding thru an ice cave being pulled by dogs? Or the scene where the villains jump through her castle windows as she rappels around the walls, smashing chandeliers and pistol-whipping bad guys? What's a girl to do but hop on her motorbike, take a guy out sideways, and race off at 100 miles an hour? Excellent.

Lara Croft Tomb Raider is enjoyable camp. All the parts are clichéd such as her evil nemesis, Manfred Powell, her ever dependable butler Hillary, and Wilson, the old man she seeks wisdom from and then betrays her. The story is about a group called the Illuminata who are looking for the 2 halves of a triangle which when joined and after following a series of steps, gives the holder the power to control time and space like God, putting the stability of the entire universe at risk. The plot and action scenes reminded me of a video game and I didn't mind it one bit. Jolie poses in various monochromatic outfits and pouts her famous lips a lot but I think this will one day secure it as a cult classic. The film is if anything, gorgeous to watch, moves quickly, and has an excellent lead player. Finally a film that knows 100 minutes is enough time to play itself out. Jolie brings a depth to the role of Lara Croft that many other actresses would have fallen flat with. And the stunts were fantastic; I was surprised during the bonus footage to find out Jolie did all of her own stunts. She's not only fit, she's brave. The stunts look difficult because they are. I thought the scene where she is being chased out a tomb by water was computer animated, but it wasn't.

Overall, the film is true to its inspiration. When it is over, you'll want more.

The movie is about a lost artifact whose secret was discovered by a man (John Voight). He himself belonged to a secret society called the Illuminati .He was killed by a member of the same organization for not disclosing his findings to him. He died leaving clues for his daughter (Angelina Jolie)guiding her to complete his incomplete mission. And within the film the director takes a tour of many different kinds of mysterious and interesting but worth knowable things that are prevalent all around globe.

The film is just worth watching for a fun-entertainment lover who will never get upset for this kind of creativity. The movie is well imagined though fictional. I personally have played the Tomb-Raider game and the movie is just interesting as the game along with a good story-line. The unnecessary elements are all cut off. The performances of Angelina Jolie John Voight are all fine. The male characters including the villain is just kind of funny which is good for an optimistic movie like this one. The storytelling is also good ,no nonsense elements.

However from realism point of view it lacks few points which is also fine in this case in reference to context of the film. Visuals though not the very best also comes under good which works every time you watch it Summing up the fiction lovers viewers must give it a watch for its interesting elements. From the above mentioned points I would give it a 8 out of 10. On a scale of 100 it would be 80/100.

The film talks upon Lara Croft (Angelina Jolie), an explosive and sexy British archaeologist and it results to be an adaptation from a successful and famous video game . Lara musts discover and destroy halves-objects of an old relic which can control time and a nasty (Iain Glen) also wants to obtain it with the aim to ruling the time . Lara Croft is helped by an adventurer (Daniel Craig , future James Bond) and by two sympathetic underlings (Noah Taylor and Christopher Barrie). Her dead father (John Voight, like on the real life) will give up clues to find it . She'll have to take on several risks , dangers and adventures until reach her aim.

The picture mingles suspense , tension , skydiving , action-packed , pursuits and a little bit of violence when the quarrel happen but it's a very amusing movie . It's a real and typical action film : Running men while are shooting , continuous struggles in bounds and leaps and interminable runs . It's a run-of-the-mill action picture , as from the beginning to the end , the unstopped action and the fast movement is varied . Besides , there are breathtaking outdoors from different countries around the world where the protagonists are traveling to resolve the issues . The final duel amongst the starring and contenders for the possession of the ancient relics is impressive and groundbreaking . The film is similar to the posterior :¨ the cradle of the life¨ , it has a likeness chum (Daniel Craig-Gerard Butler), equal performers (Noah Taylor and Chris Barrie ) with gorgeous as well as spectacular scenarios . However , the first part achieved a lot of box office and second part (directed by Jan De Bont) attained limited success because the storyline was basically a rehash of the original film . Peter Menzies cinematography is awesome like is marvelously reflected on the extraordinary outdoors and Graeme Revell musical score is jolly and lively . The picture was rightly directed by Simon West.

I am not here to defend any plot snags this film might have. I however thought it would be cool to come here and say that I liked this movie. It was quite entertaining. Maybe not always "riveting" but fun action cheese nonetheless. Jolie brought a computer woman to life well and the movie is a good rental, maybe even an unpopular purchase.

I gave it 7/10 stars.

When I first watches this movie, I'm not sure why I didn't enjoy it. It could be just that I was in the wrong mood. However, I did find the movie lacking a convincing villain challenging enough to make you root for the heroine. Indiana Jones had a good villain, Jackie Chan movies always pit him against the odds - that's what makes for good action. In Tomb Raider, not only is it clear to everyone that Lara Croft is greater than the villains by a long shot, worse still - she joins forces with them! This creates a confusing scenario where natural sympathies for the main character get thrown out the window.

However when I watched it the second time, this time without any preconceived notions and fully expecting the lack of exciting odds, I really enjoyed it for what it is - a visually appealing film with some thrilling stunts and action scenes. The fact that Angelina did her own stunts adds to the enjoyability of the key action scenes, all of which are artfully conceived and executed.

I realize many people toast this movie, but watch the movie for what it offers - some unique and stylish action. The heroine certainly does some nifty tricks that we've never seen on the big screen before, let alone from a female character.

Perfect movie and a classic. Captures the true spirit and adventure of the game. the only thing that might have made it even more awesome is more spelunking time with her having to shoot bats and wolves but it's not necessary considering they actually go into TOMBS and have to solve puzzles with RISKS. A female Indian Jones equivalent and a classic by cinematic standards.

LORA CROFT: TOMB RAIDER / (2001) *** (out of four)

By Blake French:

At last, here is a successful screen adaptation from a video game. "Lora Croft: Tomb Raider" takes the plot seriously, and has a lot of fun with it. Unlike the silly "Wing Commander" and incompetent "Mortal Combat," this movie soars with its physical potential. The movie experienced many production complications, therefore I excepted it to symbolize the three tedious years of filmmaking, the director who bailed out, the sexual harassment charges filed, and the 11 screenwriters who couldn't satisfy Paramount Pictures, the bill, and Eidos Interactive, the company that owns the video game. "Lora Croft: Tomb Raider" manages to pull past its problematic filmmaking process and provide audiences with what is expected from this action packed extravaganza.

Academy Award winner Angelina Jolie portrays Lora Croft, who is a cross between Indiana Jones and James Bond. The role of Croft was not an easy accomplishment, even for Jolie. She endured great physical hardships during the shooting, including injuries to her knee, foot, and shoulder. It's a good thing that Jolie did the film, however, she's probably the only actress with the capabilities and physical appearance to handle such a role. Elizabeth Hurley, Sandra Bullock, Denise Richards, Ashley Judd, and Jennifer Love Hewitt were also among the actresses considered for the role. Any of those fine performers would have brought their own charm and delight to the role, but Croft feels perfect for Jolie.

The disposable premise is not just a clothesline for various action sequences. It stands alone as a needlessly complicated plot contraption concocted out of desperation and deadlines. I am glad the actors took it so seriously; this material begs for parody. Lora Croft discovers a key-based clock unidentifiable even by an antique dealer. Meanwhile, a ruthless member of a powerful society named Manfred Powell (Iain Glen) is waiting for a planetary alignment that occurs once every 5,000 years. This event will give the holder of two separated pieces of a magical stone the power over time itself. Croft and Powell learn that the key will unlock the whereabouts of those missing halves.

The rest of the plot follows the villains and heroes on their journey around the planet, searching for the various artifacts and precious instruments. The film will not disappoint action fans. Suspend disbelief and follow the film's absurd concepts, then the fast-paced action sequences, eye-popping special effects, and convincing sets will satisfy. The outcome of almost every single scene is as obvious as it is predictable, but that doesn't mean we enjoy the scenes any less. There are some exciting action sequences in "Lora Croft: Tomb Raider," although it's easy to become lost in the action; the frequent cuts and camera tricks often interrupt the flow of the action.

"Lora Croft: Tomb Raider" is a fun summer thrill ride. It's not a smart, savvy film, but compared to movies like "The Mummy Returns" it's a wake up call in the midst of a starving summer movie season. If you don't expect more than pointless action, you will get your money's worth.

Ever since Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) entered cinema history, there have been film after film of directors trying to replicate the same formula. Most of them have failed but there are a couple gems that stand out from the rest. As for this film, it comes off as an Indiana Jones movie but with the lead being female, with a British accent and is one of the most attractive actresses in Hollywood. Besides it being a financially successful PC game, this film was a financial success and even spawned a sequel in 2003.

Starring as Lara Croft is Angelina Jolie. She really brings sexy back in this action film because of how she moves. The way she leaps, rolls, jumps are all very exhilarating to watch. Mostly these moves look so great because of her agility and flexibility as a woman. Also starring with her is British actor Daniel Craig. It's funny to see Jolie who's American, play a British character while Craig who's British, plays an American character. In my opinion, that's pretty impressive because if I were acting out that scene, I would get confused with who I was talking to and speak whatever accent felt more comfortable; but they do it like they were born in those countries.

What makes this movie like Indiana Jones is not because of the title, Tomb Raider. No, it's the substance involved in this film. Right at the beginning of the film, Croft is already fighting off a menacing killer robot that's packing some serious arsenal. Same thing with Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981); no robots but still trying to avoid all kinds of dangerous devices such as impaling walls and rolling boulders. Lara Croft is just more modernized since Indiana Jones lived in the 1930s. Either way both are trying to find sacred artifacts that could change the fate of mankind. And to do this, they must hunt for these objects by entering ancient architecture. All this does is add spectacle and wonder to the film and it works really well no matter if it's 1981 or 2001.

Making things even spicier in this film is what Croft wears. Whatever she wears in a certain scene is appropriate and sexy at the same time. It's almost like she's setting a standard for a next generation of archaeologists. As for the musical score, I didn't really care for it. I couldn't really feel anything from it and felt that maybe a different composer could have been hired for the job. That and the fact that although this movie was good, I just never felt any love for it. It was entertaining but it wasn't like much of the characters were memorable besides Lara Croft. That part disappointed me. As for the rest of the film, I really liked it and feel it's worth watching for good entertainment.

Even though this movie doesn't have many characters to connect with, Lara Croft: Tomb Raider is a fun action adventure film. Jolie plays Croft really well and it was wise of director Simon West to keep her as the main lead, otherwise, this movie might have flunked.

She performed extremely well in this movie and helps bring the video game back to life!!!!

I'll be honest with you here, I hadn't even heard of Angelina Jolie until my brother gave me his copy of this DVD having abandoned it during some of the early scenes.

By this time I was already playing and enjoying the early games - notably TR II before I played the original and progressed to TR III in that order.

TR II was a masterpiece in terms of gaming. It was vibrant and diverse, covering many locations - most notably Venice and China, locations that were covered in the two Jolie movies combined to my recollection, among others.

In order to play the heroine, Jolie had to gain muscle and play the games - in essence she had to BECOME Lara Croft. She had to absorb the quirky traits of this steadfast character in order to deliver an accurate portrayal to fans of the games ("Raiders" as we call ourselves). Jolie performed many of her own stunts to her credit and was on a high protein diet in order to bulk up to the athletic standard required.

The only thing that lets this movie down is arguably the dialogue in spite of a very touching scene between Jolie and Voight - her then real- life estranged father. It was the pain of their real-life situation that oozed through the screen with a sense of great sadness. Jolie's accent was flawless but I feel the dialogue could have been less twee in parts.

The reason my older brother abandoned the movie was due to a rather reality-suspending scene of an ambush in Croft Manor. Character Lara was engaged in some form of indoor bungee exercise wearing some sort of satin pyjama set yet, initially unarmed, managed to single-handedly take out an entire SWAT team with her cunning and athletic prowess, only managing to tool-up when she snatches a weapon from one of her bungee- captives.

If you are happy to suspend belief then your kids will enjoy it. The sequel is more Bond-like however and a more believable movie. Nice to see a younger Daniel Craig in this debut TR film though!