Tomb Raider

The Gist: Young Lara Croft refuses to accept that her father, who disappeared 7 years earlier, is dead. The sudden discovery of some mysterious notes and maps sets her on a dangerous albeit exhilarating adventure whose outcome is bound to change her life.

Hollywood’s infatuation with superheros is a well known ailment. Whether human or alien, originating in a comic book or a videogame, these movies bring in so much cash from all over the world, studios never miss a chance for another helping. Given that premise, a reboot of Tomb Raider, one of the most successful video game franchises of all time, and a one-time vehicle for Angelina Jolie, was inevitable.

The baton has been handed to Oscar winner Alicia Vikander, who comes across as eminently likable. She is believable in her grief and longings and has enough physicality to pull off the most daring stunts, a must for our heroine.

Dominic West and Walton Goggins are good, as always, while Daniel Wu and Kristin Scott Thomas are excellent in too-small roles. Director Roar Uthaug proved his mettle in this surely first-of-many installments in the series.

The Bottom Line: Critics weren’t enamored with the finished product, but I found it quite enjoyable. Naturally, you have to go with the flow with this kind of movie, and this being a reintroduction of sorts, the character has to be established. That said, Ms. Vikander is well cast and the new Tomb Raider is fun enough to watch.

Grade: 7