Tomb Raider 2018

 “As children we question the world around us, we learn, we accept, and gradually we lose our capacity for wonder. But some do not, the explorers, the seekers of truth, it is these pioneers that define the future of mankind.”


“You must understand, we Croft’s have responsibilities, jobs to do."

“Never forget, Dad loves you.”
-Richard Croft, the Tomb Raider franchise

Okay I'll admit it, I have an affection for Lara Croft, though it may not be for the reason you think. For my siblings and I, Lara's adventures were some of the best bedtime stories that we were ever told. We would all gather around the family computer as my dad booted it up and began to play. These games cemented my love for interactive storytelling , because they brought us all together, and made me realize that even the simplest of stories can become some of the most powerful when you're sharing them with those you love.
To me, the Tomb Raider franchise is about story, family, and a father's love. Does that sound familiar? It is the thematic through line of the Tomb Raider franchise. Isn't it odd how life imitates art and vice versa. The best representation of this through line in regards film would be the 2018 film, entitled Tomb. Raider, starring Alicia Vikander as Lara Croft. This film is about searching and finding. Finding out who our parents really are and who perhaps, we are meant to be. The film offers a glance into the extraordinary love a parent has for a child. It may seem like a simple truth but, told through the lens of Tomb Raider 2018, It always brings tears to my eyes.
This is an exceptionally well crafted action film that explores simple but meaningful truths. Simplicity does not negate depth or emotional weight , Tomb Raider 2018 is quite the exemplar of that reality. In this case, I believe simplicity amplifies the film's emotional effectiveness to a great degree. As a result, director Roar Uthaug and his team lovingly explore the thematic depths of the Tomb Raider franchise. In their wanderings they bring to light a story, about family, and the extraordinary power of legacy, and love.

Fun fact number 1: Did you know? In terms of the films, Lara Croft has always been played by an oscar-winning actress, Alicia Vikander and Angelina Jolie.

Fun fact number 2: Lara Croft's father in Tomb Raider 2001 is played by Angelina Jolie's real life father Jon Voight.

Fun fact number 3: Tomb Raider 2001 was the first PG-13 movie I ever saw in the theater. I saw it with my dad. That leads us to…

Fun fact number 4: the reason why Tomb Raider 2001 only has brief nudity is because Angelina Jolie had a tattoo on her back that was far too expensive to remove with CGI back in 2001. The films and games have not had nudity since.

I found these films and video games to be meaningful, emotionally powerful and entertaining. I hope in some way you do too.



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