Lara Croft: Tomb Raider Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A super-rich archaeologist lady finds a magic clock, punches some bad guys, and then yells at her dead dad about how much she hates time management.

🍿 Lara Croft: Tomb Raider: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Lara’s Training and the Approaching Alignment

The movie opens with Lara Croft in a training exercise battling a robot in a simulated Egyptian tomb. This showcases her skills and resourcefulness. Meanwhile, a rare planetary alignment is approaching, an event that occurs only once every 5,000 years. This alignment is key to unlocking the power of an ancient artifact.

The Discovery of the Clock and the Illuminati’s Pursuit

Lara discovers a ticking clock hidden in her mansion, leading her to uncover a secret chamber. This clock contains a device that serves as a key to finding the two halves of the Triangle of Light. The Illuminati, a secret society, seeks this artifact to control time and space, setting them on a collision course with Lara.

Global Adventure: Cambodia and Siberia

Following clues left by her deceased father, Lara embarks on a global quest to retrieve and destroy the Triangle of Light before the Illuminati can obtain it. Her journey takes her to Cambodia, where she faces booby traps and a massive guardian statue to secure one half of the triangle. Then ventures to icy Siberia, where even more dangers await.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Lara Croft (Angelina Jolie): A wealthy and athletic archaeologist who embarks on dangerous adventures to recover powerful ancient artifacts.
• Manfred Powell (Iain Glen): A ruthless member of the Illuminati seeking the Triangle of Light to control time and space.
• Lord Richard Croft (Jon Voight): Lara’s deceased father, an archaeologist who hid the key to the Triangle and guides her from beyond the grave.
• Alex West (Daniel Craig): A rival tomb raider and occasional ally who develops a complex relationship with Lara.
• Bryce (Noah Taylor): Lara’s tech-savvy assistant who provides her with gadgets and support during her missions.
• Hillary (Chris Barrie): Lara’s loyal and resourceful butler who assists her in managing Croft Manor and providing support.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Lara Croft: “To see your world in a grain of sand, and a heaven in a wild flower. Hold infinity in the palm of your hand, an eternity in an hour.” – Lara recites this William Blake quote, reflecting her philosophical side and appreciation for the mysteries of the world.
• Lord Richard Croft: “The triangle gives its possessor power over time and space.” – Lord Croft explains the immense power of the artifact that Lara must protect from falling into the wrong hands.
• Lara Croft: “I’m not afraid of anything.” – Lara says this to exemplify her bravery and fearlessness in the face of danger.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $115,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $131,168,070
• Worldwide Gross: $274,703,340

💥 Lara Croft: Tomb Raider Reviews

Personal Review

I remember seeing this in theaters as a kid and being completely blown away by Angelina Jolie as Lara Croft. She *was* the character. The action was over-the-top, sure, but it was fun! The bungee cord fight in her mansion? Iconic! While the plot might be a bit silly, it was a great popcorn flick that made me want to go on my own adventures, even if that meant just exploring the woods behind my house. Nostalgia makes it a fun rewatch every few years.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of the Tomb Raider video game series”
  • “Viewers who enjoy action-adventure films with strong female leads”
  • “Those interested in movies with exotic locations and ancient mysteries”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Action violence”
  • “Some peril and intense sequences”
  • “Brief partial nudity”

Professional Reviews

• Roger Ebert: “Jolie is perfectly cast, and the action is competent, but the story is a jumbled mess that doesn’t quite make sense. It’s fun, but it could have been so much more. While watchable it ultimately falls short of its potential due to a weak script.
• Variety: “Angelina Jolie embodies Lara Croft with the right mix of strength and vulnerability. However, the plot is convoluted and the pacing uneven, preventing the film from reaching its full potential as a thrilling adventure. A fun, escapist action film but not perfect.
• Empire: “Jolie carries the film with her physical presence and commitment to the role. Despite some plot holes and over-the-top action sequences, it delivers enough thrills to satisfy fans of the video game. Fun, engaging, but flawed.

Audience Reactions

Angelina Jolie IS Lara Croft. She brought the video game heroine to life.: Fans praise Angelina Jolie’s performance and the action sequences, despite plot weaknesses.

This movie is fun and not too serious. Pure escapism at its best!: Many viewers found the film enjoyable for its entertainment value and action-packed scenes.

Overall Consensus: A fun but flawed action-adventure film carried by Angelina Jolie’s portrayal of Lara Croft, though criticized for its weak plot.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Angelina Jolie performed most of her own stunts in the film, undergoing extensive training in combat and acrobatics to prepare for the role.”
• “Several actresses were considered for the role of Lara Croft, including Elizabeth Hurley, Sandra Bullock, and Catherine Zeta-Jones, before Angelina Jolie was cast.”
• “The film features filming locations in Cambodia, including Angkor Wat, which added authenticity to the tomb raiding scenes.”

🖥️ How to Watch Lara Croft: Tomb Raider?

Lara Croft: Tomb Raider is available to stream on platforms like Paramount+ and through rental or purchase on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability as streaming options can change.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, you might like these similar films:

• Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981): Features a globe-trotting archaeologist on a quest for ancient artifacts, filled with action and adventure.
• The Mummy (1999): Combines action, adventure, and supernatural elements in a search for ancient treasures.
• National Treasure (2004): A modern adventure centered on finding historical artifacts and solving puzzles to uncover a hidden treasure.
• Uncharted (2022): Video Game adaptation with quests for legendary treasure, globetrotting and dangerous stunts

🛒 Lara Croft: Tomb Raider Related Products

• Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Trilogy [Blu-ray]: Own the complete cinematic adventures of Lara Croft on stunning Blu-ray, perfect for reliving the excitement and adventure.
• Tomb Raider Definitive Survivor Trilogy – PlayStation 4: Experience Lara Croft’s origin story in this critically acclaimed action-adventure series. Includes Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition, Rise of the Tomb Raider: 20 Year Celebration, and Shadow of the Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition.
• Tomb Raider: The Art and Making Of The Film: Go behind the scenes of the movie with this visual journey, featuring concept art, photos, and interviews with the cast and crew.
• Funko Pop! Movies: Tomb Raider – Lara Croft: Add this iconic figure to your collection and show your love for the legendary Tomb Raider. Approximately 3.75 inches tall and comes in a window display box.

🎧 Soundtrack

Lara Croft: Tomb Raider features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Elevation (Tomb Raider Mix)” – performed by U2
• “Deep” – performed by Nine Inch Nails
• “Where Is My Mind?” – performed by The Pixies

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Did you know in LARA CROFT: TOMB RAIDER?

Ever wondered what it took to transform Angelina Jolie into the iconic Lara Croft? This video reveals a fascinating fact about her physical appearance in the movie. Check it out!

Lara Croft Tomb Raider: Pure Fantasy or Feminist Trailblazer?

Is Lara Croft a feminist icon or a male fantasy? This video explores the complexities of her character and offers a fresh perspective on the movie. Check it out if you’re a fan of strong female characters and want to dive deeper into the film’s themes.

Archaeologist Reviews Archaeology in Movies, from ‘Indiana Jones’ to ‘Lara Croft: Tomb Raider’

Curious about how accurate the archaeology is in ‘Lara Croft: Tomb Raider’? This video features an expert archaeologist reviewing the film’s portrayal of history and ancient cultures. It’s a fascinating watch for anyone interested in archaeology or the behind-the-scenes details of the movie.

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