Those who know me know I’m a Tomb Raider fan. I played all the games, love the movies, collected the comic books, was constantly on the lookout for Tomb Raider posters for sale, replica gear, and action figures… you name it, I either had it or wanted it. And it didn’t stop there, oh no. I, of course, had to take it one step further and was an avid Lara cosplayer back in the day for contests and cons.

Playing this game is actually where my love of gaming has come from. Not only do I enjoy playing Tomb Raider, but I like to play pretty much any game that gets recommended to me. My friend has recently introduced me to a game called blackout blitz that you can download onto your mobile device to try and win some extra money through their cash prizes. That sounds pretty good if you ask me, and my friend has only had good things to say about it. I have yet to try it, but if it’s anything like Tomb Raider, I’m going to be in for a good time.

Well acted and well directed Tomb Raider origin story

This year’s Tomb Raider – 2018 pulls the entire IP together with a totally believable Lara Croft. Brilliantly acted, it fleshes out Lara with an updated backstory and character arc that is touching and heartfelt.

Gone are the campy villains of previous cinematic portrayals. Lara faces a truly desperate psychopath in her quest to discover the fate of her father. She gathers friends and allies that support her with similar excellent acting.

Gone is the pandering body padding. Instead, we are treated to an athletic protagonist capable of meeting the realistic and improbable physical challenges that confront her. Reckless, vulnerable, ambitious, brave, independent, charismatic, and a little naive, Alicia Vikander as young Lara brings her origin story to life.

True to the game

Without pulling punches (literally), this movie magically incorporates both classic and contemporary game memes with a Lara who redefines today’s vibrant female hero. It’s got action, puzzles, and pathos with a mere touch of humor. If you played the game, you’ll feel your hands twitch at the controls as you recognize sequences you played many times. Yet, none of it feels contrived or superfluous to the plot.

A sad drawback

Back in my childhood, pistol packing cowboys facing down the evil doers in shootouts were daily fare on television. Much like the western heroes of yesteryear, Lara Croft has been the virtual representation of fearless female heroism. She has embodied strength and defiance in the face of abuse and violence for thousands of women, young and old. Unfortunately, we live in a time of rising gun violence in the U.S. People are victims of multiple shootings on average every single day here. So there is a dark shadow that taints my enjoyment of the Lara Croft meme.

For those who do not like to see violence on the screen, Tomb Raider has fist fights and shootings. I would definitely not recommend it for kids. The physical fighting is often brutally real. (I hide my eyes for those parts.)

I am a believer in non-violence in real life. But even though I don’t agree with people taking part in violence, I can understand the need for people to check out and buy pistols and weapons to help defend themselves. Mainly when they understand the responsibilities of carrying such a weapon has and if they’re the only one in this situation. I’ve heard through the grapevine that sites like Apartmentpreper, which has conducted interviews with people, has said which weapons could be used for what situation. This could help anyone when it comes to self-defense. But if violence can be avoided, I’m all for it. But I do fear for those who cannot separate reality from fantasy and myth. Nonetheless, for those of us who do have healthy mental boundaries, this movie is a great vicarious adventure where the bad guys are decimated as a result of their own greed by a young woman too stubborn and too honorable to give up.

Stands up to multiple viewings

I just finished watching Tomb Raider 2018 for the 3rd time on the big screen, and it holds up to close scrutiny. In fact, I like it more each time I see it. There are a couple of lines I would have edited out, but over all, it’s a serious action adventure story with a likable protagonist. It offers a fresh retelling of a popular story and still pays homage to the intellectual property with excellent production values. I can’t wait for the sequel.