| You are in: Entertainment: Reviews | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Friday, 6 July, 2001, 15:37 GMT 16:37 UK Luscious Lara loses plot ![]() Angelina Jolie steals the show but it is not enough By BBC News Online's Rebecca Thomas With its fast action and luscious heroine, computer game Tomb Raider had all the ingredients to make a sure-fire movie hit. Sadly, the game's renowned high excitement and player involvement have not translated to the big screen. Indeed, the overriding impression is that director Simon West was totally distracted by making this a showreel for Angelina Jolie's formidable talents. In keeping with the Tomb Raider computer games, this action-packed adventure sees English aristocrat and covert relic raider Lara on another thrill-seeking mission.
When joined, they give the owner the power to control time and the universe. Lara goes off to exotic locations such as Cambodia and Iceland in an attempt to recover the pieces. But she comes up against a dangerous secret society, the Illuminati, who have the same idea and want Lara out of the way. Overall, there is no denying that the film experience of Tomb Raider is entertaining enough. But the confusing, inconclusive storyline fails to fully engage. Stylish stunts take precedence over substance and characterisation. Even the participation of acclaimed actor Jon Voight - Jolie's real-life father - is minimalist, although it is interesting to see the two together on screen. But all this is hardly surprising when Jolie and her pneumatic chest dominate every scene. Jolie gets to pout and punch her way impressively through every frame. Jolie as Lara is undeniably cool and as a showcase for the actress's skill and presence, Lara Croft: Tomb Raider is an absolute triumph. But devoted fans of the Tomb Raider games may be left wishing Hollywood had left well alone. Lara Croft: Tomb Raider is on general release from 6 July | See also: Internet links: The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites Top Reviews stories now: Links to more Reviews stories are at the foot of the page. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Links to more Reviews stories |
| ^^ Back to top News Front Page | World | UK | UK Politics | Business | Sci/Tech | Health | Education | Entertainment | Talking Point | In Depth | AudioVideo ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- To BBC Sport>> | To BBC Weather>> ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- © MMIII|News Sources|Privacy | ||