Sommerleigh Pollonais, Senior Writer
Adapted from the video game creation of studio Crystal Dynamics (and not for the first time), Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft is the latest in a long line of video game adaptations. There has been some live action, some animated, it’s a mixed bag for sure. But in terms of entertainment value, Tomb Raider is one of the better ones.
Most people will be aware of, if not familiar, with the name Lara Croft. Her character is heavily inspired by the likes of Indiana Jones if Indy had a bustline to rival Dolly Parton’s. This version was adapted for the screen with Angelina Jolie in 2001’s Lara Croft: Tomb Raider and 2003’s Lara Croft: Tomb Raider – The Cradle of Life. Thankfully, in 2013 the studio hit Lara with the reboot stick and not only changed her proportions and age, but they also added a level of grit and realism to her story that could match the cinematic narrative of similar games like the Uncharted franchise. This led to a live action adaptation that I for one enjoyed (that would be 2018’s Tomb Raider starring Alicia Vikander) and the animated series we’re here to take a look at.
Animation allows for a freedom one could never find in live action no matter how good it is, and the recent Tomb Raider trilogy of games that gave us a younger, more brash and still learning Lara Croft was the perfect segue to introduce the character to non-gaming audiences. Voiced by the MCU’s Captain Carter herself Hayley Atwell, we’re thrown headfirst into Lara’s world as she’s on a major adventure alongside her mentor Conrad Roth (voiced by none other than Nolan North who among others is the voice behind Uncharted’s Nathan Drake). After a major personal loss Lara finds herself travelling the globe searching for the next rush, the next dangerous adventure, anything really to avoid heading back home and facing her friends and the guilt she carries. But when a priceless object is stolen from her home by a man hellbent on using it to destroy the world Lara finds she has no choice but to face her demons, mend her relationships and do what she does best – raid sacred tombs to figure out the mysteries that lie within in hopes of stopping Charles Devereaux (Richard Armitage last “seen” as Trevor Belmont in Castlevania) and his plans of global annihilation.
Taking inspiration directly from the recent trilogy was a smart move as the narrative explores Lara’s world and expands on the character in new and exciting ways. The voice cast is a strong one with Atwell and Armitage standing out among the crowd. Both add depth to their characters and bring them to life beyond the visuals, making you want to spend more time with them. Same goes for Earl Baylon who voices Jonah, one of Lara’s closest allies who also functions as her conscience.
If the animation looks familiar it might be because studio Powerhouse Animation were also the ones behind Netflix’s other hit series, Castlevania, Blood of Zeus and Masters of the Universe, just to name a few. So, if you liked the visuals and style of those shows, you’ll have no issues here.
As someone who loved all three of the recent games (this series seems to take place right after those events) I think they did an excellent job of not just representing who Lara is but also developing side characters and world building. They even made sure to add in the puzzle solving aspects of her adventures, something I’m sure Tomb Raider fans will appreciate, not to mention the physical damage Lara goes through with cuts and bruises covering her most of the time showing Lara isn’t invincible, she’s just that strong-willed and determined to see things through.
Even if you’re not a fan of the games and have no idea who Lara Croft is but you enjoy animation and adventure-based stories, Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft will not disappoint. Hayley Atwell does a phenomenal job of bring Lara to life, animation gives her adventures the freedom and scope to embrace a more fantastical scope and the narrative is laid out clearly so as not to confuse those who’ve never picked up a controller. And the season lays the groundwork for more to come.
Sommer’s Score: 7 out of 10
And you can check out more video game adaptations below:
Sommerleigh of the House Pollonais. First of Her Name. Sushi Lover, Queen of Horror Movies, Comic Books and Binge-Watching Netflix. Mother of two beautiful black cats named Vader and Kylo. I think eating Popcorn at the movies should be mandatory, PS4 makes the best games ever, and I’ll be talking about movies until the zombie apocalypse comes. Double Tap Baby! Read More