Angelina Jolie and Leslie Phillips in "Lara Croft: Tomb Raider."

MOVIE INFORMATION

With 10 as a must-see, Jack gives this film a: Stars: Angelina Jolie Director: Simon West Rated: PG-13, with moderate violence and sexual suggestiveness Length: 96 minutes

ROCHESTERCRITIQUE

Having seen this film, how would you rate it? 10 5 9 4 8 3 7 2 6 1

By Jack Garner
Democrat and Chronicle

(June 15, 2001) -- Finally, a reasonably entertaining movie, inspired by a video game. And they said it couldn't be done.

It's Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, the adventures of a wily, acrobatic English lass-turned-warrior, out to save the world from ancient curses and modern villains. Her obvious predecessors include Batman, since she lives in a mansion with a helpful manservant and a nerdy, Robin-like assistant; and especially Indiana Jones, since her adventures take her to archeological digs, ancient tombs and exotic locales.

Don't get me wrong, Lara Croft is no Indiana Jones, despite her obvious attempt to fill his scuffed-up hiking boots. Indiana remains safely ensconced as the all-time king of the genre, and his tales resonate with the grand traditions of Hollywood serials and adventure.

Still, Croft's kick-butt action and seductive brains-and-brawn combination have made her the queen of video games. To date, the four Tomb Raider editions have sold a phenomenal 21 million units. So, presumably, there already is a substantial built-in audience for the $100 million film version, directed by Simon West.

As brought to life on the movie screen by Angelina Jolie, Ms. Croft has her own distinct charms, especially for a character who began life in virtual reality. She's got attitude, wit, determination obvious athleticism, and a ton of warrior skills.

And then there's that legendary bust line that even the sexy Jolie had to be padded out to fill. (Of course, my wife thought it was silly that Lara could traipse around frozen Iceland with her coat wide open; while all the guys were bundled up. I didn't worry about; I just enjoyed the view.)

Jolie's Croft is the exception that proves the rule: Video games turned into movies usually spotlight cardboard characters who spark no audience interest.

The script is by committee (with six writers credited), but still manages to be servicable.

All the planets are about to align in a rare astrological phenomenon that occurs only every 5,000 years. Croft discovers that her late father has left her an elaborate key to a mysterious ancient puzzle. The two remaining pieces are at opposite ends of the earth -- Cambodia and Iceland -- and if they're brought together, with the key, amazing power is generated that can control time and space.

Croft must find the puzzle pieces -- and destroy them -- before the film's evil opposition gets control.

West's exposition of the narrative isn't always clear -- I suspect the film's been over-edited, leaving out such details as how the puzzle competitors know they need to go to Iceland. West also favors tight camera angles on action sequences, which can sometimes trigger confusion.

Still, Angelina Jolie holds our attention with her entertaining portrayal of the title character. With humorous attitude, sly posturing and smart asides, she provides just the right amount of fun; allowing us to forgive the plot its occasional lapses in logic or its dependence on mythological gobbledegook.

Jolie also handles the role's considerable physical demands with aplomb. Whether she's bouncing from the ceiling on bunge chords or diving off a dam or coming at you with two guns blazing or zooming by on a motorcycle, she makes us believe she does it every day. She's so absolutely right for the role -- it's impossible to conceive anyone else doing it.

Also appealing are her two cohorts, the butler, played with dry humor by Chris Barrie, and sidekick and tech guru Bryce, played with exasperated wit and nerdy energy by Noah Taylor. In addition, Jolie's real-life father, Jon Voight, has a few ingratiating moments as Croft's deceased father, shown in flashbacks.

The casting of Croft's antagonists, however, is another matter. Manfred Powell, Croft's long-time enemy, is blandly played by Iain Glen; while another tomb raider (and possibly former lover) Alex West is portrayed with equal blandness by Daniel Craig. Both characters seem inter changeable and forgettable -- and easy foes for Croft to dispatch.

Memo to filmmakers: If Croft is to have more screen adventurers, please create and cast worthy adversaries.