 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Lara Croft: Tomb Raider
- Review Date: July 24, 2003
- PG-13
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- 2001
Common Sense Media says
Some great action sequences, but not much else.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that in addition to the extensive action sequences with characters in peril and many deaths (mostly anonymous minions), this movie has a couple of bad words and some implied nudity.
What's the story?
The lead in TOMB RAIDER is Lady Lara Croft (Angelina Jolie), who is something of a cross between Indiana Jones, Batman, and Barbie. She lives in a huge old mansion with an Alfred-style butler and a computer geek (Noah Taylor) who helps her with technology, except when she doesn't let him – as he meticulously documents each screw he removes from an antique clock she interrupts by smashing it apart. The planets are about to align for the first time in 5000 years, which means that she has just days to collect the two pieces of a triangle that controls time from ruins on opposite sides of the globe. Meanwhile, the bad guys want it, too, and will do anything to try and stop her.
Is it any good?
More like a video game than a movie, Tomb Raider has some great action sequences and the ever-watchable Angelina Jolie. What it does not have is much of a plot, interesting characters, or a reason to care about the outcome. A clumsy salute to Raiders of the Lost Ark is just a reminder of how much better that movie is. At least when you are playing the game you have points to keep you going. This movie sags whenever the action stops.
The action sequences are fine for the most part. Jolie has the kickboxing skills and the acting chops to deliver what people who go to this movie want to see, but the screenwriter and director let her down when it comes to the boringly generic bad guys and the missing-father motivation. I guess it is too much to expect the people behind this kind of movie to attempt to create a real character or know very much about women, but even by those standards, this movie gets it so wrong that it interferes with our connection to Lara. She is so tough that she shrugs off the near destruction of her home, but she is willing to risk her live to save a man who has done nothing but betray her. She always looks a little relieved when she gets a chance to fight, and we agree with her.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about why Lara is such a loner, and whether she has any interest in the history or art of the treasures she raids from tombs. They may want to discuss some of the conflicts between people who see antiquities as art for universities and museums and those who consider them sacred items that should never be moved. If you had the chance to stop time and see one person who has died, who would it be?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
Kid, 12 years old
September 12, 2010
AGE
some bad stuff but one of my favorite movies and this one was better than the second trust me
Was this review useful?
|
|
Kid, 10 years old
August 9, 2011
AGE
Too predictible.
Grr, if that bloke didn't say 'HOLY SH*T!' at the last second, it would be 2 stars. The violence is just too predictible.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Decent Fantasy Adventure
Indiana Jones woman-style
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
check out my page for more awesome recommendations
What to watch out for
*
Violence:
Intense action violence, guns, explosions, peril, some deaths.
*
Sex:
Implied nudity (male and female).
*
Language:
A few swear words, some innuendo.
*
Consumerism:
Not an issue.
*
Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
Drinking and smoking.
Was this review useful?
|
|
Kid, 9 years old
May 10, 2011
AGE
Perfect for 12+
A great movie.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Exellent movie a must see for all Lara Croft Fans!!!
Was this review useful?
|
|
April 9, 2008
AGE
It was good.....
I thought it had a good plot, good morals, and an awesome female character. I saw it a couple years ago and I would watch it again cause fighting and action movies r the best. (i would have rated it 3.5 stars)
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Fun Action!!!
I love this movie--and I know it's not some stellar piece of film, but it's fun. My son watched this several years ago, and because I knew the shower scene was coming up, I covered his eyes. Well, that only made him more interested and he watched it on his own. I love the strength of the female lead. I'd say, if your kids have already seen the Indiana Jones movies, this one is certainly no worse!
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Wonderful movie.
I absolutely loved this movie, and was dissapointed they didn't come out with a third. Lara Croft has been and always will be one of my favourite characters, movie or video game. I definitly recommend this.
Was this review useful?
|
|
| Studio: | Paramount Pictures |
| Director: | Simon West |
| Cast: | Angelina Jolie, Daniel Craig, Jon Voight |
| Genre: | Action/Adventure |
| Run time: | 100 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | June 15, 2001 |
| DVD release date: | November 13, 2001 |
| MPAA rating: | PG-13 |
| MPAA explanation: | action violence and some sensuality |
Review It
Great alternatives handpicked by our editors
Already seen it? What do you think?
More from Common Sense Media
Top advice and articles
