Travis Simpkins: Lara Croft

Saturday, April 21, 2018

Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001): Angelina Jolie, Archaeology and the Illuminati

Directed by Simon West, based on the popular video game series, Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001) finds Angelina Jolie as a fantasy brought to life with stunning action and effects. The story concerns Lara Croft's quest to recover two pieces of an ancient triangle of light that can control time when placed together during planetary alignment. Masonic symbolism is prevalent, including the use of the All Seeing Eye, the Pyramid, the red cross of the Knights Templar, Light in the context of Freemasonry... and the casting of the Illuminati as the villainous secret society. Much like in the Indiana Jones series, archaeology and looting are popularized and glorified for mass market consumption… but with an entertaining and humorous edge. Angelina Jolie is beautiful and agile in her role, performing her own tough stunts. Daniel Craig appears in a supporting role. The rest of the cast is good as well, including Jolie's father, Jon Voight.

Lara Croft: Tomb Raider: Angelina Jolie

Lara Croft: Tomb Raider: Angelina Jolie and Daniel Craig

Lara Croft: Tomb Raider: Angelina Jolie

Lara Croft: Tomb Raider: Angelina Jolie and the Iluminati

Lara Croft: Tomb Raider

Lara Croft: Tomb Raider: Angelina Jolie

Lara Croft: Tomb Raider: Daniel Craig

Lara Croft: Tomb Raider: Angelina Jolie and Daniel Craig

Lara Croft: Tomb Raider: Angelina Jolie and the Illuminati

Lara Croft: Tomb Raider: Angelina Jolie

Lara Croft: Tomb Raider

Lara Croft: Tomb Raider: Angelina Jolie

Lara Croft: Tomb Raider: Angelina Jolie and the Illuminati

Lara Croft: Tomb Raider: Angelina Jolie and Daniel Craig

Lara Croft: Tomb Raider: Angelina Jolie

Saturday, February 25, 2017

Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life (2003): Angelina Jolie and Pandora's Box

Directed by Jan de Bont, Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life (2003) sprung off the success of the previous film based on the popular video game series… with a bigger budget and bigger effects. The story concerns Lady Croft's search for the mythical Pandora's Box, the existence of which became known after her discovery of Alexander the Great's sunken Luna Temple. Exotic locales provide a beautiful backdrop. Tense shootouts amongst ancient Chinese terra-cotta warriors and Macedonian treasures are cringe-inducing. Like the previous film, the subject matter lends itself to the glorification of looting by presenting a sensationalized depiction of archaeology… but it is pure entertainment and is delivered with a modicum of humor. Angelina Jolie is beautiful, energetic and agile in her role, performing many of her own stunts. The supporting cast is good as well, including Ciaran Hinds and Djimon Hounsou.