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- Why the Tomb Raider Franchise Means So Much to Fans
- Where Netflix’s Tomb Raider Adaptation Falls Short
- Unfaithful to the Tomb Raider Source Material
- Tomb Raider’s Lackluster Character Development and the Netflix Effect
- The Tomb Raider Franchise Can’t Find Success Outside the Video Games
As a long-time fan of Lara Croft and the Tomb Raider franchise, I must say I find myself deeply disappointed with the latest Netflix adaptation. Growing up, Lara was more than just a strong female character; she was an embodiment of resilience, intellect, and vulnerability. Her strength wasn’t merely physical but a testament to her indomitable spirit.
For several decades, she’s shattered barriers and been an iconic figure adored by teenage gamers worldwide. Despite the incredible success of the Tomb Raider games, a movie or TV adaptation that matches their popularity has yet to emerge. With Netflix’s new take on the franchise, Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft, there was initial optimism that this could be the long-awaited adaptation fans have been yearning for.
Despite years of growing accustomed to the intricate storytelling found in the original content, the series falls short of providing anything resembling the captivating experiences and gripping narratives offered by the video games. Essentially, there’s a significant difference in quality between them, which is disappointing given that it’s an animated show, offering potential for enhanced visual appeal compared to the games. This is unfortunate as fans who appreciate the game’s aesthetics would expect a stronger connection with the show.
To be honest, I was really looking forward to Tomb Raider: Legend of Lara Croft, but unfortunately, it didn’t live up to my expectations. The story, the characters, and even the overall execution fell short in many ways, making it a rather disappointing experience so far.
Why the Tomb Raider Franchise Means So Much to Fans
1994 finds Eidos, a game development company facing challenges, venturing into an innovative concept: an adventure game starring a gun-wielding British archaeologist figure tasked with solving puzzles. This project was spearheaded by Toby Gard, who primarily designed the character that would become the game’s main protagonist. Initially, this character was envisioned as male, but this notion was discarded to steer clear of Indiana Jones imitation allegations, although such accusations still arose.
Making that crucial choice unleashed Lara Croft upon the gaming universe, transforming into one of the most esteemed and recognized video game characters in history. Over time, she’s evolved into a role model who spurred an increase in female gamers, as well as a symbol of sex appeal, portrayed by A-list actress Angelina Jolie during her peak of global fame as Hollywood’s most sought-after beauty.
Additionally, it not only benefited Eidos financially but also gave birth to a sprawling media empire comprising 20 video games, three movies, an animated series, and comics as well. Today, it holds immense significance for gaming enthusiasts all around the world with a massive fanbase – making it quite significant that the show falls short of expectations.
Where Netflix’s Tomb Raider Adaptation Falls Short
The show doesn’t fully meet the expectations set by its hype and the game series it’s based on. One significant flaw is the confusing plot, which attempts to be complex but ends up feeling disconnected instead. The games are recognized for skillfully weaving together cohesive narratives with puzzles, sudden bursts of high-intensity action, and suspenseful moments of mystery.
Instead of taking time to carefully develop and integrate these crucial aspects, the show hastens through them without much consideration, giving the impression that it relies solely on having these elements, regardless of whether or not there was sufficient care and deliberation in their execution. In other words, the tempo, the escalating tension, and its most critical scenes all fail to resonate effectively.
Unfaithful to the Tomb Raider Source Material
“What’s particularly disappointing about this series is that it estranges long-term fans by significantly altering Lara’s defining character traits. Historically, Lara has been a strong female protagonist with an emotional depth that resonates with fans, but the Lara in the show appears devoid of personality and weak. The most frustrating aspect is that the series aims to align with the contemporary game franchise.
To say it’s been harshly reviewed by most hardcore fans is an understatement. Here’s a brief snippet of how it was received by YouTuber and reviewer The Critical Drinker. While known for expletive-laced tirades, more than anything else, in this case, it’s hard to argue with his assessment. With the video already racking up over 1.2 million views and the channel having more than 2 million subscribers, it’s also safe to say many other Lara Croft fans out there feel the same right now.
I’ve rarely witnessed a show handle its source material as poorly as Tomb Raider. It’s disappointing to the point of embarrassment, undermining Lara Croft’s character and story in favor of overused, awkward writing tropes. The talented voice cast is wasted on stilted dialogue, while the animation is subpar, appearing decades old.
Tomb Raider’s Lackluster Character Development and the Netflix Effect
Lara Croft is portrayed as a powerful female figure, yet she’s also designed with emotional complexity and depth. She’s a woman grappling with the scars of her past and her relationship with her father, which adds a layer of vulnerability to her character. This vulnerability heightens the danger she experiences frequently, being in isolated areas while being chased by groups of armed adversaries that she typically has to confront on her own.
Rather than using various elements to portray her as multi-faceted, showcasing her resilience as a woman over her combat skills, the series appears overly similar to previous works, offering potential for originality, and lacks complexity, providing opportunities for richer, more nuanced development.
The Tomb Raider Franchise Can’t Find Success Outside the Video Games
Given the many different adaptations of Lara Croft over the years, the way you feel about the series may depend on your favorite interpretation. It seems the series aims to stick closer to the reboot era of the games rather than the original portrayal, which will surely throw fans for a loop. Instead of being faithful to the character, the show seems hell-bent on exaggerating and playing on Lara Croft’s physical toughness and misses the point of why so many first-generation Tomb Raider gamers fell in love with her in the first place.
Regarding this matter, it appears that the showrunners and Netflix prioritize portraying the protagonist as a symbol of feminism over catering to the original fanbase of the franchise. While it’s true that she has evolved into such an icon, the initial popularity of the first game and subsequent series was primarily based on Lara’s sense of vulnerability, not her invincibility or unbeatable status.
Lara Croft was never intended to be a contemporary reinterpretation of an ’80s Arnold Schwarzenegger figure, bulldozing through every obstacle. Instead, she was designed as a character who departed from the comparison to Indiana Jones. Although Lara is strong, resourceful, and tough as nails, she often sustains injuries, succumbs to stronger adversaries, and finds herself outmatched by her relentless pursuers. Yet, it’s not just her power that helps her escape difficult situations; her wit and resilience play significant roles too.
It’s a mixture of physical abilities plus her charm, her brilliant mind, her vulnerabilities, and her keen instincts that she finds a way to combine in ways that matter the most. Lara Croft is an icon, a role model, and a beacon for strong female characters. However, she’s also not invincible and far from perfect — ask any Tomb Raider player who’s ever been stuck in a certain stage of their game for days because they keep dying at the same spot until they finally figure out that Lara was far more inventive than they ever imagined.
Despite the widespread adoration for the Tomb Raider franchise, Hollywood has yet to fully capture its essence. If a second season is produced, Netflix might learn from their errors, but many fans aren’t holding their breath. As it stands, Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft is available on Netflix for streaming.
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2024-10-20 19:31