This is Casting Critiques, where we analyze whether an actor fits their role or how their performance ranks. Today, we’re looking at Angelina Jolie as Lara Croft in Lara Croft: Tomb Raider and its sequel. Jolie was the perfect choice for the role, but the films struggled to balance her as an action star versus as the character.
Casting & Characterization
Angelina Jolie as Lara Croft is one of the most spot-on casting choices in video game adaptation history. She embodies the character’s physicality, confidence, and charisma flawlessly. From her build to her mannerisms, she feels like Lara Croft brought to life, with an undeniable screen presence that commands attention in every scene.
However, while her performance is fantastic, there’s a noticeable divide between when she is Lara Croft and when she feels more like Angelina Jolie: Action Star. The first film does a better job of maintaining the balance, especially when she’s on an adventure, exploring ancient tombs, and showcasing her intelligence. But there are moments where the film indulges too much in style over substance—like the scenes where she’s simply posing in outfits, which don’t feel true to Lara Croft’s character.
Despite this, Jolie sells the role with ease. Her performance is strong, particularly in emotional moments tied to her missing father. If the films had focused more on Croft’s adventurous nature rather than over-the-top action sequences, Jolie’s portrayal would have been even stronger.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Writing & Character Development
The writing in both films works in some areas but struggles in others. The strongest aspect is the emotional depth added by Lara’s connection to her father, which allows Jolie to bring a layer of vulnerability beneath Croft’s tough exterior. This subplot gives her more dimension beyond just being an adventurer.
However, the films don’t fully capitalize on Croft’s intelligence and resourcefulness. While she’s undeniably skilled in combat and acrobatics, there’s little focus on her archaeological expertise or deep knowledge of cultures, something the games emphasize heavily. The first film is especially guilty of spending too much time in her manor rather than in tombs, which would have better served her character. The sequel improves on this slightly, but both films often lean more into generic action than true adventure.
Had the films centered more on actual tomb raiding and puzzle-solving, Jolie’s performance would have shined even brighter as a definitive take on the character.
Rating: 3 out of 5
Character Design & Costume
Visually, Angelina Jolie is Lara Croft. Her look, from the long braid to the twin pistols, is a perfect match to the video game character. The costume design does a great job of modernizing Croft’s classic appearance while maintaining authenticity. The tight-fitting tank tops, shorts, utility belts, and boots are straight out of the games, but they feel grounded rather than exaggerated.
Jolie’s natural physique also lends itself well to the role. She has the toned, athletic build of an adventurer, making her physicality in action scenes believable. Her movements, whether scaling ruins or performing acrobatics, feel fluid and natural. The wardrobe complements her frame, highlighting her agility while never feeling impractical for an explorer.
One minor issue is that while the aesthetics are perfect, the films occasionally treat Croft more like a model than a rugged adventurer. Scenes where she simply poses in different outfits detract from her credibility. Still, when the action kicks in, she looks exactly as one would expect Lara Croft to.
Rating: 5 out of 5
The Verdict
In the end, Angelina Jolie is a perfect Lara Croft in terms of appearance, charisma, and confidence. However, the films don’t always serve her portrayal well, often focusing on stylized action over adventure. Despite that, her performance remains iconic, and she remains one of the best-cast video game characters in film history. The final verdict is 4 out of 5.
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