Part 10/14:
The original Tomb Raider film starring Angelina Jolie is often remembered nostalgically as the best cinematic portrayal of Lara Croft. Jolie played into the character’s fun, adventurous side, balancing action with a sense of humor and charisma. Her on-screen magnetism, combined with the film’s tone of light-hearted adventure, set a standard that subsequent portrayals haven't approached.
Many lament that the sequels and recent attempts have never captured this balance, opting for darker, more muted tones that remove the fun from the character. This mirrors a broader trend where franchises feel compelled to take themselves too seriously, stripping away the playful elements that once defined them.