![]() ![]() The film opens with Lara Croft doing desperate battle with a deadly robot, in what turns out to be a homage to the openings of the Pink Panther movies where Clouseau took on Kato. Right away you can see that the movie is relatively advanced "The Mummy Returns" had no plot, and one special effects sequence, which was 121 minutes long. The plot of "Lara Croft Tomb Raider" exists as a support system for four special effects sequences. That "Pearl Harbor" is even discussed in those terms is depressing. I have been hearing for weeks from fans of " The Mummy Returns" and " Pearl Harbor," offended that I did not like those movies-no, not even as "popcorn movies." I responded that " The Mummy" was a good popcorn movie but "The Mummy Returns" was a bad popcorn movie. She’s a great character to work with.This is, at last, a real popcorn movie. There’s an X factor that no one can explain but is universal in design. “She’s an expression of all the things that are exciting and fun about going on epic adventures. “She really embodies adventure,” Hughes said. In addition to the pistols Croft is used to firing, producers have now also given her a bow (a nod to “The Hunger Games” and “Brave”). “That mapped appropriately to Lara as we knew her.” In that regard, producers also turned to films like Danny Boyle’s “127 Hours.” “It’s a dark story but what comes through is a strength of human character and the remarkable endurance and will to survive,” Hughes said. Game is the first to take place in a single location. To incorporate the classic gameplay elements of puzzle-solving and Croft’s characteristics in a fresh and modern way, Crystal Dynamics focused the plot of the new game around an origin story that puts her in survival mode as she explores a mysterious island within a Bermuda Triangle-like region. “Looking at Lara as a character, she was still going to be an intellectual heroine, a brilliant archeologist, but more athletic, more competent in traversal and puzzle-solving and combat,” he said. To remake “Tomb Raider,” nailing Croft was necessary, according to Noah Hughes, creative director at Crystal Dynamics. GK Films has a history with character-driven films, having produced “The Departed,” “Rango” and “Hugo.” But at the end of the day, “we make the games, they make the film,” Gallagher said. “We didn’t want to see a film version that was a continuation of the old ‘Tomb Raider’ films.” “It was important for both of us to have a cohesive version of the franchise,” Gallagher said. We’re seeing the challenges through the same lens.”Ĭollaboration was key for Crystal Dynamics when agreeing to partner with filmmakers. “They are working from this new take that we’ve given them,” Gallagher said of GK Films. Gamemakers typically just license off the film rights to a title and hope for something good at the megaplex. In a rare situation, Crystal Dynamics is working closely with GK Films to develop the actioner. Previous attempts died after the wordy sequel “Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life,” earned just $67 million domestically in 2003, and $157 million worldwide. Reboot serves as the basis for a potential new film franchise. Her recognition factor was further elevated on the bigscreen with two films that starred Angelina Jolie, who fit perfectly in the role.Ĭrystal Dynamics have their own film version of “Tomb Raider” in mind now that the game is out. One of the few female heroines in games, the buxom, gun-toting British archeologist instantly became known for her scantily clad outfits, ponytail and puzzle-solving skills in ancient locations. “Tomb Raider’s” Croft is certainly iconic, too. ![]() We looked at the bold choices they made to make sure the franchise is relevant for a current audience rather than sticking to a formula that is dated.” “Bond and Batman are two great examples, with Bond being around for 50 years. “We started to look at other franchises outside of gaming,” Gallagher said. The entire series has sold more than 35 million units, since the first was released in 1996, making it one of the game biz’s bestselling properties. With the last “Tomb Raider” title, “Underworld,” wrapping up a trilogy in 2007 (and serving as the eighth game in the series), Crystal Dynamics felt the pressure to move the franchise forward. “Seventeen years is a long life for videogames.” ![]() “We were faced with a challenge that is rare with videogames, given that games are still quite a new medium: How to continue this franchise as it transitions from generation to generation, not only with hardware but players as well,” said Darrell Gallagher, head of studio at Crystal Dynamics. “Tomb Raider” is expected to be the first of many upcoming game reboots that take advantage of new videogame consoles from Sony and Microsoft hitting the retail aisle, but also target a younger consumer.
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