Tomb Raider – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Tomb Raider

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2018Action, Adventure

52%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Alicia Vikander punches her way through a formulaic but watchable video-game reboot that's heavy on action, light on everything else.

6.3/10

52%

55%

→

Tomb Raider

movie

PG-13, 2018, Action, Adventure

52%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Alicia Vikander punches her way through a formulaic but watchable video-game reboot that's heavy on action, light on everything else.

6.3

52%

Jump to

Also rated on

6.3/10

52%

View →

Where to Watch

Loading streaming options...

Where-to-watch data byJustWatch

Screenwise Verdict

Look, this isn't a bad movie—it's just aggressively fine. Alicia Vikander does her best with a script that's more interested in set pieces than character, and the result is a perfectly watchable action-adventure that you'll forget about by Tuesday.

For teens 13-14+, it's a decent pick if they're into adventure films or played the rebooted Tomb Raider games. Lara is a solid role model—tough, smart, resourceful—and the action is competent. But the middling reviews (52% on RT, 6.3 on IMDb) tell the real story: this is a paint-by-numbers reboot that doesn't take risks or leave much impression.

The violence is more sustained and intense than your typical Marvel film, so younger kids should sit this one out. But for older teens who want some popcorn entertainment with a capable female lead, it'll do the job. Just don't expect anyone to be quoting it at school.

Age Fit

This is squarely for teens 13-14+ who can handle sustained action violence and intense peril. Younger kids will find it too intense, and adults will likely find it forgettable but passable background viewing. It's a solid rental for a Friday night if your teen likes adventure films, but don't expect it to become a favorite.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Lara Croft is portrayed as resourceful, determined, and independent—solid role model qualities. However, the film is heavy on violence and peril with minimal emotional depth or relationship-building. The tone is gritty action-adventure rather than emotionally nurturing, and pacing is relentlessly intense rather than balanced.

Imaginative

The adventure premise—mysterious island, archaeological puzzles, father-daughter mystery—offers some imaginative appeal. However, this is a fairly paint-by-numbers action reboot that doesn't break new ground. It invites viewers into an adventure but doesn't particularly inspire creativity or curiosity beyond the runtime. Solid but formulaic.

Safe

Rated PG-13 territory with Common Sense Media suggesting age 14+. Expect significant action violence, peril, some injuries, and intense sequences that could be frightening for younger viewers. No gore, nudity, or sexual content, but the violence is sustained and sometimes brutal (falls, fights, weapons). Not a Marvel-style safe action film—this has more edge and tension.

Enriching

Limited enrichment value. Lara's determination and problem-solving are positives, but the film prioritizes spectacle over substance. Minimal character development, thin emotional stakes, and no real takeaways beyond 'don't give up.' It's entertaining enough in the moment but offers little lasting insight or growth opportunities. Middling critical reception (52% RT, 6.3 IMDb) reflects its forgettable nature.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Lara Croft is a genuinely capable, physically strong female protagonist who solves problems and doesn't wait to be rescued
The adventure setup—mysterious island, archaeological puzzles, family mystery—has inherent appeal for teens who like action-adventure
Vikander brings grounded intensity to the role; Lara feels like a real person pushed to her limits rather than a superhero
Decent stunt work and practical effects make the action sequences engaging without relying entirely on CGI

⚠

What to Watch For

Sustained action violence throughout—falls, fights, weapons, injuries—that's more intense than typical Marvel fare
Minimal emotional depth or character development; this is spectacle over substance
The film is pretty forgettable—mediocre reviews across the board suggest it won't leave much impression
Some perilous sequences (shipwreck, near-drowning, chases) could be genuinely tense for younger or sensitive viewers

Conversation Starters

"What do you think drove Lara to keep searching for her father even when everyone told her to give up?"
"If you could explore any mysterious place in the world, where would you go and what would you hope to find?"
"Lara had to figure out a lot of puzzles on her own—what's the hardest problem you've ever had to solve without help?"

Ask Anything

Get a personalized guide on any topic

Writing about Tomb Raider? Put this WISE score on your site