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Lara Croft, Tomb Raider: The Cradle
of Life
Starring:
Angelina Jolie
Directed by: Jan DeBont
Review
by Christine DePriest
If you
are at all a movie snob, skip this one. However, if you consider
yourself pretty easy-going, have minimum expectation and are
just looking to unwind in an air-conditioned theatre with
a bit of eye candy, catch the matinee. This is not an $8.50
film, but probably more thrilling on the big screen.
Jolie
delivers the eye candy and a solid performance as a sly, strong
and sexy action hero to rival that any of Hollwood's A-list
boys have to offer. It's just too bad she didn't get a better
script to work with. Although, this sequel was a vast improvement
over the original where there was virtually no remarkable
tension between Jolie and a villain so lack-luster I can't
even remember him.
This villain,
Jonathan Reiss, (Ciarán Hinds) is indeed memorable and thoroughly
despicable. There is also plenty of spark between Laura Croft
and ex-boyfriend turned partner, Terry Sheridan, played by
Gerard Butler. Amistad's Djimon Hounsou also delivered a small
but notable performance. Essentially, everyone in this movie
is better than the material.
The main
issues I have with the script are as follows:
First,
Croft seems nearly invincible. While dodging a spray of bullets
and looking utterly amazing, she alone can take out what seems
like a small army of goons with complete ease. Considering
her amazing martial-arts prowess and supposed razor-sharp
skills of observation, there are a couple situations in which
she simply should not find herself. It is clear there was
no other reason for this than to move the story along.
Also,
there was virtually no other way to end this movie really.
You see it coming the whole time. Some movie goers may consider
themselves cheated as a result. However, it would likely be
more highly appreciated as a special on the Sci-Fi Channel
than a full-length feature film shown in theatres.
Bottom
line, it's a nice escape filled with well-choreographed stunts,
exotic locations and some good-looking people -but not much
more.
Give Christine
a warm welcome; this is her first review at the mighty Shotgun.
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