Review of Lara Croft: Tomb Raider - The Cradle of Life (2003) by Benjamin G — 22 Apr 2009

When it was first announced that Jan de Bont would be taking over the director's chair with the Tomb Raider series, there was hope that the days of messy action and incoherent plots would be over for dear Ms.

Croft -- sadly it was not to be, and the sequel is just as bland (though not as gloriously bad) as the first. With the scope of the franchise now broadened with more exotic locales and death-defying stunts, the sequel aspires to look like a larger film, and in that way, it does succeed.

The settings are lush, while star Angelina Jolie proves her worth through some amazing feats of agility, all the while looking terrific in the various costumes that the filmmakers have lavishly bestowed upon her.

Unfortunately, what's missing in Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life is the "life" itself. With its out-of-nowhere pacing and over-reliance on spotty CG, the film time and again separates its audience from the grandiose action onscreen.

You can't blame Jolie, as she does her charming best in a role she obviously cherishes, but it can be said that there's still something missing with the big-screen adaptation of the sexy heroine.

Admittedly, the filmmakers try to induce a little personal drama into the mix with the addition of the hunky Gerard Butler as one of Croft's ex-boyfriends -- but raise your hand if you're surprised at his sudden character "twist" at the end.

Add in an equally shallow chop-shop villain who brings absolutely nothing new to the table, plus an array of annoying supporting buddy roles leftover from the first installment, and you can see why the film is reduced to simple eye candy.

Essentially a lame exercise in sloppy, hyperkinetic action for almost two full hours, Tomb Raider: Cradle of Life again kills whatever potential Lara Croft has at heading a true big-screen action-adventure-fueled flick.