Genres

Visitors Review

Michael 2013-05-17 19:43:01

Going through the motions...

Someone stated that this movie just "went through the motions". Icouldn'tagree more. I was very surprised how little "action" there was in this"action" movie. The action scenes you see in the preview is pretty muchit.The first one was full of twists and turns and well..."Action"...thisone...nothing, na-da, zip. It's too bad too, because I really thoughtthismovie had potential.

brianh-9 2013-05-17 05:25:46

not as good as I hoped

Well,the first film was criticised for being boring and actionless. Idisagreed with the naysayers and really enjoyed it. As did my wife,so wewere really wanting to see the sequel...then we saw the sequel. Yep,I'lltell you..our baloon was deflated. This film really just never got off theground. I don't necessarily need a lot of plot to be pleased with an actionfilm. Still,this action film just never found it's way into my heart. Itdidn't seem to feel inspired to go anywhere or challenge me. I didn't reallyeven say in my mind.."That was cool." You see I thought that to myself a lotwhen I watched the first film. The action almost limped along to me neverreally trying to be very creative. This sequel really wasn't as good as even"Bad Boys 2." The funny thing is,this film was critically lauded. Well..notthis critic.*1/2/*****

Barbara Peterson 2013-05-11 12:41:14

Fun, if mindless, entertainment

I enjoyed this movie and would give it a 7 out of 10. Nice to see aliberated woman kicking butt. Of course the movie had a few flaws -Lara Croft was a bit too 'let me get into the thick of things and I'lltrust to luck to get myself out' but for all that it was fun. Theacting was good - she most definitely does not 'sleepwalk' through themovie. And of course the ending, I thought, was quite sad. I hopethere'll be more entries in the series, but I hope they aren't going tobe 'Lara Croft saves the w

Angelique McCall 2013-05-11 06:51:05

A girl who does her own stunts

What more could you ask for of a female actress? This is truly the 21stcentury and women superheroes are real not fantasy. This Lara Croftcharacter is put on by a dynamic performance by Angelina Jolie. She trulyknows the meaning of live performance. Angelina is truly remarkable inthisflick and the last Tomb Raider movie. Anyone who says different has toomuchtime on their hands and would rather think about things that are of norelevance. Life is too short not to like this film. Have a goodone!

2013-05-08 19:02:20

Too much fun for words

This review is from: Lara Croft: Tomb Raider - The Cradle of Life (Widescreen Special Collector's Edition) (DVD) First of all, Lawrence Bernarbo's review is excellent and nearly the last word on the film. Given that, here's a bit more. First, thanks very much for Jan de Bont for getting the Lara Croft idea back on track after Simon West's disastrous creation of the first Lara Croft, which was so bad that one critic referred to it as the first "post-content" movie. In fact, in one of those delicious "living well is the best revenge" moments, Jan de Bont (Speed, Twister) brought back Steven de Souza to write the story. In creating the first Tomb Raider, West had rejected all three of de Souza's drafts. So, Paramount, can we please keep Steven de Souza now?So what, exactly, is so much fun about a movie based on a video game? Well, first of all, of course, there's Jolie herself, who has created a truly great, mythic character. Okay, I admit, the mere words "female archeologist" would have hooked me to begin with, but when you turn the female archeologist into Wonder Woman, well, I'm just doomed to hopeless addiction. Second, it really is a very nice script, that obeys the most important rules of drama. There's a famous rule in drama that if there's a shotgun over the hearth in the first act, it must be fired by the end of the third. In this case, the shotgun is Lara's absolute certainty that "Anything lost is meant to be found." She is to discover, after much hardship and no small loss of life on all sides, that "Some things are not meant to be found." What she must do to make sure that some lost things are not found is what drives the deeper, more personal struggle.As just about everyone has noted, Jolie was clearly born for this role. It can't be easy breathing life into a cartoon character, but she actually transcends the cartoonish aspects of Lara Croft and creates a living, breathing, slightly conflicted heroine. It helps that, unlike the Bond or Indiana Jones movies, we actually see the character practicing her skills. After all, don't you secretly wonder how Bond or Jones find the time to stay in shape? It's nice to see the hard work that goes into the famous fighting skills. In fact, in another gratifying moment, the mock battle with staffs at home is repeated for real in her battle with one of the lesser villains. Just one more shotgun over the fireplace.Finally, Cradle of Life is just an amazingly pretty film, and that is partly what distinguishes it from its rivals. The sheer, ballet-like choreography of the stunts, from the famous dive off the skyscraper to sliding down the ropes upside down is so beautiful it leaves you with a wonderful feeling of, well, rightness. And it may be this consummate grace that gives the film its deeply feminine appeal. Lara Croft doesn't just fight on equal terms with men; she does so with a profoundly female grace of movement, which answers the question: "What does it mean to be a female action hero?" In this sense, Lara is more like Sarah Michelle Geller's Buffy than like the women of The Long Kiss Goodnight or the Kill Bill series.In the end, the director, writers, cast and crew have created a truly satisfying action romp that sets new standards for female characters. They deserve our thanks for saving the Lara Croft myth from post-content hell. Thank you all.

2013-05-08 09:59:55

Girls kicking butt !!!

Angelina Jolie is a great actress; and she does a fantastic job in the "Lara Croft" movies; the stunts were breath taking; and so were some of the locations; a great addition to your DVD library.

Diego77 2013-05-07 05:25:18

Better than the first

It's a fun and silly movie way better than the first one. After all it isfantasy, and based on a video game but hugely entertaining with a muchbetter story and better direction ( and I usually do not like Jan DeBontfilms ), but this time he's on the mark. Go and enjoy!!!

CJ13 2013-05-06 18:03:19

enjoyed it much more second time around

(Possible spoilers)I did enjoy my first viewing of "Cradle of Life," though I wassomewhat chagrined how some scenes were managed -specifically the shark escape and pole vault to the helicopter.Reality was just too lacking here - from that standpoint, I wasdisappointed. A flurry of various filming locations combined withan array of special effects and stunt work (ranging from acceptableto pretty cool) made me have to concentrate a bit to follow thestoryline. However, the smaller details or dialogue betweencharacters kept me posted as to why and where the action mightbe going.I found elements which were definitely pleasurable. I do like thefact that this Tomb Raider series keeps away from "in-your -face"> type elements so often found in movies, relying on subtleties andperhaps even viewer imagination. Jolie's use of non-verbalcommunication to convey feelings - the eyes, facial expressions,gestures...how "Croft-like!" The almost friendly sarcastic banter ofan overconfident, wrapped-up-in-himself Terry Sheridan wastotally appropriate and believable. Reiss was menace enough..there was certainly nothing to like about him. His right-handhenchman Sean was definitely a man of cold vengeance andpaybacks. Lara's mood of anger and focus was justified. Shewitnessed the murder of several friends, therefore she too wasbent on a mission. And of course, Hillary and Bryce are a must,their humor and presence opening a door to Lara's personal andsofter side.I went back to see "Cradle" again - this time to concentrate ondetails not previously fully appreciated. I was better prepared forthose before-mentioned sequences for which I didn't care. Myattitude said to go in and appreciate the combined balancebetween reality and game-like fantasy. As a gamer, I've seen LaraCroft latch onto the back -end of mini submarines, battlesharks(albeit with spear gun in hand) and do some fancy flipsthrough the air. Incredible and over-the-top as they were at times inthis Tomb Raider film, for the sake of enjoying a Lara Croftadventure, I found I could accept them more readily. With thismind-set , I enjoyed the film much more the second time around.I do hope Paramount follows through on it's previous plan for aTomb Raider 3 film. I'm certainly willing to give the big-screenversion of Lara Croft the opportunity and time to evolve. Jolie asCroft is a perfect fit...hopefully the writers and directors will alsocome through at the plate!

2013-05-01 10:28:41

This is Jolie's attempt at being Halle Berrie.....

Okay, the first movie felt like a foray into Indiana Jones territory. This new sequel felt like a revist to Indiana Jones AND the DIE ANOTHER DAY movie. Angelina Jolie in a tight silver jumpsuit reminded me so much of Halle Berrie jumping around in an orange 70s style bikini suit in the latest James Bond flick. And then there are the gadgets...guns...cars....motorcycles...etc. It feels like the producers of the movie can't decide whether to make Lara Croft into another Indy...or maybe a cross between Indy and James Bond. Still, I think this movie's story was better than the first one....that's the reason for the extra star. The pandora's box scenerio is very timely considering what kind of world we are living in today. The action in this movie is much more engrossing than the first also. Like I said in my other review, if you are into adventurous romp....look at this one. Otherwise, leave it alone for a rainy day when there is nothing else on tv.

Ishallwearpurple 2013-04-30 21:20:10

Pretty people in pretty places doing impossible things----

With tongue firmly in cheek, the story of this film is a series ofpreposterous events, but what are we to expect of a game made into amovie? Angelina Jolie is Lady Lara Croft, and is stunning in her skintight gray diving suit. Ciaran Hinds (Phantom Of The Opera) is thevillain, a scientist bent on getting his hands on the Pandora's boxcontaining the essence of all evil, in order to rule the world. Lara ishaving none of that, and enlists her former partner Terry Sheridan(Gerard Butler - The Phantom) to help find it and keep it away fromevil doers.There are some wonderful set pieces throughout the film as with theunderwater temple; Lara arriving at the boat to start the expedition ona jet ski (wowser!); the shark to the rescue (huh?); the sub to therescue (double huh?). More: at the Croft mansion the kung fu; thesidesaddle horse riding while shooting at targets (wow!); at the prisongetting Terry released - her in her white fur amid all that filth;Terry doing pull ups dripping sweat; Terry looking down from his barssaying "Croft" in just the right way to let us know this is onedangerous hombre. And his devastating comment to Lara "I AM Charming"and isn't he just? The motorcycle race between Lara and Terry acrossthe great wall in China was fun. Him telling her "don't look at my ass"as they climb a hill was cute and funny.The famous sex scene is so reversed - she is the one in charge and heends up her prey and victim - is one for the books. Nice eye candy forall of us out here in the real world.That's the good stuff. There are some strange choices made by thedirector (or whoever?) A wedding celebration on the edge of a precipiceto show the quake at the beginning? Lots of money for what purpose -didn't add anything for me. The upside-down gunfight as Lara and Terryescape once again. Sorry, the thrill is gone and it bombed.Simon Chow is good and in his Hong Kong films a real menace - but herewas wasted. Croft running up the car shooting - a la Chow Yun Fat insome of his 1980's films - is blatant 'borrowing.' All the shooting outof glass in the office building - a la "Die Hard" - been there donethat.AND!!! What is with the Shadow Guardians in the last fourth of film. Wego from sort of realism filtered through game playing mentality intoscience fiction. Blech! Lame! Cinematography is gorgeous and some ofthe sound track music is fine. Overall a more good than bad - 7/10

23skidoo-4 2013-04-30 09:59:38

Why do so many people hate this movie?

Although Cradle of Life won't go down in movie history as an all-timeclassic, I am mystified at why so many critics and moviegoers hatedit.In my opinion, this movie is much better than the first Tomb Raider film.The first film was entertaining, make no mistake, but it still had too muchof a comic book feel and 'Angelina Jolie' (qv) had not yet gotten a firmgrasp of the Lara Croft role. In Cradle of Life, both Lara and Jolie shownewfound maturation, and this makes her (both actress and fictionalcharacter) much more interesting to watch. Heck, even Jolie's faux Britishaccent is more convincing the second time around. I was one of the many whoprotested when she was cast in the role; the first film left be unconvinced,but she finally won me over in her second outing.The story is also more interesting in the second film, with the wholePandora's Box angle being something more worthy of Tomb Raider than thetired old "conspiracy out to take over the world" plot of the firstfilm.There are some aspects of the second film that I didn't care for as much.Lara, for one thing, is far more deadlier this second time around and at onepoint seriously considers gunning down a man in cold blood. This type ofbehavior is more fitting for James Bond than Lady Lara Croft. But once I gotused to the idea of Lara Croft 007, I didn't mind it so much. (Indeed, ifHollywood ever follows through with it's long-threatened female Bond film,they could do far worse than get Angelina Jolie for the role of Jane(?)Bond.)What appealed to me in Cradle of Life is how familiar Lara, her background,and her supporting characters have become with only one previous film undertheir belts. No time is spent explaining who she is and why she lives insuch a huge mansion (which sadly appears only briefly). This level offamiliarity, of character comfort, is something I've only ever seen oncebefore -- in the Bond series.Cradle of Life also features some most impressive set pieces that may notnecessarily advance the story, but are great to watch, such as a zoom infrom outer space on Lara riding a motorcycle, an incredible zoom-in shotTHROUGH the window of Croft Manor, and a great scene of Lara shooting attargets while riding a horse -- sidesaddle!Sadly, the critical and box office failure of Cradle of Life probablyguarantees no further entries in the series, and even if it does continue,Jolie looks ready to follow Audrey Hepburn's lead and put acting on the backburner in favor of humanitarian work so the role will probably go to another(possibly less talented) actress. If this turns out to be the case, Ibelieve the Lara Croft series looks set to be remembered as fondly as theDerek Flint films of the 1960s.Anyone who has been scared away by the bad reviews could do worse than torent a copy from their local video store and check it out. You might besurprised at how much fun the movie is.

Tom James 2013-04-29 15:55:10

After being hugely disappointed by the first, here's what I thought of the second...

I went into this film with mixed feelings. On one hand, I wanted to beexcited- especially after seeing the trailers. But then I had seen thetrailers for the first Tomb Raider movie, and boy, had I beendisappointed.So, I went into this movie with restrained excitement.However, from the moment this film began, it was no longer restrainedexcitement... but pure hair-raising EXCITEMENT. The action in this moviewasabsolute eye-candy, and one of those few instances, where it seemednecessary within the narrative.Angelina Jolie was sensational... she gave personality to Lara. Lara Croftcan now be put in the same league as James Bond, Indiana Jones, etc. Ilovedthe little laughs she had, and she really was amazing when she performedherstunts. The English accent was perfect, too.The character Terry Sheridan was great, and the chemistry between him andLara was electrifying.The plot was tight and understandable, unlike the first movie.This is not ARTISTIC or a movie-trying-to-be-clever, it is pureentertainment. It delivers the action, but is three-dimensional because ofthe characters, and the emotion. It moves along, and doesn't getboring!Fans of the game will be pleased, because there are many scenes thatcloselyresemble the game, especially the way Lara moves.:-D I really recommend this film and hope they make a third.

Kin Wing 2013-04-27 16:00:41

An Indiana Jones & James Bond Action style mix with a female twist

I would not class the first movie as a blockbuster, but it did wellsurprisingly due to the fact there wasn't anything else better running inthe cinema at that particular time. Which was Good enough for Paramount towarrant the sequel, which was directed to my surprise by Jan de-Bont aCinema photographer turned Action film director, same as Renny Harlin. Directors who are better at the visuals but thin on script. Plus The Filmis based on a Computer game. With this combination you know what yourgetting, So when watching this movie, simply suspend all your beliefs andget ready for a Roller coaster, guns blazing action movie with stunningvisuals and cinema photography. Angelina Jolie in my opinion is Okay in theroll, I had always hoped that someone else should have got the roll in thefirst film. A Pop Corn movie that looks technically brilliant on the bigscreen, shot in Widescreen Panavision and demand DTS cinema sound at yourlocal multiplex.

baywolph 2013-04-27 07:22:08

Lethargic

Wasn't bowled over by the first Tomb Raider movie but at least Lady Croftmoved the way she did in the game. This movie is even more lethargic thanthe first. Ms. Jolie looks better here but somehow you feel that she'sboredby the whole thing. The premise had great potential but they blew theirchance.

2013-04-22 20:03:58

Non-stop Action, Breath-taking Scenery, Stunning Plot

Lara Croft is seeking Alexander the Great's temple in the Meditarranean ... she had researched it contains the "secret" to Pandora's box. She discovers the temple but so does the Chinese mafia, who are directly behind her. They, too, are searching for the same thing. Lara narrowly escapes with her life as the rumblings of an underground earthquake destroy the temple. However, just before the destruction is complete, she climbs to the top of Alexander's statue and snags a large reflective jewel. Th Chinese give her a life-and-death defying under water chase ... during which, one of the Chinese divers grabs the "jewel" from her clutch. The photography is stupendous. The story line is clean-cut and flawless ... the plot is set for the next challenge. The viewer is taken on a world-wide adventure tour, from Europe and the Meditarranean to Asia, Hong Kong and mainland China, and finally, Africa ... where the secret is hidden.Lara escapes and is rescued ... she does further research on "Pandora's box" and the mechanism of the "jewel". She arrives at some theories on how it functions. She is obsessed with regaining the jewel and discovering its "secret". This goal leads her to rescue a long-time romantic interest, a Scotsman, from a jail located somewhere in Afghanistan or a nearby region. He possesses the skills necessary to infiltrate China. The viewer is sitting on the edge of his/her seat as Lara and the Scotsman perform aerial fetes, acrobatic and combative skills against enemies in Hong Kong, to where they trace the jewel. Some of the most beautiful and breath-taking scenery is filmed in China: a motorcycle ride on the Great Wall of China, valleys and mountains, and the side of a cliff where a Buddhist temple is located ...The third section of this movie ends in Africa ... Lara and her entourage are provided, by a local tribe, passage through a wooded area said to be haunted by spirits. Lara is unexpectedly challenged when she discovers the "secret" to Pandora's box ... This movie is highly recommended. It contains a great story-line, great plot, great characters, and super scenery. It builds suspense, creates twists and turns in the plot and ends like no other film I have viewed in the past ... Erika Borsos (erikab93)

mland_info 2013-04-22 10:02:36

It's about time!

It's about time that Hollywood made a movie with a strong woman who isn'tabitch or a drunk or swears every other word. For the last 10 years if Iwanted to see a movie with a strong, intelligent, beautiful lead female Ihad to watch Hong Kong movies - Thank God for Michelle Yeoh! AlthoughTR:Cradle of Life still lacks a few elements and could have been a bitbetter I will always be a supporter of the two Tomb Raider movies and lookforward to better things to come from Angelina Jolie. Go AngieGo!

John O'Neill 2013-04-18 00:07:37

Lara Croft is a B**CH!!!

Well, the future of the Tomb Raider film franchise doesn't look toogood after this effort. Although the first movie seemed rather lightand flimsy, it had it's moments. Not so with this creation.For a start, there's the character of Lara Croft. In the first movie,the viewer routed for her to win, but in this, after about fiveminutes,the viewer is praying she gets shot, whacked with a stick oreven punched. She's just too infallible. On those occasions when shedoes get hit, I felt really happy.POSSIBLE SPOILER AHEADAnother problem is the arrogance she displays in everything she does. Agood example is when she pulls out her gun to shoot Sheridan sayinghe's wasting time. WHO THE HELL DOES SHE THINK SHE IS?!? The poorbloke's been stuck in prison for who knows how long, of course he wantsto relish his freedom a little bit.A third problem is Terry Sheridan's accent. Just where is he supposedto be from? The actor is Scottish, so why didn't he use a Scottishaccent instead of fluctuating all the time?Hillary and Bryce, by far my two favourite characters aren't in itanywhere near enough although I suppose to be fair Lara is supposed tobe the main character and they are the sidekicks. Perhaps she shouldtake one or maybe both of them with her on her next outing.The idea of the Pandora's Box isn't bad, and all the actors have theright look anyway.But the whole thing left me feeling angry at Lara and thinking badthings about her.It is not a good sign for an action film when theviewer doesn't like the main character.If there is a third Tomb Raider, the producers will need to start bymaking Lara more likable.

2013-04-17 06:17:51

Seriously

All I can say is;why watch this when we can watch Indiana Jones?The only good part in the entire movie is when the unseen people come out of the woodwork, other than that, I though the movie was a complete waste of my time and energy. Talk about chick flicks, this was definatly made just for a guys enjoyment. The entire movie revolved around Angelina Jolie and her body. The action stunk, she never got hurt except for one small slice on her leg, and can one really punch a shark in the nose and then ride on its back? I'm thinking not.If action is your thing, and plots are not than this movie is completely for you.

gorguruga 2013-04-12 18:18:22

The cradle won't rock..

Cradle of Life was a major let-down and the second half seemed very rushedapart from some of the cgi scenes. So many things in this movie were justcumbersome and generic, there were no real fresh ideas.The acting was very poor in parts and only Angelina Jolie could beconsidered as having good acting in the film. The other actors wereoccasionaly very rigid as if they were reading the lines right off thescript. There are some scenes with the male sidekick that I thought were sobadly acted they would have been better off as comedy out-takes. Overall the word "cradle" is paramount because this film will probably bemore appreciated by kids. For a more mature audience, I'm afraid the cradlewon't rock.

moviedude1 2013-04-12 09:30:45

Female James Bond meets Indiana Jones

Lara is back on the trail of the bad guys! This time, with a little helpfrom an old "friend," she's trying to protect the legendary Pandora's boxfrom falling into to hands of the bad guys.This film has it all! Mystery, suspense, adventure/action, and a little bitof romance thrown in, too! Jolie has outdone herself in this movie. Ireally never got into the last Tomb Raider film, but this one doesn't letyou go! If there ever was a film that does NOT quit moving, this isit!