User reviews

Although Cradle of Life won't go down in movie history as an all-time classic, I am mystified at why so many critics and moviegoers hated it.

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 much of a comic book feel and 'Angelina Jolie' (qv) had not yet gotten a firm grasp of the Lara Croft role. In Cradle of Life, both Lara and Jolie show newfound maturation, and this makes her (both actress and fictional character) much more interesting to watch. Heck, even Jolie's faux British accent is more convincing the second time around. I was one of the many who protested 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 whole Pandora's Box angle being something more worthy of Tomb Raider than the tired old "conspiracy out to take over the world" plot of the first film.

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 one point seriously considers gunning down a man in cold blood. This type of behavior is more fitting for James Bond than Lady Lara Croft. But once I got used to the idea of Lara Croft 007, I didn't mind it so much. (Indeed, if Hollywood 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 under their belts. No time is spent explaining who she is and why she lives in such a huge mansion (which sadly appears only briefly). This level of familiarity, of character comfort, is something I've only ever seen once before -- in the Bond series.

Cradle of Life also features some most impressive set pieces that may not necessarily advance the story, but are great to watch, such as a zoom in from outer space on Lara riding a motorcycle, an incredible zoom-in shot THROUGH the window of Croft Manor, and a great scene of Lara shooting at targets while riding a horse -- sidesaddle!

Sadly, the critical and box office failure of Cradle of Life probably guarantees 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 back burner 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, I believe the Lara Croft series looks set to be remembered as fondly as the Derek Flint films of the 1960s.

Anyone who has been scared away by the bad reviews could do worse than to rent a copy from their local video store and check it out. You might be surprised at how much fun the movie is.

This sequel is well done. Liked the use of the locations in Santorini, Hong Kong, Africa etc. The director made unique interesting use of the places.

The cast is top notch. Gerard Butler has chemistry with Angelina but his accent is a bit too thick in some parts to understand. Cirian Hinds is a dignified enough villain. Djimon Honsu is good in an real authentic looking African role.

For those who didn't like the first movie so much, this is quite different. It's grander feeling. So it's a good follow up since it departs on the first one instead of rehashing it.

Overall one of the more enjoyable action adventure movies.

The evil scientist Jonathan Reiss (Ciarán Hinds) is trying to get the Pandora Box to release death around the world. Lara Croft (Angeline Jolie) joins to the mercenary and former love Terry Sheridan (Gerard Butler), trying to avoid Jonathan to achieve his objective. This is a very funny action movie. Of course it is not cerebral, but the story is not so bad, and the action scenes are very well choreographed and the locations around the world are magnificent. I personally did not like the fake British accent of Angeline Jolie, since it does not fit with her. But this film is much better than the last James Bond movies, it is not so good as the Indiana Jones ones, but it in the same level of `The Mummy' or `The Scorpion King". For this type of action movie, It is a worthwhile entertainment. It is ridiculous that a viewer expects to think about anything watching `Tomb Raider'. When I want to think, I see an Ingmar Bergman's (one of my favorite directors) or any art film. Yesterday, for example, I saw `L' Emploi du Temps', a movie about the sad and bitter face of the unemployment in the middle age. When you see a movie like that, you think, reflect, judge the character and the situations. But when I watch `Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life', I certainly expect to laugh, to have a light entertainment and lots of fun. The scene where she punches a shark probably is the funniest in this good movie. My vote is eight.

Title (Brazil): `Lara Croft Tomb Raider: A Origem da Vida' (`Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Origin of Life')

In 2001, fan boys and gamers alike were able to get their eye full with Angelina Jolie in the lead role as Lara Croft. It may not have been a success in critics' eyes but it did well at the box office and fans wanted a sequel. So as a follow up, this movie doesn't perform badly at all. But it does lack a few details that keep it from being as good as the first. The majority of these flaws lie in the writing as well as some character development.

In this story, Croft is set on the quest to find Pandora's Box and keep an evil money mogul from getting his hands on it and causing countless deaths around the world. So to accomplish this task, she once again calls on her friends and companions at home and around the world to assist her. The two important ones that most fans like are Hillary (Chris Barrie) and Bryce (Noah Taylor). I was happy to see them reprise their roles - their presence in the first added comedic relief to various situations, as do they in this installment.

Of course, Jolie as Croft is still a great choice. Her athletic and flexibility abilities are still impressive and are similar if not the same as the moves that Lara Croft does in the video game. And I don't know if it's just me but I found Jolie to be even more attractive in this picture. Her face is different. Playing the evil money mogul is Ciarán Hinds. Hinds also puts in a good performance. He may not be the most sinister of villains but he's no fresh apple either.

Accompanying Croft in her journey across the globe is an ex-boyfriend named Terry Sheridan (Gerard Butler) who is good with guns and I agree, he is. I also found him to have a funny sense of humor with his Scottish accent. What upset me about though was that writer Dean Georgaris wrote his character to be untrusted and unpredictable. That caused the character development between Sheridan and Croft to whither. They had good chemistry but they were always up and down. Like a love-hate relationship. Can we just pick a single tone for these two? I also didn't like how Georgaris did not explain what happened to Alex West (Daniel Craig) from the first movie. Craig's character did not die so why wasn't it at least explained where he was or why he left? Continuity people! But that's really all I have to nit-pick about. I enjoyed the action which felt solid. The director, Jan de Bont, who also directed the megahit Speed (1994) seems to have a good idea what an action movie needs even though his profession lies in cinematography. I also felt that the musical score provided by Alan Silvestri instead of Graeme Revell was an improvement. It expressed action, tension and feeling at the right moments. Although it's not as great as the first, I still liked it.

Its writing is a little off with character development and continuity but it still holds up strong. The characters are still fun to watch as well as the action and improved musical score.

First, I have never seen the computer game, but last night I saw the previous Lara Croft movie.

This one is much better. If you look at it as a female James Bond, then it beats the Bond movies made since the Real Men (Connery, Moore) quit starring Bond.

It would behoove the Lara Croft brand owners to seriously consider what they have in their hands. With a little refinement, this could become a franchise as big as Bond, no question about it. But it does need some serious work.

Ms Jolie has yet to prove she has the required depth to really start acting. To rise from a cartoon figure into a believable superior being (as Bond was), requires as much mental effort as she's done with her physique for the Croft role.

A believable Lady Croft needs more than an arrogant one-face tomboy on steroids. What's inside her must be a woman, an aristocrat, and an intellectual with a superior intelligence and solid values. Even harder and much more important is to convert the cocky pretense of self-confidence into a powerful internal peace and determination, like you can see only in Connery's eyes. Even the best actors can't make that believable by putting facial expression #252 here and #311 there -- instead, one really has to "become" the character and start seeing with her eyes.

If Jolie can't cut it, then the obvious next choice would be Halle Berry. But her problem is of course Hollywood's schizophrenic attitude towards "black" heroes. Berry could probably pull this off with flying colors. And there are others.

Somehow this movie shows that the Bond formula is easy enough to copy and get a decent result. But the last steps to excellence, they can only be reached with a capable lead actor. How hard that is, is amply demonstrated by the travails of the Broccolis in their quest for a decent Bond.

After two movies, Bond wasn't anything special. Already Lara Croft has a much larger audience. The Bond producers made Bond into a global icon, something larger than life, and a brand as well known as Coke. But it took decades of relentless work and an exceptional determination.

Today, a female Bond is in tune with the modern values of audiences the world over.

This is one of the best and indeed grittiest action films from the 90's, possibly from the 20th century, and it makes Angelina's character into a star by making such an anti-hero witty and likable, sort of in a sense like an avenging, cop version of McDowell's character in Clockwork Orange (released in 1971). In this second installment of the "Lara Croft" movies, Angelina is brought on the case, and is given a new partner. The buttler is perfectly, with his sense of terrifying, visceral scenes in the movies. Very 90's, but its hard-boiled status can't be denied for Angelina's buffs. While I think this is a very good film, and worth seeing at least a couple of times, I do not necessarily agree with the general opinion concerning the film. It is disappointing to me that this film did not make Angelina the star she deserves to be - especially since the range of characters and emotions she has shown themselves capable of it. It is also surprising to me to see that the obvious connection between this film and the game has been glossed over by film history so completely. In the same light, it bothers me that this film is rated so highly as compared with the game. And finally, I am pleased that it is still a film that action fans enjoy, because unlike most of what the action genre produces today, this is a film with a message, and a subtle and hauntingly memorable intelligence

Two weeks after I watched this movie, I went back to the cinema to watch it again. This rarely happens to me. No, not because the kind of movies I like won't be running three weeks ;-). It is an effect I might describe as 'Wow, did this all really happen? Or was it just my imagination?`. 'Cradle of Life' has got a lot of things that I missed in the 1st Lara Croft movie: needle-sharp sarcastic one-liners in the dialogue, a convincing brutal villain you love to hate (instead of that gentlemen's club kind of secret order), more realistic fights (cut her and she bleeds), straight ahead action (no sweet 'I remember Daddy' flashbacks this time), and last not least sexier costumes for the one and only Angelina Jolie. That push-up bra and short pants from the 1st movie looked ridiculous compared to the skin-tight silver diving suit she got this time. As far as I heard, La Jolie asked to have a word with the director about the wardrobe before she signed for part two, and what a wise woman she is... Mind you, Angelina also gets a few more opportunities for using her acting abilities, like her desperation when the warriors of the African tribe are running into the machine gun fire, she cries to stop and no-one hears. Or the difficult relationship between Lara Croft and Terry Sheridan, ranging from love to open mistrust. Besides, I always say the difference between a good movie and a great movie is that a great movie gives you pictures you'll keep in your mind forever! Will you ever forget the duel between Angelina and Simon Yam among the Chinese statues? Lara asking the shark for a ride? The spectacular jump off the skyscraper? I enjoyed every minute of it!

This film is pretty much Marmite. You either love it or hate it.

On one side of the bread we have the sexy Angie Jolie in tight clothing shooting and kicking stuff while pulling off various scowls. On the other there is a bit of a weak storyline and a rather bad CGI shark.

However with me I'm on the love it side. Why? I'm not here for a solid plot. Hand up who watches a video game film for a solid plot? Anyone? Didn't really think so. The action hardly lets up for a second and the spongebob placement is set to show that its really not all THAT serious.

So in all if you want to enjoy this, switch brain off and enjoy the action.

I only have one question actually - what is the type of fighting called that Laura Croft does in the two movies? I really want to learn to fight like her. The reason for this is that we had an attempted burglary at home the other night. My husband's work is of such a nature that he travels a great deal, taking him away from home during the week often. This leaves me being home alone with my 3 small children. We live on a small holding of 10 acres and in the event of anything happening I need to be able to protect my precious blessings - my 3 wonderful children. Laura Croft really inspired me to want to 'kick some ...' so if you could please tell me what her fighting is called I would really appreciate it. This way I can find a club, gym or class that gives this specific type of fighting. Thank you.

After watching the first, I wasn't disappointed but game players know that it wasn't as good, or even close to the games. I think the story is much better, and Lara's much more authentic. The beginning in the Luna temple...and best of all, I must admit, Terry Sheridan and the relationship between them; absolutely great! One of the best and most frustrating love scenes I've seen... The kind of person you know is perfect for you, but also know that isn't going to work out. Good action scenes, and catching... I don't know many people that like it as much as I do, I suppose I'm completely influenced by the love for the game.

I never saw the first one, but this was a great Jane Bond movie. Good action, sarcastic dialog, great locations and she has a beautiful face that you just can't get enough of. It was soooo obvious when she was doing her own stunts. Better hit the gym before the next show girl.

I been a fan of Lara Croft since tomb raider 2. it was very good the second movie of this 6 video games products.this movie have good action scenes and stunts,though the plot i did like it very much.but Angelina Jolie brings life to this video game character. she is rude and tough and performs many acrobatics and they update Lara Croft as she fights more better in this movie than the first jumping and rolling(like the angel of darkness video game fights with martial arts too.and that was cool).she did a good performance :),i like it my vote for this movie is 8 of 10. :p

Lara Croft - Cradle of life, is one of those rare films, that is better than the original and then some. But it also reminded me of those adventures I liked to go on in the back yard with my friends. it has that feel that anything is possible, and it's larger than life. And it was just FUN. I am a big fan of the games. and I liked the first movie enough. But this was truly original and fun.

Some people may have problems with the unbelivability of the plot. But, oh my GOD, E.T. was about an extra-terrestrial, Terminator has cyborgs traveling from the past to assassinate the saviour of the future. So, I am not cutting critics any slack, for some of their criticisms on story and plot. They writer obviously had fun, and so did I.

And besides, Angelina Jolie, can there be a more beautiful creature on the silver screen today. She is a mixture of most beautiful stars of the 1940's, with all the sass of today heroines.

The Cradle ROCKS!

It's about time that Hollywood made a movie with a strong woman who isn't a bitch or a drunk or swears every other word. For the last 10 years if I wanted to see a movie with a strong, intelligent, beautiful lead female I had to watch Hong Kong movies - Thank God for Michelle Yeoh! Although TR:Cradle of Life still lacks a few elements and could have been a bit better I will always be a supporter of the two Tomb Raider movies and look forward to better things to come from Angelina Jolie. Go Angie Go!

Granted they may not be a lot of action like the first movie. The areas they travel to in search of the Orb is one of the reasons I thought the movie was better then the first. I though the action was just enough to add to the movie. I think the first movie didn't have enough traveling and sites to make the movie totally great. This one had a lot of traveling to different sites and areas to make the movie even better.

I liked this movie. It wasn't perfect, but it was good with a decent plot, a lot of action, great locations, and some excellent affects. Angelina Jolie played the part well and looked very good on the big screen. It was a great Summer movie to see on a Saturday afternoon. I can't understand all the negative comments about it. I think people are digging too deep. Cradle of Life succeeds at being what is suppose to be, a fun action movie. Angelina Jolie is truly hot and is in a category all her own! Just the fact that she did most of the stunts herself make this movie very enjoyable to watch! I can't wait for the dvd!

This is one great roller coaster of a ride from the opening credits till the end! I just saw this film & want to see it again! I liked the first Tomb Raider & was only hoping this would be as good but this is 10 times better. Its more like the game, Jolie is even hotter, the bad guys are better bad guys,etc. etc.!! The people on here nitpicking this movie to death would complain about Ben Hur. They would watch Plan 9 From Outer Space & spend days finding flaws in it instead of watching & just haveing a good laugh at a Ed Wood film. Go see this movie Tomb Raider fans! Just dont sit on the front row for the FX in this gem will overwelm you. Dont get me wrong this is no way a Ed Wood production By the way....when a shark is coming towards you & you see it..punch it in the snout! Thats true! Its not like a bear or a rhino. Enjoy a fun, action packed summer movie that has breath taking sights....otherwise stay home & watch 30 minute game shows all day & check to make see the game shows have all their answers right! I give this delight a 10 out of a possible 10!!!!!!!!!!!! Bring on Tomb Raider #3!!

I liked the first Tomb Raider but thought that this one was much better, there was more action, suspense, close calls and interest in the story. I had no expectation for this movie, it is what it is and this movie is simply well made and fun, have I had more fun at the movies before in my life? Oh Yeah! But compared to other letdowns this summer (Bad Boys 2 and LXG) this was entertainment.