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Angelina Jolie as Lara Croft, Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life — Angelina Jolie as Lara Croft

Lara Croft is originally a video game and this is the second movie based on the VG character of the same name. I haven’t seen the first movie, but after seeing this one, I do want to see it. It’s by no means one of the best action/fantasy I’ve ever seen, but it is fast and fun- which is what I wanted to get from this movie anyway. It’s directed by Jan de Bont, who is actually more famous as a cinematographer than a director. He has worked on Lethal Weapon 3, which remains one of my favorite action movies. But I find him to be a talented director as well. Ever since he has directed the amazing Speed with Keanu Reeves in 1994. Sure Speed 2 was awful, but I’m willing to forgive him for that. Speed did rock. And although Lara Croft is no Speed, it is enjoyable.

Lara Croft is a British archaeleogist. She is also very fit, has amazing stamina and can kick anyone’s butt. Angelina Jolie is perfect in bringing a video game character to life; I have always thought her big eyes and extra full lips looked outer worldly anyway. The movie could very well be a spy flick because it does involve traveling around the globe, British Intelligence, a menacing scientist,Chinese bad guys and more. Of course it doesn’t lack sexual tension and intense chemistry since Lara picks her partner in this mission: Ex-marine-turned-mercenary Terry Sheridan (Gerard Butler) for help. The mission is very difficult, if not impossible. They need to find Pandora’s Box before the scientist and his men do. And Lara isn’t exactly trusting her ex.

The movie isn’t trying to be intelligent. It doesn’t take itself seriously. It is strictly enterta?ning. Kick back, and enjoy!

Gerard Butler as Terry Sheridan in Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life

Angelina Jolie as Lara Croft — Lara Croft. Who better to play the hot and smart archaelogist than Angelina Jolie? The British accent suits her.

Angelina Jolie and Gerard Butler in Lara Croft The Cradle of Life — Lara Croft (Angelina Jolie) and Terry Sheridan (Gerard Butler)

Angelina Jolie and Gerard Butler — This is not a deep film. Enjoy your action scenes and eye candy. It provides enough steam for both sexes.

Gerard Butler as Terry Sheridan in Tomb Raider in Lara Croft The Cradle of Life — Terry apparently did have some free time in his hands to work out.

I have been a fan of Keanu Reeves ever since I saw Speed. I guess it is not a surprise, since he became the ultimate name for box office hits after that exciting action flick. But he is not simply an action hero. Yeah, he has fought and kicked as in Point Break, Speed, the Matrix triology and Street Kings. He has done somes spooky thrillers: He has been the villain; a psycho serial killer in The Watcher and somewhat the victim in The Devil’s Advocate. He has done his share of independent movies. He has proven to be good at romantic roles. Have you seen “A Walk in the Clouds” or “The Lake House“. Oh of course we have Sweet November on the sappy side. He has also played a male hustler, sleeping with men and claiming to be heterosexual; and hence not returning the affections and love of his best friend/fellow hustler friend. So here we have a guy who has taken on a variety of roles, in a vast variety of genres. Yet there are many people who find his acting flat and his facial expressions limited. Well, I am in the group that thinks Keanu is a talented actor. Sure it must have helped that he is handsome in an exotic way-being born to a Chinese/Hawaiian father and an English mother and all that. But you do not get his career without talent and hard work.

He has had some disappointments in his career. Not all his movies got the same good reaction. He has had his first TV appearance when he was 20. Keanu has been on screen for 25 years n0w. Yep, he is 45 now. He keeps up the interesting and challenging roles. He doesn’t mind taking smaller parts. And I have been following his movies. The movies aren’t all perfect. But they are never dull.

Yet he has another quality that admire. I don’t really see that much of him in the press. Don’t get me wrong, I love reading about actors. I love seeing their pictures, the latest news on their movies and it never hurts to see the lovely houses they live in. But I don’ t really care that much about who they date. Sure, it is interesting to see the couplings they form and all that. After all, it is fun to see beautiful people hooking up with beautiful people. But it gets really annoying when it is in your face all the time. I am so sick of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt. It is like you can’t escape them. But I never knew that much about Keanu’s private life.Not even close. And I’m pretty happy about this. He is an actor. His on-screen chemistry with his co-star is a much bigger deal. The scripts he picks, the roles he takes on, the stunts he does himself…Now, those are the stuff. He is an actor. And I think even the fact that people are arguing over his acting ability rather than who he dates and how long he dates her is better. It is much more relevant.

Yes, I think he is gorgeous. Yes, I think he can act. Here are some suggestions to test my statements:

1) Speed- for action

2) A Walk in the Clouds- for some old-fashioned romance

3) The Watcher– watch out for his bad guy.

Well, if we are still not on the same page, it is ok. Because even if you think he is not a good actor, you have loved at least a couple of his movies. He has provided good entertainment. For 25 years. And that’s something to admire…