Lara Croft is a gun-toting archeologist that seeks adventure and treasure in the most remote places. In fact her career and her passion for the knowledge of the ancient world has earned her the title of the Tomb Raider. And an earthquake might have just uncovered the greatest find for the world of archeology since the discovery of the pyramids. Alexander the Great nearly conquered the entire known world during his day and along with all his conquests came vast treasures and some of the most valuable and biblical items of the ancient world. He stored his most valuable treasures in the Luna Temple, whose location he never allowed to be mapped. But in 300 B.C. a volcanic eruption wiped the Temple from the face of the earth but it appears the new earthquake has finally revealed it location on the ocean floor. Lara along with a couple Greek archeologists have begun to dive looking for the temple but an evil scientist Reiss a designer of biological weapons is not going to make it that easy for her. He has sent Chen Lo a member of a dangerous Chinese cartel to kill her and steal anything she has found. But when all hell breaks loose inside the legendary temple Lara proves to be harder to kill than they would have anticipated and escapes with her life but not with the most valuable and dangerous treasure that could be known to man. It appears that Alexander during his conquests came across a map that could reveal the location of the Cradle of Life the resting place of the Pandora’s box. Pandora’s Box as the Greek myth goes holds the creation of life as well as the anti life and when opened not only contains the most glorious of things but death as well and a plague that could sweep the entire world. So now it is up to Lara to stop Reiss and to try and keep the Pandora’s box hidden forever for the sake of the world.

Some have commented that the original Tomb Raider is anti-climatic as the best scenes are contained at the first of the movie leaving the ending a little flat, I somewhat agree with this assessment even though I really liked the first movie. But I am happy to say that the sequel has a much better ending that does not leave you let down and that is more fitting for this action packed adventure. I was greatly pleased with the sequel as it is faster, more intense and more action packed than it predecessor making it way more enjoyable. The movie does not have to take the time it did before to set up the characters and was able to spend more time on the action which is better done and more exciting. They also did not do the pitfalls of the first movie with the skin flick scenes trying to entice young boys, instead allowing Lara to be more of a powerful women character ala the video games. Lara Croft is the female version of Indiana Jones and she is finally starting to come into her own with better character development and a greater story for her. Angelina Jolie again plays the part perfectly as she shows greater emotion in this film and it is hard to not be enticed by her. I enjoyed the movie greatly as it is the kind of epitome of what a popcorn film should be. Lots of actions, tons of fight sequences, plenty of adventure, and a story that while superficial is still quite compelling and that draws you in. I would suggest you see the movie if you would like an afternoon of escapism and enjoy a very well done action movie.
4 stars out of 5