Angelina Jolie returns as the iconic archaeologist in a sequel that trades the campy magic of the first film for globe-trotting espionage. Lara Croft must find Pandora’s Box before a bioterrorist turns the ancient weapon into a global plague. This high-stakes adventure moves from the depths of the Mediterranean to the mountains of China, offering a darker look at the legendary hero.
Detailed Summary
The Underwater Discovery
An earthquake near Santorini reveals the Luna Temple, a site hidden for centuries. Lara Croft travels to the ruins to find a glowing orb that serves as a map to the Cradle of Life. However, Chen Lo and his syndicate ambush her team, killing her associates and stealing the artifact.
British Intelligence approaches Lara with a mission to stop Jonathan Reiss from obtaining the orb. This megalomaniac scientist intends to release the deadly plaque contained within Pandora’s Box to sell a cure to survivors. Lara demands that the government release her former lover, Terry Sheridan, to assist with the mission.
Infiltrating the Syndicate
Terry and Lara travel to China to track down the syndicate members. They locate the hideout in a remote village, where Terry uses his old connections to gain entry. Consequently, a massive shootout occurs as they reclaim the orb from the criminals.
Lara discovers that Reiss plans to retrieve the map in Hong Kong. She uses a high-tech wing suit to fly from a skyscraper, escaping his guards in a breathtaking aerial sequence. Meanwhile, Terry starts to show signs that his loyalty might be wavering under the pressure of the mission.
The African Expedition
The decoded map points directly to Kilimanjaro in Africa. Lara and Terry find the Cradle of Life, a surreal realm where the laws of physics do not apply. They encounter the Shadow Guardians, monstrous entities that protect the entrance to the box.
Reiss and his mercenaries arrive, forcing Lara to navigate the hazardous terrain under duress. She eventually reaches the pool of black acid where the box floats. Ultimately, the scientist confronts her, leading to a final showdown over the fate of humanity.
Movie Ending
Lara fights Reiss at the edge of the acid pool, eventually knocking him into the corrosive liquid. The villain dissolves instantly, ending his threat to the world. However, the tension remains high as Terry Sheridan reveals his true intentions to keep the box for personal gain.
Terry argues that the power of Pandora’s Box is too valuable to leave behind. He attempts to take the artifact, forcing Lara to make a devastating choice between her love and her duty. Specifically, she realizes Terry will never let the matter go and shoots him to prevent the box from leaving the temple.
Lara leaves the Cradle of Life alone, mourning the loss of the man she once loved. She realizes some treasures must remain hidden to ensure the survival of the planet. Therefore, she returns to her life as an adventurer, forever changed by the weight of her decision.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
The movie does not include any scenes during or after the credits. Audiences can safely leave their seats once the screen fades to black. The story concludes definitively with Lara’s departure from Africa.
Type of Movie
This film is an action-adventure thriller with a focus on international espionage. It maintains a more serious tone compared to its predecessor, emphasizing physical stunts and geopolitical stakes. Notably, the narrative blends archaeological fantasy with modern biological warfare themes.
Cast
- Angelina Jolie – Lara Croft
- Gerard Butler – Terry Sheridan
- Ciarán Hinds – Jonathan Reiss
- Djimon Hounsou – Kosa
- Christopher Barrie – Hillary
- Noah Taylor – Bryce
- Simon Yam – Chen Lo
Film Music and Composer
Alan Silvestri composed the orchestral score for this sequel. He replaced the electronic-heavy sound of the first film with a more traditional, sweeping adventure theme. His music emphasizes the scale of the locations and the urgency of Lara’s quest.
The soundtrack also features contemporary tracks by artists like Korn and The Davey Brothers. These songs play during high-energy sequences, bridging the gap between classic cinema and early 2000s culture. Furthermore, the main theme provides a sense of continuity for the character of Lara Croft.
Filming Locations
Production took place in several stunning locations to give the film a global feel. The crew filmed the opening sequences on the island of Santorini, Greece. Additionally, the mountains of Wales stood in for the rugged terrain of China during Western filming blocks.
The final act features the majestic scenery of Kenya, specifically around the Amboseli National Park. Using these real landscapes helped ground the fantastic elements of the story in reality. This variety of settings enhances the feeling of a massive, worldwide journey.
Awards and Nominations
The film received a nomination for Best Science Fiction Film at the Saturn Awards. Although it did not win major Oscars, it earned praise for its visual effects and stunt work.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Angelina Jolie performed many of her own stunts, including the dangerous jet ski sequence.
- The Shadow Guardians were created using a mix of practical suits and digital enhancement.
- Director Jan de Bont focused on using real locations rather than soundstages whenever possible.
- Gerard Butler had to undergo intense weapons training for his role as an ex-soldier.
Inspirations and References
The plot draws heavily from the Greek myth of Pandora and her jar of evils. It translates this ancient story into a modern context involving biological weapons. Furthermore, the visual style of the Cradle of Life takes inspiration from surrealist art and natural rock formations.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
An alternate version of the final standoff exists where Terry is less aggressive. However, the producers felt Lara’s decisive action was necessary for her character growth. Several deleted scenes also show more interaction between Bryce and Hillary at Croft Manor.
Book Adaptations and Differences
No specific book serves as the basis for this screenplay. The film is an original story inspired by the Tomb Raider video game series created by Core Design. While a novelization of the movie was released, it follows the film’s plot almost exactly.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- The motorcycle chase along the Great Wall of China.
- Lara and Terry’s base jump from the Hong Kong skyscraper.
- The rhythmic fight against the Shadow Guardians in the forest.
- Lara punching a shark to use it as a flotation device.
Iconic Quotes
- Everything lost is meant to be found.
- I am not leaving without that orb.
- Some things are not meant to be found.
- You can’t stop the future, Lara.
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- Lara’s wetsuit in the opening scene mirrors her outfit from the Tomb Raider II video game.
- Brief glimpses of Lara’s father appear in photographs, maintaining a link to the first movie.
- The Jeep used in Africa features a custom winch system common in the original games.
Trivia
- This was the last time Angelina Jolie portrayed the character of Lara Croft.
- The film’s budget reached approximately 95 million dollars.
- The Cradle of Life set was one of the largest indoor sets ever built in the UK at the time.
- The movie features a unique Land Rover model designed specifically for the production.
Why Watch?
This entry offers superior action sequences and better pacing than the original film. Angelina Jolie delivers a confident performance that defines the character for an entire generation. Fans of high-octane travelogues will find the beautiful locations and creative stunts highly entertaining.
Director’s Other Movies
- Speed (1994)
- Twister (1996)
- The Haunting (1999)
- Speed 2: Cruise Control (1997)
