Perhaps. Thankfully, however, her entrance isn't boring. In the sequel to the abysmally dull Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life (title's a bit long, don't you think?), she appears in a black Bond-beauty bikini, ready for action, ready for adventure. Super fit, healthy, and beautiful, we certainly don't mind looking at her.

But could a black bikini be the film's greatest special effect? Just about. Directed by Jan De Bont, (Speed, The Haunting) The Cradle of Life is tedious, clunky and, for the big budget and exotic locales, surprisingly chintzy-looking. Though better than the previous film (which ain't saying much), it once again is saved from complete dullness for one thing and one thing only—Angelina Jolie.

Here, Jolie reprises her role as (who else?) Lara Croft, only she must contend with a bigger archeological bootie—Pandora's Box. Much like the arc in Raiders of the Lost Arc, the mythical box is indeed real, and Lara must retrieve it before a serious baddy plots (hmm...what else?) mass destruction. Aiding in her fight is ex-lover/mercenary Terry Sheridan (Gerard Butler) whom she releases from Prison (ooh, a bad boy!). The two embark on a tumultuous journey that's not smooth sailing all the way. Giving Lara a sexual interest, the two banter all sexy-like, but to little effect. And, though actor Butler is appealing, Jolie still seems too much woman for this man.

Which is, of course, the point. In the vein of the now popular pro-female action films (like Charlie's Angels or the infinitely superior Kill Bill), SHE'S the one who will inevitably save the day. Going up against a threatening Chinese crime syndicate and an even more frightening foe—a former Nobel Prize winner and mad scientist ready to unleash deadly germs on the world—she battles with bayonets, hand-to-hand combat and, of course, the trusty two-fisted guns. She even punches a shark.

Traipsing from mainland China to Hong Kong to Africa, the picture attempts an atmospheric experience, but everything feels so fake that it's tough to grasp onto its action sequences with any thrill or suspension of disbelief. Even the video game aspect (in case you don't know, the character is based on a popular video game) never plays satisfying a la the superior and highly underrated video-game picture, Resident Evil, where a spirited Milla Jovovich was able to kick some tail.

And you can't help but think of the far-more exciting Indiana Jones, right down to a melting-face moment (in Indy, Jell-O and a hairdryer looked much more real than the CGI used here). We're used to big-budget action films being somewhat lame, but both Tomb Raiders have been much worse—simply boring as all get out.

But in Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life Collectors Edition DVD, you'd never guess the filmmakers would agree with this. Chock full of extras that aren't especially interesting unless you just enjoy looking at Angelina, the DVD comes in an impressive anamorphic, widescreen transfer (2.35:1), highlighting the film's scenery and glossy look. The audio comes in a good mix of Dolby Digital 5.1, parceling out action sounds, surrounds, and dialogue loudly and nicely.

The extras include commentary from director Jan De Bont, who gets into details of filmmaking without meandering off the point too often. Discussing particulars of scene execution will only prove fascinating for the filmmaking inclined; otherwise, De Bont offers little different than a solid production narration. There are seven deleted scenes with the optional commentary provided by Jan De Bont, none of which add dimension to or interest in the picture. Even the film's alternate ending (not to be ruined for Tomb Raider fans) is nothing special.

The DVD also comes with the ubiquitous featurettes—here we have FIVE. Going into various aspects of putting together a film like Tomb Raider, there's "Training," which shows Jolie getting buffed up and gorgeously healthy. "Vehicles and Weapons" explores just what the title states. "Stunts" looks at the film's stunt work—we learn that brave Jolie wanted to do much more than she was allowed. "Visual Effects" covers CGI, and "Scoring" takes us through the film's forgettable music.

Another bonus is Gerard Butler's screen test, which will make you impressed with the actor but sad that he had to appear in this film. Also included are ho-hum music videos of Korn's "Did My Time" and the Davey Brothers' "Heart Go Faster," previews for other Paramount titles, and a DVD-ROM film website.

Though crammed with extras, the DVD can't save the picture from a Pandora's box of tedium, even with the talented Jolie. With this and the stinker Beyond Borders behind her, isn't it time Miss Angelina treated herself to a worthy film role? Come on, Angie. Be like Lara: Take a risk!