by: keaton marcus

Me, and Quinn’s Pros and Cons List for the Two Sequels Announced

Tomb Raider was rebooted last year, and starred Oscar winner Alicia Vikander as the iconic Lara Croft—the film received mixed reviews by critics—however, our opinions stand at opposite sides. 70% “sweet/sour” for me, and for my brother—30% “sour”. I thought it was a gritty, realistic take on the video game, with a compelling performance by Vikander and stunning action sequences—Quinn dumped it, and thought that it was blandly acted, had cheap-looking special effects—and hated the “ballet” stunts by Vikander.

Tomb Raider 2 Cons (Quinn)

Con: Alicia Vikander and her ballet jumps—not a great action star

Con: Kristen Scott Thomas also a bad action star

Con: Jump has one bad film, High Rise

Con: Uthaug’s action was not coherent, and was little compared to Steven Spielberg’s direction for Indiana Jones

Con: The cast was not comfortable with the cheap-looking action sequences.

Tomb Raider 2 Pros (Keaton)

Pro: Alicia Vikander is awesome as Lara Croft—un-objectified and fierce.

Pro: Kristen Scott Thomas and Derek Jacabi are returning for villains

Pro: Screenwriter change, Amy Jump

Pro: Roar Uthaug did a exceptional job in the action sequences and realism.

Pro: The action was coherent, and had impressive special effects.

Overall, we are excited for the outcomes of the two sequels—Quinn and I are split for Tomb Raider 2—but we can all agree that Shazam! 2 is going to be awesome.

DC’s Shazam! came out a few weeks ago, and starred Zachary Levi—the film was a hit with the critics and the box office. Me, and Quinn loved the movie—and thought it was a landmark for a usually mediocre DC franchise. Thinking that Levi was fantastic, had a clever script with more than enough humor, and loads of superhero action; I gave it 83% “sweet”, Quinn delivered a 90% “sweet”.

Shazam! 2 Cons (Both)

Con: There is always sequel fatigue (Jaws, Kingsman, Fantastic Beasts etc.

Shazam! 2 Pros (Both)

Pro: The first film was impressive—very funny, and well-acted.

Pro: Zachary Levi was terrific in the title role.

Pro: The humor was hysterical—and better than the normal gritty and bland darkness in the DCEU.

Pro: The special effects were modestly budgeted, and solidly-looking.

Pro: The villain, played by Mark Strong—was excellently executed.

Pro: The sequel sets up another plot ripped from the beloved comics.