![]() ![]() If you faced a financial emergency or had an investment opportunity you wanted to jump on, you’d not only have to sell your house, but also wait until a buyer was available and the sale closed. Wealth is tied up: Property is an illiquid asset, meaning you can’t convert it to cash quickly or easily.You may be paying off your mortgage early at the expense of your retirement savings, emergency fund or other higher return opportunities. ![]() Opportunity cost: Any extra money you spend on paying down your mortgage faster is money you aren’t able to use for other financial goals.You may also be able to leverage your equity in the form of a home equity loan or home equity line of credit (HELOC), which you can use to make improvements that increase your home’s value or pay off other higher-interest debt. This can help you qualify for refinancing, which can save you even more money in the long run. Build equity: Paying down your mortgage faster means building equity in your home more quickly.You still will be responsible for property taxes as long as you own the home, but that’s a much smaller financial responsibility. If you experience a financial emergency, having a home that’s already paid off means you don’t have to worry about missing mortgage payments and potentially losing the home to foreclosure. Peace of mind: If you don’t like the idea of constant debt, paying your mortgage early could ease your burden.When you pay your mortgage early, those interest savings are a guaranteed return on your investment. You could save thousands or tens of thousands of dollars in interest payments. Interest savings: This is one of the biggest benefits of paying your loan off early.Here are some reasons why you may-or may not-want to consider paying off your mortgage early. There are many reasons why you might choose to either pay your mortgage early or invest more. Of course, life isn’t just about cold, hard numbers. Pros and Cons of Paying Off Mortgage Earlyįrom a financial perspective, it’s usually best to invest your money rather than funneling extra cash toward paying off your mortgage faster. There are many reasons why you might choose either to pay your mortgage early or invest more. Should I Pay Off My Mortgage or Invest?: How To Decideįrom a financial perspective, it’s usually best to invest your money rather than funneling extra cash toward paying your mortgage off faster. If you decided to pay your mortgage early after all, you could use your investment funds and still have $55,293 left over. In fact, after that length of time, you’d have about $105,487 left on your mortgage. That’s more than double your potential interest savings. If you want to be extra conservative, however, we can assume an average annual return of 8% on your investment.Īt the end of 19 years (about the length of time it would take to pay your mortgage early), you would have $160,780. Historically, the S&P 500 has returned an average of 10% to 11% annually since its inception in 1926 through 2018. On the other hand, you could take that $300 per month and invest it in an index fund that tracks the S&P 500 Index instead. You’d shave off 11 years and one month from your repayment period, plus save $67,816 in interest. Now let’s say that you’re able to come up with an extra $300 per month to put toward your mortgage. Your monthly payments would be $1,013 (not including taxes and insurance), according to our mortgage calculator, and you’d spend a total of $164,813 in interest over the life of the loan. Say you have a 30-year mortgage of $200,000 with a fixed rate of 4.5%. ![]() That leaves the opportunity to grow your wealth more through other investments. Especially now, with mortgage rates so low, it’s cheap to hold debt. Being debt free is an admirable goal, but it might not make the most sense financially. You probably dream of the day when you no longer have a mortgage payment hanging over your head. On Datalign Advisory's Website Should I Pay Off My Mortgage or Invest?: How To Decide ![]()
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![]() Is It Safe To Take Melatonin Every Night? If you spend a lot of time tossing and turning at night, melatonin should be safe to take. He says that proper sleep hygiene is critical to a good night’s sleep. Watson, don’t stare at the clock when you wake up in the middle of the night. However, using sleep expert-approved techniques to keep yourself awake is also a viable option. When you have difficulty falling asleep, you can take melatonin and call it a day. In studies conducted on FDA-approved insomnia treatments, placebos are frequently more effective than the actual medication in treating insomnia. Despite the fact that it appears to be safe to take on a daily basis, you should keep your doses at 0.5 milligrams to avoid potential side effects. According to the National Institute of Health, most people are safe to take melatonin supplements for a short period of time. ![]() Melatonin, as a medication, has not been approved by the FDA for insomnia treatment. If a person has delayed sleep-wake syndrome, taking melatonin on a daily basis for a year may help. It is possible to reset your circadian rhythm by taking melatonin one to three hours before bed. Melatonin, according to Nathaniel Watson, M.D., promotes sleep and helps to regulate the body’s circadian rhythm, but because it is deactivated and removed by the liver, its bioavailability is lower. People with a healthy circadian rhythm notice a decrease in their levels after 2 a.m. Melatonin, a hormone that occurs naturally in the pineal gland of the brain, is produced when darkness falls. It may be beneficial to supplement your diet to achieve the desired effect, but experts agree that it should not be consumed at night. Olly is an excellent choice for occasional use if you frequently find yourself stressed or traveling, or if you simply want to get enough rest before going to bed. These little gummy bears are roughly the same size and have the same consistency as gummy bears. Melatonin in Olly Sleep gummies is slightly less potent than melatonin found in other sleep aids, but it is still effective. Olly is an excellent choice for those who may require extra comfort during travel or when they are just not getting enough sleep. If you choose the recommended dose of 2 gummies, you can get 25 servings for around $2 each. Olly Sleep is a sleep supplement that is made with natural ingredients to help you fall asleep faster. However, if you experience any of these side effects, it is important to speak with your doctor. These side effects are typically mild and go away on their own. The most common side effects associated with Olly Sleep are headaches, dizziness, and nausea. ![]() However, as with any supplement, there is always the potential for side effects. Olly Sleep is made with melatonin, chamomile, and lemon balm, all of which are natural ingredients that are generally considered safe. This is true for Olly Sleep, a popular sleep aid. It is important to know that any medication or supplement comes with the potential for side effects. ![]() ![]() When you write about your travel experiences, you have the opportunity to process and reflect on your emotions, helping you gain a deeper understanding of yourself and your reactions to different situations via your journal entries. Journaling has been shown to have positive effects on emotional and mental well-being. Here are some additional reasons why you should consider starting one: 1. Keeping a travel journal offers numerous benefits beyond simply documenting your experiences. Unlike a regular journal, a travel diary focuses specifically on your journeys, including details about the different places you visit, the people you meet, the food you try, and the sights you see. It serves as a visual and written account of your adventures, providing you with a tangible keepsake that you can cherish for years to come. Ready to discover how to capture your travel experiences in different places, explore creative travel journal ideas and travel journal prompts, and more? Let the adventure begin! What is a Travel Journal?Ī travel journal is a personal diary that allows you to record your thoughts, feelings, and experiences during your travels. In this article, we'll cover what a travel journal is, the benefits of keeping one, how to choose the best travel journal among different types, and provide you with tips and examples on how to make your own. One popular and creative way to document your travels is through a travel journal. Whether you're exploring a bustling city, immersing yourself in nature's wonders, or embarking on a cultural adventure, capturing your travel experiences is a great way to preserve memories and reflect on your journey. ![]() ![]() ![]() Traveling to new places and journaling about your exciting and enriching experiences is beyond rewarding. What Is a Travel Journal + How to Make One with Examples ![]() ![]() ![]() There is a feature to pixelate texts and images on screenshots. Shottr allows for screenshotting, scroll-screenshotting and editing and writing on those screenshots on a Mac. Skitch is a product of the project management tool Evernot that permits screenshotting and screen recording and annotations and editing on those screenshots on Mac. Step 2 In order to get the desired files, you can. There are options to edit and annotate screenshots and integrate apps like Google Drive and Dropbox with it to save images and videos there. Step 3 When you want to take a snapshot, you only need to choose the Capture Area option or use the hotkey. SnappyApp is a simple free screenshot tool for Mac which can automatically capture parts of your screen so that you can automatically pin it above all. To screen record on Monosnap, select the Shift, Command and the number 8 keys. To screenshot parts of a page, press the Shift, Option and number 5 buttons, and to screenshot a full page, press Shift, Option and the number 6. To screenshot the desktop, press the Shift, Command and number 7 keys, choose to screenshot either the entire screen or a specific window and the screenshot will save to folders within the app. Monosnap is an application that allows you to take screenshots, edit them and upload them to the cloud, as well as record videos and GIFs. It can either be downloaded or added as a browser extension, and it prompts users to create accounts. A free program for Mac, by Farminers Limited. Monosnap is free for non-commercial, individual use with additional payment plans for commercial use and team management. You can take screenshots, record videos, and upload files directly into the cloud. To convert a screenshot to PDF file: 1 Launch Monosnap 2 Take a screenshot and open Monosnap editor 3 Go to App menu > File > Print or use CMD+P hotkey. The screenshot will go to the Macbook’s downloads folder if saving it is selected. Monosnap lets you capture screenshots, share files, and record video and. Monosnap screenshot software for Mac and PC. Once added, select the extension and Lightshot’s icon, scan the desired area of screenshotting and various icons grant the ability to write and annotate on the document and, save, make a copy, print, directly share the screenshot to social network or search for similar images on Google. Monosnap is a free screen capture software for Mac and PC, which can be used for taking screenshots, making screencasts, & cloud backup of screen grabs. ![]() Lightshot can be added as an extension on browsers like Google Chrome or downloaded on the Macbook through the app store. ![]() ![]() You can get two kinds of sanding bits for Dremel. Make sure you follow the arrow and attach it properly so that it spins in the right cirection. ![]() They won’t break but they warp and then they will wobble and not cut smoothly. Make sure never to put too much pressure and avoid overheating. ![]() Here’s an example Cutting Wheels for Rotary Tool (Amazon link)Ī set like this will last you a long time if you use it well. Dremel and other brands make HSS (high-speed steel) rotary blades in various sizes for cutting wood and other soft materials like plastic. Otherwise, you are much better off using a coping saw or a similar saw. Double Cut Carbide Rotary Burr Set (Amazon link) CuttingĬutting wood with a Dremel is only feasible if you are cutting small pieces of wood. The names might and will vary.įor carving, just get a set of various shapes when you are just starting out and build from there. Once you know what you are looking for, the image will be enough. Dremel 114 Rotary Tool Accessory Carving Bit (Amazon link)ĭepending on where you are, this may be called a “cutter”. Here’s an example of what you should get for carving wood if you want to buy from Dremel only. The larger stone-tipped bits are meant for metal, glass and stone. The finer tips on this set are great for fine engraving work. You can do so with the previous set from Rokrou, a third-party seller. The thing to note here is that you cannot shape a lot of wood with the Dremel set. Rokrou Carbide Carving Bits (Amazon link) Here’s a good example of a set of carving bits. They are designed to take more material off. This is what you would use to create fine details or do calligraphy-inspired designs.Ĭarving bits are far more abrasive. However, there is a difference when you look at third-party manufacturers.Įngraving bits are smoother and are designed for precision. I know this because I have tried most of them, and my wish list is still extremely long! So I have divided them into Carving/EngravingĪs far as Dremel the brand is is concerned, carving and engraving bits for wood are the same thing. There is almost an endless variation of bits for wood carving. Related: Best Dremel Rotary Tools To Buy in 2023 Dremel Bits For Wood So if you are ready to learn about all the different rotary tool bits that are out there, keep reading. The bits I am talking about are 1/8” in thickness which is a standard size for Dremel, and other rotary tools that use Dremel standard sizes. I will not be referring to the Dremel colors and numbers. Many of these are available from other manufacturers. However, in this guide, I will be covering all kinds of bits. This is really helpful if you are trying to understand the 100+ piece accessory kit that you recently purchased. Otherwise, it will overheat, degrade, and eventually fall apart mid-session.ĭremel has an excellent system of numbers and colors to segregate their various accessories. ![]() Stone carving is very common but if you are carving something hard, make sure you are cooling your bit using water. It is much easier to sculpt it by cutting or melting it. Burrs are generally only used for carving soft materials like wood.Īs far as I know, no one carves metal. Some of these bits are also called burrs because they are very abrasive. A bit is anything that goes into a rotary tool. Please note that I use the terms bits and burrs interchangeably in some cases. ![]() ![]() ![]() If the road looks wet or like there is a puddle, assume it is ice.Īs the dangerous arctic air rushes in, the mercury will plunge by about 30 degrees within a matter of hours. Bridges and overpasses tend to freeze first, and black ice is nearly impossible to see. Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency for the Big Apple ahead of the storm, encouraging holiday travelers to either move up their plans or delay them, with the multi-faceted storm generating wind gusts near 60 mph and downpours that inundated coastal areas with up to 3 feet of water. ![]() Wind chill warnings are in effect for much of central and northwestern New Jersey, with the outside air feeling like -10 to -20 - which could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutesĪ monstrous winter storm jeopardizing holiday travel across America ratcheted up in intensity Friday, flooding parts of New York and New Jersey, tearing down trees in Connecticut and paralyzing swaths of the country at the worst time.Tri-state power outages peaked around 125,000 Friday morning but were drastically reduced by early afternoon frigid temps could make more problems, though, so stay weather aware for weekend.triggered major coastal flooding and downed trees across Long Island, Queens and parts of the Jersey Shore travel is chaotic A powerful winter storm triggering weather alerts across the U.S. ![]() ![]() ![]() The software also comes with a registry cleaner that can help clean up any registry errors or outdated entries. Once identified, CCleaner can easily remove these files to free up disk space and improve system performance. The software can quickly scan and identify temporary files, unnecessary system files, and browser history, cache, and cookies that take up valuable disk space and slow down your computer. This software has been around for over a decade and is widely used by millions of people worldwide.ĬCleaner is designed to clean up your computer's hard drive and registry to help speed up your system's performance. CCleaneris a powerful system optimization and cleaning software developed by Piriform. ^ "Avast urges devs to secure toolchains after hacked build box led to CCleaner disaster," JohnLeyden, The Register,.^ "CCleanup: A Vast Number of Machines at Risk"."Avast acquires Piriform, maker of popular system cleaning program CCleaner". ^ a b "Hackers compromised free CCleaner software, Avast's Piriform says".^ "A first look at CCleaner Cloud - gHacks Tech News".Archived from the original on 12 April 2016. ^ "Piriform Blog - CCleaner Cloud has Launched!".It supposedly makes websites and advertisers less able to show targeted ads, recommendations and price increases. ĬCleaner also develops a tool called Kamo, which feeds trackers fake information to help stop a ' digital fingerprint' (a unique fingerprint that can be used to identify and track people) from being created. The browser is only available for Microsoft Windows. CCleaner Browser blocks online advertisements, avoids tracking, has built-in security against malware, phishing, malicious downloads, and also avoids potentially unwanted elements like pop-ups or excessive browser cache. CCleaner Browser is included to optionally install in the CCleaner installer, but it can also be installed from its website. In addition, CCleaner can automatically update computer software and drivers.ĬCleaner has its own web browser called CCleaner Browser. It allows one to quickly access system restore points, and it can wipe clean the free space on individual drives to completely remove deleted files. It can search for duplicate files to help reduce drive storage space. It can analyse hard disks individually to determine which files are taking the most space. (A potential backup of regedit is available.) CCleaner's other tools include editing and uninstalling programs, editing the operating system's startup apps and editing browser plugins. It has a separate tab to clean the registry. CCleaner has the option to clean computer browser software including Microsoft Edge, Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, and Firefox as well as a computer system's temporary files. CCleaner ĬCleaner is a computer cleaning software featuring MacOS and Windows versions. Avast quickly fixed the vulnerability and required version 5.33 users to update immediately. ![]() The malware was in version 5.33 of CCleaner, prior to the acquisition by Avast. In September 2017, researchers discovered that CCleaner was compromised by hackers who inserted a backdoor into the software, enabling remote access to infected machines. In July 2017, Piriform Ltd was acquired by Avast. ĬCleaner was launched in 2004 by founders Guy Saner and Lindsey Whelan. The name Piriform means "shaped like a pear," possibly referring to the British slang " to go pear-shaped". On 22 September 2015, Piriform launched CCleaner Cloud, a tool to maintain computers remotely. The company develops cleaning and optimisation tools for Microsoft Windows, macOS and Android operating systems, including CCleaner, CCleaner Browser, Defraggler, Recuva and Speccy. ![]() Piriform Software Ltd is a British software company based in London, owned since 2017 by Avast which itself became part of NortonLifeLock (now Gen Digital) in 2022. ![]() ![]() When they are below 100 nanometers, they are called nano-particles, which have been deemed safe and effective by the FDA. In Zincscreen and Bright-Eyed, the Mineral Blend Technology works to help brighten skin, while the Mineral Blend Technology in Mattescreen helps mattify skin.Īnother way to reduce cast is to make the particles smaller and smaller so when they are spread on the skin they are harder to see. The Mineral Blend Technology allows for the white particles in the 100% mineral formula to blend in much better, as well as add skin-benefitting effects. In our mineral sunscreens designed for daily use ( Mattescreen, Zincscreen and Bright-Eyed), we’ve incorporated a Mineral Blend Technology that helps the mineral particles blend more easily on skin, minimizing white cast. Now that you know that there’s no such thing as a completely invisible mineral SPF, we’ll give you a bit more insight into how you can work with a lab to lessen their chalky white cast. How to reduce the white tint from mineral sunscreens… That being said, there are ways to make them better, and we’re all about that, so read on to find out more…. ![]() If you’re passionate about 100% mineral SPF, then you probably know that many formulas leave behind a not-so-fun white cast, and here’s why… By definition, mineral actives - zinc oxide and titanium dioxide - are white powders, making them impossible to go on clear. Invisible mineral sunscreen simply doesn’t exist. In today’s chemistry lesson, we’ll tell you more. Our zinc oxide sunscreens are also reef-safe, so you need not feel guilty when going for a swim, however, it will need to be re-applicated following your dip to ensure your skin is still protected.Can an invisible mineral sunscreen exist? By nature, mineral SPF is made up of tiny white powders…and you just can’t make them invisible. Most dermatologists recommend at least SPF 30, so if it is below 30 you should layer that product with a higher rated product such as an SPF 50 sunscreen to get the most protection when you're going to be outside for hours at a time. However, even though a particular product contains zinc oxide, it does not necessarily mean it is a standalone sunscreen. It does this by creating a physical barrier over the skin, reflecting these harmful rays away from you and preventing them from penetrating deeper into your skin. The good news is that everything from zinc coloured sunblock to makeup has been tried and tested for decades already, and there are no health concerns related to this ingredient.Īs mentioned earlier, this natural earth mineral adds clinically proven protection from both UVA and UVB rays to any skincare product in which it is an active ingredient. We have zinc powder sunscreen, zinc oxide face powder to name but a few. We wouldn't use any ingredient that made us feel uncomfortable about using it on our own skin, and we're happy to include zinc oxide as an active ingredient in a range of our products. It's safe and non-toxic for use in makeup and other products designed for the skin. ![]() ![]() So, not only is our zinc sunblocks safe to use but it is highly recommended by dermatologists and other professionals who know all too well about the premature skin ageing that can be prevented. This is done by making the individual zinc particles smaller so that the white doesn't stand out, while it still provides your skin with a great physical barrier to ward off the harmful effects of sun exposure. However, now there are zinc powder sunscreens and creams that are virtually undetectable. It is naturally coloured white, so that is why you would often see very distinctive white marks on the face of people who used it, particularly in the old style of sunscreens that were available at the time. It's actually quite a remarkable ingredient considering how versatile it is, helping to treat various skin conditions as well as providing UV protection for everyone, and because it is completely natural it is much less likely to cause irritation compared to chemical-based skincare products. It is a mineral that comes straight from Earth's crust, so it is about as natural as you could get. The short answer is yes, zinc oxide is natural. So, let's cover some of the frequently asked questions. Colorescience has developed a range of products from foundations and bronzers to pigment perfectors and, of course, our very own sunscreens in brush-on powder and cream formulations.īut before you rush off to order something nice for yourself, perhaps you would be interested in hearing a little more about what zinc oxide is exactly and the benefits of zinc in cosmetics, powder sunscreen, and other skincare products. Invisible zinc oxide powder sunscreen has been popular in the UK for decades, but now it's not just the humble sunscreen that benefits from this powerful ingredient. ![]() ![]() Just be Yu Darvish and we'll take it from there. But I just want him to go out and just play. We all know he's here under free agent status or whatever. "I just want him to go play and go pitch. "I really want to try to emilerate that concern in his mind," Joe Maddon said. He hasn't pitched at Wrigley Field since May 2 and will cross the season's halfway mark with only 40 innings under his belt.īetween the big contract, the DL stints, the rough World Series starts and the outcry from fans, there is a lot of pressure on Darvish to go out there and perform. He was also on the disabled list in early May for the flu. We gotta get him back healthy first and foremost so that he can go out there and show everybody what he can do."ĭarvish has already been on the disabled list for 5 weeks for the triceps issue that first cropped up right before Memorial Day weekend. ".You definitely want to get off on your best foot. "Everybody wants to come out and show their best at all times, no matter what the contract or whether you've been here years or haven't. "I think any player would say that," Gimenez said. The veteran catcher has been on six different MLB teams in his career, including four separate squads in the last four seasons. So I think there's that element to it, but I can't speak for him."Ĭhris Gimenez - who is close friends with Darvish and has caught the pitcher dating back to 2014 - echoed Chatwood's comments about fitting in immediately with a new team in a new place in front of a new group of fans. "You just want to impress them rather than being what you've always been and why they wanted you in the first place. "I can't speak for him, but for me, maybe you do press a little bit going to a new spot," said Tyler Chatwood, who also signed with the Cubs as a free agent starting pitcher over the winter. Regardless of where he's at physically, the Cubs understand there's a psychological hurdle Darvish will have to get over at some point.Īfter all, 90 percent of this game is half mental, right? Meister, who is one of the team doctors for the Rangers and knows Darvish's history extensively dating back before the pitcher's 2015 Tommy John surgery. ![]() and had to cut it short because he reported "pain" in his triceps, not just residual soreness or tightness.Įvery team's World Series odds following 2023 All-Star GameĪs a result, the Cubs sent Darvish to meet with Dr. ![]() Then he met up with the Cubs at Dodger Stadium and chatted with Dylan Hernandez of the Los Angeles Times about how difficult the last 8-9 months have been on him psychologically since he had two rough starts in the World Series for the Dodgers last fall.ĭarvish then threw a bullpen in front of Cubs officials Thursday morning in L.A. Whenever he is able to make his return to a big-league mound, the Cubs acknowledge there is a mental hurdle he will have to get past.Īfter signing a 6-year, $126 million deal over the winter, it would be an understatement to say things have not gone smoothly for the 31-year-old pitcher in Chicago.ĭarvish looked great in his rehab stint in Class-A South Bend Monday night, but was apprehensive in his post-start press conference. He won't be able to throw for 3-5 days, but after that, he will be re-evaluated and could start throwing again next week.īy the time he gets the all-clear and then builds up his conditioning and arm strength, there probably isn't any chance of seeing Darvish before the All-Star Break. He was diagnosed with an elbow impingement and inflammation and received a cortisone shot. Keith Meister to get a second opinion on his injured arm. The Cubs received good news on Yu Darvish after beating the Twins 10-6 Friday evening at Wrigley Field.Īfter the Cubs left Los Angeles, Darvish flew to Dallas to meet with Dr. ![]() ![]() The practical technical touches are pretty solid, as are the digital touches, which have become rather dated, sometimes cheesily so, but are conceptually nifty enough to hold your attention, especially with a flashiness that is at its most captivating during tightly choreographed and extensively staged action sequences that is itself greatly complimentary of the fluffy entertainment. Hill's and Paul Kirby's often unique art direction. The visuals of the film further keep things colorful, for David Tattersall's clean cinematography does a fine job of capturing a certain majesty to sweeping settings that in turn capture the scope of this adventure opus, and are further distinguished by Silver Cheung's, John Fenner's, John C. Graeme Revell composed a lively, but superficial and often near-painstakingly overstylized score for the predecessor, and here, even though Alan Silvestri does nothing new and gets a little overblown himself, his musical style which encompasses electronic rhythms and a few elements of neo-classicism is a little more realized in its being both lively by its own right, and complimentary to the liveliness of the film overall. The film's superiority to an already seriously underwhelming predecessor is pretty debatable, but, make no mistake, just as a fun factor saved said predecessor, it saves this film, which doesn't have much substance or consistency, yet has plenty of flare. The film makes a lot of problematic moves, in concept and in execution, and even though entertainment value never truly abates, patience is limited by a lack of substance, and challenged by cheese, conventions and a disjointed, limply dragged out structure. More than anything, the story is superficial, and ridiculous, having a little more dimension than the predecessor's story, with less convolution, but still no real resonance amidst the often lazily inconsequential, thematically overblown plotting whose shortcomings are further stressed by missteps. This film is fun, but it doesn't quite have much as much of the momentum which saved the predecessor, and is sometimes bland, so I suppose you could say that even the entertainment value that can make or break a film like this goes a bit superficialized. Nevertheless, viewers stand to be more familiarized with this conventional story and its basic characters, for the film glosses over exposition and jars between its segments as it progresses through a narrative of broad, but disjointed scope, and yet, the final product still finds time to bloat itself with fat around the edges and aimless meanderings in order to achieve an unreasonable runtime of almost two hours. The overt fluff would be easier to get past if it was mildly original, but as things stand, what freshness there may have been in the predecessor is all but cleansed in this stereotypical action-adventure popcorn piece which hits trope after trope, formulaic set and dialogue piece after formulaic set and dialogue piece, and character type after character type. Man, this movie is unsurprisingly corny, and although the tone is arguably not quite as confused as it was in the predecessor, that just means that there's a little more balance in cheese within the fluffy humor and over-the-top action and storytelling, all backed by trite dialogue and, last, but no least, an overwrought style. ![]() It helps that this film is pretty entertaining, whether it be better than its predecessor or not, although that means that this film has stuff to turn people off, as well. Well, I guess Angelina Jolie in a silver cat suit in front of big, bold letters still sells quite a bit, as shocking as that might be. That's right, people, even though the reviews were relatively better, instead of making a whopping $274,703,340, it only made a mere. Well, this film did get better reviews than its actual predecessor, although that just means that people disliked it, rather than flat-out panned it, so, either way, one can understand why so many people were turned off by this film. ![]() "Well, rock the cradle of life!" Man, that poster has got Angie Jolie, looking hot in a silver cat suit, with the title in huge, bold, golden letters, which makes this look more like the sequel to "Monty Python's The Meaning of Life", and it doesn't help that the movie is kind of hilarious in its British silliness. This time, they took out the colon between "Lara Craft" and "Tomb Raider", like Tomb Raider is the name she married into, so it's only natural that the colon now leads into talk of a cradle. ![]() |
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