Meh... okay, but wouldn't be interested in a sequel

Two things impressed me about this movie...

i. Alicia Vikander was in serious shape for this movie.

ii. The fight scenes were believable to the extent that they can be in a Hollywood flick. Similar to Atomic Blonde, the female lead character isn't smoothly taking down guys who outweigh her by thirty or forty pounds. She gets hit, gets knocked to the ground, gets bloody... It's only her fitness and combat training that keep her from getting completely pummeled.

Three things didn't impress me about this movie...

i. The direction was very pedestrian. Few of the action scenes generated much excitement... partly it was due to the excessive CGI during the many "see Lara jump" scenes. Say what you want about Tom Cruise and the MI movies, there is something about seeing a real person (even if a stunt double) doing their stunts in a real environment.

ii. The story was warmed over Indy stuff, what with all the goofy puzzles to solve. Obviously, that's a nod to its video game origins, but it was done to the point of distraction. Especially, that whole bit with the coloured glass rocks / falling floor...

iii. I've seen Vikander in several movies. I liked her in Ex Machina but she doesn't generate much excitement or energy... which is why she was good as a robot, I suppose. She reminds me of Kristen Stewart, another actress who was considered for this role. Capable and all, just not charismatic.

This movie was good for a watch but, as the jump off point for a franchise, I just don't see it.