LARA CROFT star ANGELINA JOLIE kept her composure at the sweltering premiere of the film in London's LEICESTER SQUARE yesterday (3JUL01).

Thousands of onlookers fanned themselves in the sweltering balmy summer heat, Jolie took it all in her stride as she gave a 20 minute walkabout among fans.

And she even shared a kiss with husband Billy Bob Thornton to the delight of the crowds who gathered for the premiere of Lara Croft: Tomb Raider. It was a family affair, with Jolie's father JON VOIGHT - who plays her on-screen father - and her brother JAMES also on hand for the screening of the blockbuster.

The actress had been concerned at how audiences would react to a US star playing the English character. But she was reassured by the turnout of around 4,000 people who cheered her arrival. She said: "I'm hoping it's going to be empowering for everybody. She doesn't make a point of doing these things because she's a girl, she just happens to be a girl. Hopefully it will inspire a lot of people to be strong and healthy. "

She shrugged off poor reviews for the film, saying: "People think that I'm in denial, but I don't care. But I love my work. " (PDD/WNWCAN)

Source: WENN