Movie Review: The Mummy Returns

One of the most anticipated movies to be released this summer is "The Mummy Returns." The sequel to the 1999 blockbuster hit "The Mummy," "The Mummy Returns" is more action packed, more visually stimulating, and more exciting than the first.

"The Mummy Returns" takes place in 1933, the year of the Scorpion in the Egyptian calendar and 10 years after the original adventure. Brendan Fraser is again Rick O'Connell the legionnaire who marries Egyptologist Evelyn 'Evie' Carnahan (Rachel Weisz) and the couple now has a 9 year-old son, Alex (Freddie Boath). "The Mummy Returns" starts when Evelyn begins to have flashbacks that eventually lead Rick and Alex to the Scorpion King's bracelet, a piece of jewelry shrouded in ancient Egyptian mysticism.

The Scorpion King is played by Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, whose character is largely computer generated. The result is cartoon-like and ends up being very unbelievable. Thankfully, The Rock's role is very short lived, although I understand the wrestler will reprise the role in another movie in the near future.

Also new to the movie franchise is Anuck-Sun-Namun (Patricia Velazquez), the eternal love of the mummy Im-Ho-Tep (Arnold Hannah). Together the two ancient entities scheme to conquer The Scorpion King and rule his army. Whether the ruling comes from The Scorpion King or Im-Ho-Tep, the result won't fair well for Rick and the rest of civilization, and the swashbuckler is in for a fight as he tries to save the planet from certain disaster.

Several elements make "The Mummy Returns" entertaining. The movie uses wonderful computer generated special effects designed by George Lucas' Industrial Lights & Magic and the scenery is gorgeous. Altogether "The Mummy Returns" has a lot of energy and really does have an "Indiana Jones" feel to it. All Rick O'Connell needs is a whip!

This was a good movie despite some of the unbelievable shots. "The Mummy Returns" did a great job in continuing the story from the original. Even scenes from "The Mummy" were in this sequel but from a different viewpoint, which is great!

"The Mummy Returns" was a fun film and will probably be a big box office draw. I highly recommend going, especially if you've seen the first movie. The sequel gives you some inside details on the first and maybe answers a few questions as well.

I give "The Mummy Returns" 4 out of 5 stars.