This movie should be held in derision.

Rating: 3/10 (21 July 2001)

I cannot believe that there are those that believe this movie is better than the first. This movie pales in comparison. The special effects are done well (with the exception of the Scorpion King's phony appearance), but unfortunately this seems to be the only element of the film that lives up to the original.
The Mummy Returns endeavors to include witty comic relief, like that of its predecessor, but fails miserably in its attempt. The humor is forced and is used all too often. Sure there are a lot of laughs in this film, however they come unintentionally from the ridiculous story and outlandish elements of the film (I particularly found the balloon they traveled in hilarious). Romantic scenes are inserted in the same way and just feel out of place. Of course, the gesture to kiss is the cue for the next action sequence, every time.
A big mistake was involving a son as part of the family. Though his acting was decent the character was just annoying. Being eight years old many of his reactions to situations were unrealistic, for instance he smart mouthed to people that could have easily killed him. The scenes where he was creating sand models so that he could be followed was laughable. Why didn't he just write the location of where to go instead of creating miniature sculptures of the places? He can read ancient Egyptian but he couldn't think to just write the names of the places-smarter than his mother indeed.
Following a movie that was for the most part very good, it is too bad that this film was not better made. Stay away from this one. */****