Below-par formulaic action block-buster.

Rating: 3/10 (3 June 2001)

Having not seen The Mummy, but having heard favorable reviews of it, I was in optimistic mood when sitting down to watch the sequel. It was not long before I was disappointed.
From the outset, The Mummy Returns makes heavy use of the now almost ubiquitous computer graphics techniques. Though computer animation can yield extremely impressive results, this film falls into the same pitfall as Star Wars Episode 1, in that it goes for quantity not quality. This inevitably detracts from the overall effect of the movie, as the special effects are too weak and unconvincing to add anything to the film, and so numerous as to distract the viewer from the rest of the show.
The plot is, as one would expect in an action sequel, thin at best and although there is nothing inherently wrong with the story, it all seems vaguely familiar from somewhere. It is easy to spot the elements borrowed from other films, most commonly the Indiana Jones series, but unfortunately none of it hangs together well enough to really work.
The acting on display is notable for neither absence nor abundance of quality, although the film (and its stunt actors) should be commended for some well choreographed fight sequences.
Overall, the film is more or less what we've come to expect from big budget action sequels, falling into the same category as films like Jurassic Park 2; entertaining enough if you can be bothered, but really nothing to get excited about, and very, very forgettable.