Something different

Rating: 7/10 (10 June 2001)

Saw the first "Mummy" and loved it. Even gave it 9 out of 10 points. Saw it three times. Bought the DVD. Went To Egypt. Started robbing Tombs...
The Mummy Returns (M2) is different, a nice sequel if a slightly weaker. While "The Mummy" was an "adventurers stumble across terrific ancient curse" movie in the tradition of Indiana Jones ( and a good one at that !), "The Mummy Returns" is more of a "free for all adventure extravanganza". No real secrets or mysteries, little suspense or plot twists, huge amounts of supernatural ( read ILM ) fireworks.
To be precise - while M1 built up the supernatural side of the story slowly and very deliberately over the first hour, increasing the sense of mystery and the audience's expectation to good effect, M2 hits the viewer full in the face within the first 10 minutes. Soldier mummies on speed, undead warriors of Anubis, huge ILM-animated battles and deadly trap-riddled tombs abound - after this the pace only increases only a little and tries to keep the audience glued to their seats for the remaining 2 hours from the sensory overkill from the beginning of the story. Almost all the mystery and supernatural effects are introduced in the initial onslaught, and what remains is reserved for the final 30 minutes ( except for the ultra-cool "Mygmies", who get far too little time and exposure, IMHO ) which again is furious, breath taking and entirely "over the top". The "time shift" scenes, as well as the airship sequence do not offer anything great or original, but are nice eye-candy. The plot is not all that unique either. Still, its likable.
The smart, poignant dialogues and character interactions which made "The Mummy" special, unfortunately are far rarer and less witty, and what remains of it requires a good working knowledge of "The Mummy" to really enjoy. Also, there is no real villain for the viewer to hate, dislike or fear like slimy "Benny" from the first part or the mummy Imhotep himself who never seems really terrifying or threatening throughout the movie and the "Ultimate Evil" Scorpion king remains a plot device straight out of the script ("look, the wicked archfiend !"), a major mistake in my book. Heroes need great villains to shine.
As for the cast, the character development of the protagonists from "The Mummy" is notable and plausible (in my book), if not spectacular, the acting solid ( especially John Hannah ) with the single noteworthy exception of Patricia Velasquez. As for her, great looks do not great actors make.... sorry most of the statues and background scenery deliver a better mimic performance ! 'nuff said !
Overall, its an enjoyable movie and I expect much weaker offings this summer, but "The Mummy Returns" would, on its own merits that is, not fly very far or successfully. One really need to have seen "The Mummy" to fully enjoy the second part.....

7 out of 10 pyramids for this one