Entertaining, but could have been better

Rating: 7/10 (2 July 2001)

This movie was completely devoid of any unique plotline, but that doesn't diminish the entertainment value. If you come into this movie expecting some profound meaning, you will be vastly disappointed by this rehashing of the same plot line that worked for Indiana Jones. Because that is really all it is. A little fighting, a little running, a little humor, shake it, don't stir it and you have this film. But, if you have no expectations (I hadn't even ever seen the first one, though I hear this one was better, which makes me not want to see the first one), than you can just sit back and enjoy the scenery. This movie was filmed in some beautiful locations (Egypt, London, Morocco, Petra, etc). And Brendan Fraser and Oded Fehr are hunks. And the humor kept the audience twittering, even if the delivery was a bit dry and contrived.
Perhaps the worst element of this movie was some of the digital effects. The animation of the Scorpion King at the end was pathetic. There is better animation in Pac Man. The least they could have done was actually use The Rock rather than trying to recreate him digitally. And enough already with the Matrix effects. We've seen enough slow motion kicks and punches to last a lifetime. It's time to put that technique on the shelf and give it a rest.
All in all, this movie won't be a classic, but its entertaining enough (score: 6.5 out of 10).