A Few More Cobwebs in the Tomb This Time.

Rating: Null/10 (22 June 2004)

Oddly by-the-numbers sequel fast forwards 10 years from the original to 1933 London where the body of the titled monster (Arnold Vosloo) is shipped to be in a museum. Naturally horror strikes again as a mysterious woman (Patricia Velasquez, who basically had a cameo in the original) resurrects Vosloo and also tries to resurrect his ancient mistress (also played by Velasquez). The powers combine to try and defeat the Scorpion King (an warrior of the past played by The Rock) and his army back in ancient Egypt. The plan is to kill The Rock and turn his army to their side of darkness. Once again it is up to adventurer Brendan Fraser, Egyptologist Rachel Weisz (now Fraser's wife), their adolescent son (Freddie Boath) and Weisz's brother (the comical John Hannah) to stop Vosloo and Velasquez before they are able to take control of the world for good. "The Mummy Returns" is a little jumping jack of a film that does not come straight at you near as well as the original did. If anything, this picture may be a little too smart for its own good. Old replays and concepts from the first installment come back with ho-hum results. The characters are still likable and the special effects are still second-to-none, but the direction and screenplay ultimately end up making the production an achingly average accomplishment. 2.5 out of 5 stars.