Popcorn, a coke, and an understanding date

Rating: Null/10 (1 August 2001)

Ok people. I loved the original and I loved the sequel. Why? Was this Oscar caliber material? NO! NO! NO! This was a fun summer movie! You wait until fall/spring for the real Oscar contenders. This is the summer. Time to kick back and relax. Go to the movies and CHILL OUT! As I said in the heading. Grab some popcorn and a coke and (in my case) an understanding date. The understanding date shall be explained later.
I am an egyptology buff. Was I stunned and appalled at the work done here? NO! NO! NO! It is good mythology. May not be a real occurance in the mythology of ancient Egypt, but it could have very well been. There are many interesting myths and legends connected with that culture. This fits in. It uses a real god (Anubis)and has a fair understanding of the ancient afterlife beliefs. For a summer movie, good enough for me. Now if they said Apollo (a Greek god) comes riding through the desert in a chariot, then I'd have been put out!
The writing was not as up to par as with the last movie. The original was somewhat funnier in certain aspects. And some of the CGI was not that great. But look beyond that nit picking and you have a great movie here. Lots of fun. They fixed my 2 main problems with the last movie: Wimpy chicks and not enough Oded Fehr. Evelyn has grown into her own woman, she is smart and brave. And Meela/Anuck (well, you know who I am referring to)had a meatier part. Both of the actresses were very good. And I was motivated to pick up sai fighting myself if I could do that stuff! And Oded. Well, this is where the understanding date comes in. I was ooohhhing and ahhhhing and squealing and screaming for his Ardeth Bay the whole film. He had much more script and (sigh) that fight scene with the Anubis warriors at the climax was incredible. He is soooooo talented and a damn good looking man. They should give Ardeth his own film. A nude scene would only help (just kidding, sort of). What I wouldn't give to be in the saddle with Ardeth, hearing him yell "Yallah, imshe"!! You ladies know you were thinking the same thing, don't lie to me!! Oh dear, but I digress. So, to summarize: Oded Fehr = WONDERFUL! Brendan Fraser is really a good actor, but his character was much more utilized last film. I still like the guy though, I mean it is Brendan Fraser. John Hannah is the funniest man ever! I adore the dry Brit humor. Vosloo is also a striking man and plays his evil character really well. The Rock is well, he was there for 2 seconds and look mighty good in the loin cloth. I can't comment on his acting abilities because to be honest, I have yet to see any real acting. He was on screen for 2 minutes. Not worth all that hype. I say wait to hand down judgement until the Scorpian King comes out. The man who played Lok-nah was very good. Scared the hell out of me, but I have to say he is awful cute too. Though, he lost points with me for trying to hurt Ardeth. And Freddie Boath (Alex) was alright. To be honest, he is Evie and Rick's son for sure with his ways.
Overall, I don't think it is even fair to compare this to Star Wars or Indie. Come on people. Just roll to the theater (brain optional) and have a little bit of fun. I love the Mummy Returns. It was great and I enjoyed myself. Isn't that what a good summer movie is suppose to do? YES! YES! YES!