The Mummy Returns... Rocks!

Rating: Null/10 (7 May 2001)

I have to admit that I did have high expectations for this film. Usually, when a sequel comes out I just expect it to entertain with no real original value. After all, sequels mostly are just rip-offs of the first film, recycling all that worked in the initial installment to continue a franchise that's story was finished in the first movie. But, after seeing the trailers for THE MUMMY RETURNS, I thought this might actually be a good film. A sequel that wouldn't disappoint the fans of the first one. Needless to say, it didn't disappoint.
The first MUMMY movie was a fun ride, with all it's Indiana Jones like action and story. And THE MUMMY RETURNS is just as fun, if not more so. This story is a lot like the first one, but here I felt there was more backstory, more humor, and more chemistry between the main male and female characters than in the original. Even the villains seem more entertaining than before. Of course, the Mummy returns (duh), but another evil character called The Scorpion King, played convincingly and too briefly by The Rock, gives an added bonus character to cheer for and against.

The action is all here as well. Whether it is in the desert, or in the jungle, or in the middle of town, the action is non-stop. And the effects work well with the story rather than being the basis for the story. Thankfully, the special effects are used as a tool to move the film along instead of just being eye candy.
THE MUMMY RETURNS might not be one that will end up on any critics top ten list for the year, but it is one of the best action movies of the year so far. Go check it out!