Delivers the goods, as sequels go...amazing special effects!

Rating: Null/10 (8 December 2001)

While not quite up to the original Brendan Fraser flick that started it all, 'The Mummy Returns' delivers all the action, adventure and romance one could expect from a story of this sort--and then some. My only problem with the picture is the action is so non-stop, it hardly gives you a chance to enjoy the beautiful sets and scenery. Something is happening every moment--in itself not a bad thing--but there's seldom a pause for breath or a sequence that doesn't involve heavy use of FX.
As for the participants, Brendan Fraser resumes his original role looking just a tad bit heavier, Rachel Weisz makes a lovely action-adventure heroine, and John Hannah and Fred Boath have some crackling good lines to deliver, giving the much needed humorous slant to all of the proceedings--not that anyone is going to take the story seriously.
Again, if you enjoyed 'The Mummy', you'll enjoy this one. Some of the scenes are gorgeously staged--the dirigible looks like a floating gondola in the sky, zooming past mountains and pyramids--and the desert sands are real enough to supply all the exotic flavor needed. And some of the creatures dreamed up by those Industrial Light people are really awesome.
Summing up: never a dull moment thanks to some dazzling use of special effects. Those little "critters" are amazing! Heavy on effects, weak on plot--but hey, it's just a damn good sequel! Relax and enjoy a non-stop ride that gives new meaning to the term "cliffhanger".