Product: The Mummy Returns [VHS] (2001)
Rating: 3.0
"Not These Guys Again."
It's 1933, and the O'Connells are at it again. The now married Rick (Brendan Fraser) and Evy (Rachel Weisz) are back in Egypt exploring a long sealed tomb. They've even brought their eight year old son Alex (Freddie Boath) along for the ride. They're hear because of a bunch of strange dreams Evy has been having. Exploring the tomb, they find the bracelet of the Scorpion King (The Rock).Unfortunately, they aren't the only people looking for it. A group of diggers has found the mummy of Imhotep (Arnold Vosloo). They intend to revive him and allow him to kill the Scorpion King, thereby allowing him to control the Scorpion King's army and rule the Earth. But, in order to do all that, they need the bracelet.Which is why the O'Connells are attacked when they return home to London. And since Alex has just put the bracelet on, he becomes a target. Joining forces with Evy's brother Jonathan (John Hannah) and Magi Ardeth Bay (Oded Fehr), they set out to save the world again. But in this race again time, will they win?Having been a surprised fan of the first, I was looking forward to the second. I was disappointed the first time around, but a second viewing made me see it with new eyes. The plot, while a little complicated, is actually more original then I gave it credit for being. It definitely starts faster then the original did. The story actually holds together well and the acting is fine. Once again, this really isn't a horror movie but an action flick with super natural elements.Having said that, I do have definite problems with this movie. The introduction of the reincarnation back story still makes me roll my eyes. It might help explain why everyone from the first film is back, but it slows the movie down at times, too. The computer effects aren't up to par either. There were so many of them it grew quite distracting. Finally, I loved the jokes and wise cracks of the first, but this one doesn't have the same comedic flare.I'm surprising myself by saying this sequel isn't bad. But it isn't great either. If you haven't seen it, you aren't missing much, but if you liked the first you'll be glad you gave this one a try.