Product: The Mummy Returns [VHS] (2001)
Rating: 4.0
Antiquity in Action
Mr. Sommers imaginative and action filled spectacle works hard at entertaining the audience and succeeds--when it isn't trying so hard. The flashbacks into Ancient times are sumptuous and intriguing. But the SFX get carried away and become distractingly cartoonish at times, i.e.: the re-awakened Scorpion King, the jackal army of Nubis, and the pygmy mummies of Am-Sher. While the Mummy Returns picks up on threads from the first movie it doesn't (unfortunately) advance them much further. However, despite it's flaws this is still an enjoyable film.It's 1933, Rick and Evelyn are now married and have an 8 yr old son, Alex. Investigating a tomb that Evie has dreamt of, they discover the 5,000 yr old tomb of the Scorpion King and his mystical bracelet which unknown to them can bring the evil King back to life. A villainous group (including the Mummy's ancient love, Anec Su-Namun) also seek the bracelet as they plan to resurrect the mummy Imhotep and have him kill the Scorpion King so as to take over the army of Nubis and thereby rule the world. Rick, Evie and Alex return to England where Alex puts on the bracelet and is kidnapped by the villians. The race is on to save Alex and keep Imhotep from defeating the Scorpion King and taking over the world. Ho-hum. It's a shame Mr. Sommers didn't focus more on the past life flashbacks, ressurections, book of the dead, reincarnation, ect--the interesting stuff.Brendan Fraser is an amiable Rick, though a tad too tongue-in-cheek at times. Fredie Boath is cute as Alex. Rachel Weiss does a fine job as Evie. Patricia Velasquez is intriguing as Anec Su-Namun. John Hannah is comical and charming as Evie's brother, Jonathon. Oded Fehr still sizzles as medjai warrior Ardeth Bay. Arnold Vosloo is fantastic as the mummy Imhotep. Vosloo's final moments on screen are incredible. His expression and eyes speak volumes.If Mr. Somers has plans for a third installment, I hope he will focus more on Ancient times and lore (keeping the sumptuous sets and sexy costumes) and lose the cartoon monsters. Perhaps, a story involving Imhotep, Anec Su-Namun, Nefertiri, and the ancient carnations of Rick, Oded and Jonathon. Just a thought.