Product: The Mummy Returns [VHS] (2001)
Rating: 5.0
How a sequel ought to be done.
This movie is a perfect example of how a sequel ought to be done. We pick up with the same characters--no changes, no retconning, and no disappointing surprises. Sequels like Men in Black II, Ghostbusters II, or Back to the Future II let us down because the sequels do not follow logically from the first movie. With MIB II, we expected to see Agents Jay and Elle paired up, with Agent Kay living happily ever after--no such luck. Then the cameo of Michael Jackson was pure flatulence. And that is just the casting, not the script.The Mummy Returns avoids all of this. In fact, I was impressed to see Patricia Velasquez reprising her short role of Anck Su Namun. Yes! Same character with the same actress! This show the care and forethought that went into this film. And thought Ben Kingsly was a likeable character and a stellar actor, he was not brought back to life just for ratings. Yum!I ma impressed how the scriptwriter and the director are able to manage the smaller characters. We instantly connect with young Alex O'Connell or pirate-pilot Izzy Buttons, who replaces the equally charming Captain Havlock from Mummy I. BEST SCENE: the two gremlins fighting over the dynamite stick.I am also impressed how they kept the "vibe" of the first film. There was no attempt to make the film funny, or more serious, or more horrific. We just see an extrapolation and a continuation of the fun we saw in the first film.The only flaw is one of the financing. As with most heavy-CGI films, the closer to the end of the move, the worse the special effects get, because the money runs out. I wished that had pulled a George Lucas and redone the effects for DVD release. Since the movie was a hit, the would have recouped their money on the DVD release, TV runs, 10th, 25th, 50th and 75th anniversary re-releases of the movie. Yes, this movie is a good as the Golden Age Classics, or Wizard of Oz.