Obviously it's not Apocalypse Now, nor is it as apocalyptic for a blockbuster as it could be. The story of The Mummy Returns is familiar; and though the special effects are bigger and better, we've seen them in other films.
Add Phantom Menace in the form of a big computer animation army in the desert and a flying ship that races through space and dodges cliffs, a little James Bond gadgetry and timing, some Charlie's Angels martial arts for the chicks (dressed in Egyptian belly dancer gear, of course), and a really horrible Scorpion King on wheels that looks suspiciously like Kenneth Branagh's spider tank. You have some of the crucial ingredients.
Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz are happily married and living in England with their smart-mouthed son when they are called back into the desert to save the world from destruction. Again. This will not be the only reference to 1999's The Mummy. Villain Arnold Vosloo has returned and so has Weisz's drunkard brother.
Unfortunately a lot of charm of the first film has been abandoned for effects. Even though the old fashioned quality coupled with the most modern effects computers have to offer is a combination that can work, the computer has more screen time here. Even the goofy, affable Brendan Fraser has been cast aside for a Scorpion King prequel starring The Rock, who is prepping for the big time (next summer, I guess). The action moves right along and there aren't any prolonged fits of boredom. It's still fun, and truth be told, the Mummy itself looks more evil this time around; even Kevin Bacon in Hollow Man was more terrifying, especially the nude shot. Yikes!
There isn't too much to analyze here so I won't wrack my brain. After all, summer seems to come earlier every year for the studios.
The Mummy Returns review
