Rating: 
Summary: Good work! A sequel that surpasses its predecessor.
Review: Not being a huge fan of The Mummy Returns' 1999 predecessor The Mummy, I expected The Mummy Returns to be maybe worse. But, I was pleasantly surprised by this film, it was a very good movie indeed. It had ongoing action entertainment value and heaps of comedy as well as plenty of eerie spooky scary parts. Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz were great leads, with Freddie Boath boasting his talent as a promising child actor. The movie's script is unpredictable and entertaining despite failing in scenes near the end of the 2:10 running time. The only irritating performances or character flaws were John Hannah and Arnold Vosloo's cheesy performances and Oded Fehr's character was not explained enough, I couldn't remember if he was evil or not in the first movie, which lead to confusion in this sequel. I guess it's The Mummy's fault for not being memorable! Well, its not like this movie is going to stick in my head for all time, but its great entertainment that works well being fabulously silly or amazingly creative. Flawed mummy fun works well when it's not always in the pyramids!
Rating:
Summary: Okay, but "The Mummy" was much better
Review: The original "The Mummy" had scary moments, a great story line, enough humor to keep the tension level manageable, and plenty of action. All combined to make "The Mummy" thoroughly enjoyable. Of course, one incredibly successful movie begets a sequel; thus we have "The Mummy Returns".This time we figure out how to tie together Evelyn Carnahan O'Connell (Rachel Weisz) and Anck Su Namun (Patricia Velazquez). They knew each other! Of course! How could we have not known? This relationship is used to tie together the parts of the story to the end, though it felt a touch contrived in places. The beginning of the movie starts off with some of the best action in the movie, as the Scorpion King's amulet is found, Imhotep is brought back to life and there is a goodly amount of chasing around and fighting as various characters are introduced. However, from this point forward the movie seems to lose its way. While the general concept of needing to be at the Scorpion King's oasis to gain his power is pretty straight forward, some of the journey to get there is a bit of a stretch, falling almost into comedy rather than a serious movie. The best example is the balloon used to travel to Africa. I admit I liked the balloon. However, this balloon just didn't seem to fit with the tenor and quality of the original, and I was a bit disappointed. There were other places where I was a bit disappointed with the movie as well, but my biggest disappointment was that there was so much potential from the original that was left unexploited, and the ultimate effect was that the movie seemed more of way to make some quick money versus trying to create a worthy successor to "The Mummy". Though I felt the movie could have been better, there were parts that shine through as successes. The train was excellent. I am a fan of trains, and the train used in this movie was perfect, with superior detail. The Scorpion King digital effects were very good. Most of the portion of the movie inside the pyramid at the end was well done. There are other places that were also well done mixed in with an occasionally slow story that doesn't hold a candle to the original. Had this movie not had such a good predecessor, I suspect that I would have enjoyed it more. However, the comparison is automatic. In spite of my complaints and the down sides of this movie, it's still a decent movie. Not great, but okay. While I may be in danger of wearing out "The Mummy" DVD, it's unlikely that "The Mummy Returns" will get much more than an occasional playing. This could have been a 5 star movie, but the occasionally cheesy story and the lack of a serious scare factor for most of the movie pushes this movie back into the realm of a very low 4 stars.
Rating: 
Summary: I really wanted to like this movie, but...
Review: I confess that I love (and own) "The Mummy." While it is an action movie, I enjoyed the setting and the story, and having Brendan Fraser as the main star doesn't hurt. That being said, I really wanted to like the sequel, and found it painful. Rick and Evie have married and have somehow become nauseating. I found myself actually cheering for the bad guys when they were trying to kill Evie. The shy librarian yearning for adventure was completely gone--perhaps he actually married her twin sister. The plot had numerous flaws, which only a serious action-flick lover could overlook.
Rating:
Summary: A Hit Sequel - But the First was Still Better!
Review: The mummy is back! So is the original cast from the first hit movie! Many movies have terrible sequels, but that does not apply to this movie! Summary: Years after Imhotep has been destroyed, Evy and Rick have settled down, married, and had a son, Alex. However, the whole family still loves to go to digs. After coming back from a succsesful trip, where they found a bracklet that was supposed to be just a legend, Alex accidently locks the find onto his wrist and is shown the way to a mythical oasis. A strange group, led by a woman who knows where Imhotep lays, digs up the high priest and kidnaps the young O'Connell. Now Evy, Rick, and their old friends must race against time to rescue Alex before Imhotep uses the braclet to unlock an acnient army. Sill just as funny as the first: Evy: No harm ever came from opening a chest
Rick: Yeah, no harm ever came from reading a book either. Remember how that one went? Rick: Where the hell is Jonathon?
(Jonathon drives up in a 2-story bus)
Rick: What's the matter with my car?
Jonathan: I was forced to choose another means of transportation.
Rick: A double-decker bus!
Jonathan: It was his idea! (points to Alex)
Alex: Was not!
Jonathan: Was too!
Alex: Was not!
Jonathan: Was too!
Rick: Just go! Still not as good as the first, but I loved the flashback scenes. The ending will surprise you very much! Enjoy!
Rating: 
Summary: The sequel that exceeds the original.
Review: THE MUMMY RETURNS (2001, PG-13= Adventure Action, Brief Mild Language, and Some Disturbing Images) The Cast: BRENDAN FRASER, RACHEL WEISEZ, FREDDIE BOATH, JOHN HANNAH, ODEH FAHR, PATRICIA VALASQUESZ, and DWAYNE JOHNSON. The Genre: Action/Adventure/Comedy/Sequel The Plot: This film picks up in 1933, ten years after the first film. After finding an ancient bracelet worn by the "Scorpion King", Evelyn and Rick O'Connell's son puts on the bracelet. In doing so, vicious villains are after him, and the O'Connell's must get their son to an ancient temple before the bracelet kills the young boy. So back for the ride come, big brother Jonathan and Odeh Fahr. What Works: The excellent action/adventure, wonderful adventrous plot, positive visual effects, and the way it ties into the first film very well. The humor, acting and directing remains just as good as the first film. What Doesn't: The rather poor visual effects for the Scorpion King in the near-end of the film. Reality Check: Why would Rick and Eevie go back to that temple if they knew what could possibly go wrong? And what ever happened to all the gold and jewelry riches they had brought home with them in the first one? The Catch: The film has some of the old re-caps of the first film, mostly including dialogue like a scene in the beginning when they're inside the temple and Eevie finds the bracelet, she says: "It's just a box. What danger could there be from opening a box?"- Eevie "Yeah just like what could happen from reading a book."- Rick So you see, there are some repeats which could possibly put the audience in predictable boredom. But this is the perfect Friday night family flick. OVERALL: "This very entertaining action film, is possibly the best sequel of the summer, if not the year! With the charm of the first and more action-adventure, this could possibly be one of the best films of the year!"
Rating: 
Summary: possibly 3 and a half stars
Review: The sequel to the 1999 summer hit The Mummy, The Mummy Returns is about Rick O'Connel and his quest with his wife, warrior friend, and brother in law to save his son and the world. (again) All of the main characters from the first one return in this one, including Brendan Fraser, Rachel Weiz, John Hannah, Arnold Vosloo, Oded Fehr, and director Stephen Sommers. Joining them are Rick and his wife's son, Alex and a new villain, the Scorpion King. (which is played by WWF star The Rock) Most people say, "What's not to like about this movie?" And a lot of other people would agree with them. There are numerous gunfights, exciting action sequences, a double decker bus fight, and a battle scene. Whoa. Obviously, the sequel chose to take up more time with gun fights than plot development. In the opening scene, there's a battle. After that there's a fight, a gunfight, and a bus chase. All in the first 20 minutes. The movie adopts it's ho-hum plot from most video games. Save the world while battling monsters and men and the scorpion king and ihmotep. Action goers will love this film, but people actually looking for a little depth and something original? Look somewhere else, fellas. At least the first one had a moment where there was at least three minutes of plot development. Now those are pretty significant flaws, but there are some pros that keep the film frombeing a totally rotten apple. There are some slight gags that are occasionally funny and there are some very exciting action sequences. Not to mention that the special effects are marvelous. (but take up almost all of the movie) The movie is also suspensful, but not as much as the first. The only thing worth watching this film for are the special effects and the breathtaking action sequences (which are very well done) so sit back and relax and watch this film. Just don't look for any orginality or depth. 2001; 130 minutes; Rated PG-13 for intense but sustained sequences of action/adventure violence and brief language.
Rating:
Summary: Mummys Back
Review: The second adventure of this series is set eight years after the first. This time the affects are better and we get to see more of supermodel, Patricia Velasquez, wearing only gold paint as well as toting a machine gun. The most popular scene in the movie is the chic fight between Velasquez and Weiss, no doubt the pause and shuttle buttons will get a work out... As usuall Brendan Frazer is at his silly best with his now on screen wife, Rachael Wiess a still overly beautiful adventurist. This time they have an equally inqusitive son who simple can't leave things alone...
Rating:
Summary: Antiquity in Action
Review: 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 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.
Rating:
Summary: More of the Same... Brilliant, that's what I Asked for.
Review: Choosing my Favourite out of "The Mummy" and "The Mummy Returns" is like Choosing between "Mission Impossible" or Mission Impossible 2", or "Raiders of the Lost Ark" and "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom". The Originals may be All-Round Better Films, but their Sequels are such Action Packed, Fun-Filled Thrill rides I Simply Have to rate them As Good, If Not Better. Brandon Fraser, Rachel Weisz, Oded Fuer and John Hannah all return for another Bout with the undead, and Arnold Vosloo and Patricia Velasquez come Back from the Dead just to be Sent Straight Back. (please don't take that as a Spoiler, you know Very well how this film will turn out) Also making the Return Trip is Writer/Director Steven Sommers, who Once Again fills the Enjoyment level to Boiling Point. The films Real star is it's Special Effects, we get Jaw Dropping Mummy's, an 8 foot Scorpion, Violent Pygmies, 1000's of Anubis Warriors, Jet-Powered Blimps and Tidal Waves with Faces... Yes it's more of the same, but More of the Same is what Audiences Wanted. The Story isn't Easily Summarised, so I won't attempt it, the Performances are Spirited and Fun, but you don't need to know about that, what you Do need to know is that the film is Meant to Be... All About... Fun. Please remember that, so you don't become some dried up old Mummy like all the Critics who take this film so Seriously.
Rating:
Summary: All I'm saying is...
Review: ...this could have been much better. Three years after the fact, I know many of us are in agreement that this sequel did not live up to the original, so instead of just bashing it, I thought I'd do a take on what NOT to do with a sequel: 1.) Do not sacrifice plot for action. After so many sequels that bombed because of this, the producers still fell for it anyway. Do you know what made "The Mummy" so awesome? The lure of all the ancient Egyptian lore and myth, which, when interspersed with action, brought the entire movie alive. We don't need more brawls and swordfights and self-consuming cities--we need more of the MAGIC. 2.) Don't reference the original more than twice. It's not as if we don't remember the books and the plagues and the happy romance. If anything, constant reflections insult us as an audience. It's another bad trap that sequel-makers fall into, and again, it happened here too. 3.) Don't wreck the memory of a beloved setting. Hamunaptra was chock-full of all that we as Americans want from ancient Egypt: vast treasures, sarcophogi, curses, booby traps, juicy mummies. And what did we see of it in the second film? Sand, teeming with people who couldn't even find it eight years before. Huge electric lights illuminating what once could only be seen by torchlight. Trucks, instead of camels! And some really strangely reincarnated Anck-su-namun. The moviemakers effectively ruined the magic of Hamunaptra, and they didn't have to. Shame! 4.) Never, ever, ever pull a stunt like a CGI Rock again. Could they not afford to pay him for the final scenes? Just imagine the heroic fight between Rick, Imhotep, and the Scorpion King--only all three are in the flesh! People would have been cheering in the theatre watching the Rock fight with Brendan Fraser and Arnold Vosloo. But noooo...let's pull CGI out of our butts for the eighty millionth time. Shame shame! 5.) Don't ruin the best moments of the film by shortening them. Were we too busy playing around with CGI Rock to choreograph a great fight scene between Anck and Evie? I think we might have been. I understand that having Anck shy away from fighting helped set up her not being brave enough in the end for other things, but even just extending the fight a little longer would have helped. Anck could have given her best in an extended fight but still lost, and then we could have watched her bravado melt away and become her undoing. All that being said, there are some bright spots. The mummy himself, for one. And the character of Jonathan was as lively and funny as ever, thank goodness; Ardeth Bay (Oded Fehr) was even more campily serious and apocolyptic, and that was fun, too. Enough can't be said for Brendan Frasier, who IS the action hero of the the new millenium--handsome, funny, totally self-aware, and he puts his heart into everything completely. I hope they make a third "Mummy." There's a lot left of ancient Egypt to explore, especially since in the time period of the movies not everything had been discovered yet. I think all the main characters would have to return, and that the plot with the most potential still remains that between Imhotep and Anck-su-namun. With all the money they have in Hollywood, the producers should be able to hire a team talented enough to write a movie as magical as the first.
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