A film review by Rachael Vice Copyright © 2001 Rachael Vice

After surviving the cursed mummy, Imhotep (Arnold Vosloo) nearly a decade ago, Rick O'Connell (Brendan Fraser) and his wife Evelyn (Rachel Weisz) are once again caught in an Egyptian struggle for civilization.

The movie opens with a war scene involving The Scorpion King (first time acting career for 'The Rock') and, like the opening of the original, is narrated by Maji warrior Ardeth (Oded Fehr). Accepting defeat, The Scorpion King sacrifices his soul to the god, Anubis - with something in return of course. YEARS later, The O'Connells discover a bracelet of The Scorpion King's which can ultimately bring him and his army back to life to destroy the earth. Our main mummy comes in with a ressurected Anck-Su-Namun who is wonderfully played by Patricia Velazquez.

(For those that didn't see the orignal, Anck-Su-Namun was the mistress of a great Pharaoh who fell in love with Imhotep causing Anck-Su-Namun to kill herself and led to Imhotep being mummified)

Anck-Su-Namun wants to ressurect her man for him to battle The Scorpion King, take control of his army, and conquer the world for himself. Kind of confusing isn't it? Don't worry, it's not all thrown together at one time in the movie and it's much more easier to understand.

THE MUMMY RETURNS' big pro was the special effects. Ignoring the ending when we see The Scorpion King again (it's so fake looking), the entire movie is just...dazzling! However, the story is obviously good and Stephen Sommers' directing has also improved. There's also a big revelation that will surprise MUMMY fans.

HOWEVER (the word everyone hates), the bond between Anck-Su-Namun and Imhotep really sucks in this one. In the predecessor, the whole reason for The Mummy's evils was for his love of Anck-Su-Namun. In this one when the two are reunited it's like, "Great! We're back together. Now let's go conquer the world!" Also, there are ALOT of CGI sequences in this one. If you're not someone who can comfortably watch Egyptian curses unfold, mummies running around, or someone who is half man and half scorpion, (the list is pretty long) then this movie is not for you.

Basically, if you're in to Egyptian history, mummies, or if you're a fan of the original film, then you'll most likely enjoy this one also. Prepare your lungs though, because you'll be holding your breath through most of the film.

Final Rating:  * * *  of  * * * *

	Running Time: ? Min | Rated: PG-13 | US Release: May 4th | More >>

Related Links:

• Official Site
• Upcomingmovies.com
• 'Mummy' Sequel Springs to Life at Box Office

Adventure Is Reborn.