The Mummy Returns (2001) Rated PG13 Starring: Brendan Fraser, Rachel Weisz, and Arnold Vosloo Rating: out of

The Mummy Returns picks up nine years after the conclusion of the first film. Rick O'Connell (Brendan Fraser) has married Evie (Rachel Weisz) and they have a child, Alex (Freddie Boath.) As Rick and Evie examine a tomb, Evie begins to experience deja-vu like flashbacks to the past. Her "visions" lead her to discover the bracelet of Anubis, once worn by the Scorpion King (Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson.) As Rick and Evie make this discovery, a mysterious group of people is hard at work trying to find the burial place of Imhotep (Arnold Vosloo), the mummy who was resurrected in the first film.

Here's where the problems with the film begin. The plot, such as it is, revolves around the fact that Imhotep must battle the Scorpion King to obtain control of his army, which can then be used to take over the world. Fundamentally, this is a very shaky foundation on which to build a two hour plus film. It basically boils down to a series of contrived situations that do not quite fit together if one thinks about them for more than a few minutes. As if to keep the average moviegoer from doing just that, writer/director Stephen Sommers throws scene after scene of computer generated special effects at the viewer in attempt to divert attention away from the horribly weak script.

The cast is likeable enough. It should be. Virtually the entire cast of the first film returns to reprise their roles in The Mummy Returns. However, this time out there's no character development to speak of. There's no real explanation of what, exactly, Rick and Evie have done since they defeated Imhotep in the first film. Apparently, they've done very well for themselves because they live in huge mansion outside London, but we're never told what they've done. Am I asking too much from a summer adventure film? Maybe. Still, I find it incredibly disappointing that I learned more about the characters from the "Making of The Mummy Returns" feature found on the DVD version of The Mummy than I did in the actual film.

Also disappointing is the fact that Imhotep -- you know, "The Mummy" -- is hardly a factor in this film. He only really gets to flex his powers once and that's basically a rehash of an effect used in the first film. The Scorpion King is an interesting character, but he gets about 10 minutes of screen time. Most of the two hour running time of the film is made up of Rick and Evie dealing with mutant pygmies or evil (and sometimes undead) henchmen rather than Imhotep himself. I wanted to see Imhotep or the Scorpion King kick some butt. That didn't happen.

Overall, The Mummy Returns is shallow and forgettable, even by summer movie standards. A definite disappointment when compared to the first film. If you must see this film, wait for the video release and rent it.

Trivia: The Scorpion King will get his own film in late 2001 or early 2002. The makers of The Mummy Returns apparently liked his character enough to make a whole movie about him. The Rock will return for the role. (Source: The Internet Movie Database)