Movie Review: The Mummy, The Mummy Returns

The Mummy, The Mummy Returns

I'll tell you up front that I adore these two movies. In fact, I love them enough to own them, and I don't buy very many movies. That in and of itself should tell you something about the quality of entertainment these films offer.

The Mummy (based on the classic movie of the same name) follows the travails of ne'er do well treasure hunter and archeologist Rick O'Connell (played by Brendan Fraser) as he skirts the edge of the law and civilized behavior in 1930's Egypt. O'Connell, who finds evidence of something he doesn't recognize as the great treasure it is, is hired to lead a legitimate scholar back to a place few can find or even know exists. In true serial fashion, the efforts of the archeological team are hampered and endangered by a competing group in search only of wealth and power, and determined to get it at all costs. The movie jumps right into the action, and rarely lets up. And when the Mummy puts in an appearance, all bets are off as to just who will get what, or even who will survive their efforts. The Mummy is exciting, funny, and a visual treat to boot.

The Mummy Returns jumps ahead several years and then picks up the same major characters we knew and loved in the original film. O'Connell, now living in England, must go back to Egypt to stop the Mummy and his nefarious plans both for Rick's family and for the world. The Mummy is a much more fleshed out character (pardon the pun) in this second film, and actually garners some sympathy. You'll see a brief appearance by The Rock as the legendary Scorpion King (and inspiration for the new movie, The Scopion King). And watch for O'Connell's son who is a firebrand much like, you imagine, his father must have been as a young boy. Some sequels are a letdown. This sequal is not. Once again, the script is both exciting and clever. And the special effects here are particularly worthy of mention.

Family Suitability: Both The Mummy and The Mummy Returns are rated PG-13 for some violent and intense scenes. Any kid old enough to read and enjoy comics, however, is old enough to see and enjoy both of these films. For a real treat, rent both movies and watch them back to back. The continuity is amazing!