Movie Review: The Scorpion King

The Scorpion King

Said by some to be the third installment in the "Mummy" series, The Scorpion King takes place some thousands of years before any of the action in The Mummy or The Mummy Returns. Wrestler The Rock, who parleyed a small role as the Scorpion King in "The Mummy Returns" into a starring role here, plays a trained assassin and heroic figure who seems willing to fight on behalf of the highest bidder, but also jumps headlong into a fight he believes is right. As Matthias slowly gains allies, we see some parallels here to virtually every band of revolutionaries who has fought against hopeless odds to remove a tyrant from a throne.

The Rock is quite capable in his role, something that shouldn't surprise us since he's been acting successfully for years in his wrestling personna. Relative newcomer Kelly Hu is an adequate actress and visually stunning woman, the latter of which seems most important here. Watch for Michael Clark Duncan in a role virtually written for him, and in which he shines.

The sets, set decorations, costumes, and props are so well done they are virtually a leading character in their own right. And the fight choreography - there's plenty of it - is truly awesome. The script is somewhat predictable, and certain comedic lines are as trite as they come - but everything works here. Part comic book, part myth, and the barest pinch of history provide the recipe for The Scorpion King, and a tasty dish it is. The movie won't win any awards nor will it change any of us forever, but it's fun, dammit! And sometimes that's more than enough.

Family Suitability: The Scorpion King is rated PG-13, largely for violence. The violence is, however, not terribly graphic, and it does fit in with the story line. The movie will be too scary and too complex for small children, but any kid over 12 (and any adult who liked being a kid) will have a great time at the theatre with this film.