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The Mummy Returns [Blu-ray] [2001]


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Editorial
Amazon.co.uk Review

"We don't have time for subtle," says Brendan Fraser, the star of The Mummy Returns, neatly encapsulating the relentless pace and hammerheaded tone of the film. As is the way of sequels here we have more, more, more of the same formula: more explosions, more action and more mind-numbingly endless CGI effects. Once again borrowing shamelessly from the Indiana Jones series, The Mummy Returns, like its predecessor, has boundless energy but lacks the stylish verve and charm of Spielberg's trilogy. All the original cast are reunited, this time joined by WWF star the Rock in a cameo role designed to plug his spin-off vehicle, The Scorpion King, and young actor Freddie Boath who plays an English eight-year-old in the 1930s whose dialogue borrows from Bart Simpson ("Get a room" and "My dad's gonna kick your arse" are two of his choice phrases). Other cinematic thefts include a Jurassic Park-style creatures-in-the-long-grass sequence and a lengthy triple-threat finale along the lines of Return of the Jedi. Still, despite the wearying relentlessness of its computer-generated effects, endless chases and fights, this is undeniably fun popcorn fodder and provides some memorable scenes along the way, notably Rachel Weisz and Patricia Velasquez battling it out for the affections of nasty old Imhotep.

On the DVD: This two-disc "Special Edition" is a treat for fans of the franchise. The first disc has an anamorphic widescreen print of the movie in its 2.35:1 CinemaScope ratio, and a choice of Dolby 5.1 or DTS for the headache-inducing soundtrack. There's a decent commentary from the director and producer, plus a couple of DVD-ROM features. Disc 2 has all the usual stuff, including a 20-minute "making-of" documentary, a five-minute interview with the Rock about The Scorpion King, plus an exclusive trailer for it that is unsurprisingly reminiscent of Conan the Barbarian. There are also some detailed special effects breakdowns of key sequences, a blooper reel of outtakes and a virtual tour of the Universal theme park attraction "The Mummy Returns Chamber of Doom". Sundry trailers, production notes, a music video and an "Egyptology 201" text feature round out a well-loaded second disc. --Mark Walker


Just a bit of a laugh
Review date: 2008-08-11 Rating: 8 out of 10

I bought this film after watching the first, and it is not as good. But that doesnt matter because i wasnt expecting it ot be. The storyline is nonsense and the animation of the Scorpion King was dreadful but they brought back much loved charcters and Rick and Evie's 8 yeard old son Alex. The fight scenes were good and the little pygmies mummies were great.
The thing that brought it down a star was was the fact, they sacrificed the horror like in the first one, to make it a 12 rating.
Overall, I felt the film was just a simple film, brought out after the sucess of the first but enjoyable to watch.

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Reviews


"Not These Guys Again."
Review date: 2008-01-29 Rating: 6 out of 10

It's 1933, and the O'Connells are at it again. The now married Rick (Brendan Fraser) and Evy (Rachel Weisz) are back in Egypt exploring a long sealed tomb. They've even brought their eight year old son Alex (Freddie Boath) along for the ride. They're hear because of a bunch of strange dreams Evy has been having. Exploring the tomb, they find the bracelet of the Scorpion King (The Rock).

Unfortunately, they aren't the only people looking for it. A group of diggers has found the mummy of Imhotep (Arnold Vosloo). They intend to revive him and allow him to kill the Scorpion King, thereby allowing him to control the Scorpion King's army and rule the Earth. But, in order to do all that, they need the bracelet.

Which is why the O'Connells are attacked when they return home to London. And since Alex has just put the bracelet on, he becomes a target. Joining forces with Evy's brother Jonathan (John Hannah) and Magi Ardeth Bay (Oded Fehr), they set out to save the world again. But in this race again time, will they win?

Having been a surprised fan of the first, I was looking forward to the second. I was disappointed the first time around, but a second viewing made me see it with new eyes. The plot, while a little complicated, is actually more original then I gave it credit for being. It definitely starts faster then the original did. The story actually holds together well and the acting is fine. Once again, this really isn't a horror movie but an action flick with super natural elements.

Having said that, I do have definite problems with this movie. The introduction of the reincarnation back story still makes me roll my eyes. It might help explain why everyone from the first film is back, but it slows the movie down at times, too. The computer effects aren't up to par either. There were so many of them it grew quite distracting. Finally, I loved the jokes and wise cracks of the first, but this one doesn't have the same comedic flare.

I'm surprising myself by saying this sequel isn't bad. But it isn't great either. If you haven't seen it, you aren't missing much, but if you liked the first you'll be glad you gave this one a try.

AN EXCITING SEQUEL
Review date: 2007-08-08 Rating: 8 out of 10

After seeing "The Mummy" on video for the first time years ago, I knew I would be hooked. I've watched it about twenty times since then, and as many people know, this movie does not get boring or less funny after watching it numerous times, in fact, I think it gets more and more thrilling each time. I began hoping for a sequel to be released, and when I heard that one was in the making, I was relieved that they weren't going to end this great storyline with just one film. When "The Mummy Returns" was finally released in theaters, it didn't recieve very many good reviews right away. I was dissapointed because I didn't understand how Stephen Sommers could direct such a great movie classic and then totally botch a promising sequel. I let the reviews get to me and I didn't see the movie while in the theaters. I waited until this past weekend to watch TMR on pay-per-view not expecting much due to the bad reviews, but I soon found out that, boy, were some of those critics wrong.

Right from the opening scene I knew I wasn't going to be disappointed. The action, special effects, acting, comedy, and romance were all better than it's prequel in my opinion. The plot was a little confusing, and the Scorpion King graphic at the end looked like the same one used in the video game, but all in all it was an extremely fun and enjoyable movie. I actually found myself watching it three times in a row. I probably could have watched it 24 hours straight, but I didn't want to ruin it right away.

The SFX in TMR were outstanding. The pymies were so amazing, and the Anubis warriors were excellent as well. But, on to the greater aspects of the film. I thought that Jonathan, played by John Hannah, is one of the funniest characters ever, his one-liners are terrific, I was laughing out loud during his lines. Arnold Vosloo is great as the title character, but could have been more like the original, he was not as powerful in this film but was good anyway. Many people disliked Alex O'Connell, played by newcomer Freddie Boath, but I found him to be quite funny and likable. He had many great lines and was sarcastic when the film needed it. He is a cute kid and l hope he will have a good acting career. Oded Fehr is wonderful as Ardeth Bay. He keeps the heroes grounded.

Meela/Anck-su-namun, played by Patricia Velasquez has some good scenes, but I found her to be not as great as the rest of the cast. I was really looking forward seeing The Rock as the Scorpion King in this film, but he wasn't as bad as I thought, even though he was only it for about three minutes, I would have labled him as an extra. It was all hype for him. My favorite part of "The Mummy Returns" was the great chemistry between Brendan Fraser (Rick) and Rachel Weisz (Evie). They looked like an actual couple in this film, unlike other recent movies. This was why I liked this one better than the prequel. A little bit of romance was what was missing from the first 2/3 of "The Mummy", and I am so glad it was included much more in this film. Brendan Fraser is very easy on the eyes and he looks like a down-to-earth guy, not like a stereotypical moviestar. I think this is why the two seem so believeable in TMR, they are just two normal people who are still very beautiful people. I am glad they made Evie more attractive in TMR, she deserves to show off her pretty eyes. Rick is great because he is still the same sarcastic, wise-guy, handsome hero, who has all the females in the theater (including myself) drooling and sighing, that he was in the first mummy movie.

I hope that they will make another sequel with Fraser, Weisz, Hannah, Vosloo, Fehr, and Boath all included. They can't take out any of these characters without the movie being butchered. I probably won't see "The Scorpion King" since Brendan and Rachel, my favorite characters, won't be in it. I know there are many others just like me who love the romance in this film. I highly recommend this film to anyone who likes action, SFX, comedy, romance, and good clean fun. I would give this movie a 9.9 out of 10 points with the 0.1 being subtracted because it wasn't long enough to really explain the plot in more depth. When it ended, I wished it wasn't over. This goes in my top 5 movies of all time.

Suspenseful, witty and exciting.
Review date: 2006-03-10 Rating: 10 out of 10

Enjoyable film, no boring parts. Suspenseful, witty and exciting. Fantastic cast.

I dare say that this one is better than the first! I own all three and this is my favourite.

It's quite scary but not too much so that it becomes unenjoyable. Just light pieces mixed in with humour and a great storyline.

The Mummy Returns
Review date: 2004-11-09 Rating: 8 out of 10

Imagine you going back thousands of years ago when the pharoahs ruled Egypt the leader of the pharoahs was called the scorpion king. He had a braclet with a scorpion on it that is why he got his name The Scorpion King oh and because he is a king LOL!!!.

Then thousands of years later four archaeologists whent looking for the scopion kings braclet unleashing mummies and zombies on the way. They eventually find it and a little boy puts it on and it gets stuck on his wrist. The hero, whose son was wearing the bracelet,went on a quest to find some scrolls to tell them how to take it off. They have a deadline of seven days to take it off or the boy will die. Will they make it in time????

I think this film is good because it is like a horror and a humour mixed together to make this amazing film The Mummy Returns. I would say it was a film for all the family.

Product Details/Specifications


Actor(s):
Rachel Weisz
Brendan Fraser
Oded Fehr
Arnold Vosloo
John Hannah

Creators:
Brendan Fraser (Primary Contributor)
Rachel Weisz (Primary Contributor)
Adrian Biddle (Cinematographer)
Stephen Sommers (Writer)
Bob Ducsay (Producer)
Don Zepfel (Producer)
James Jacks (Producer)

Director(s):

Recording label: Universal Studios
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
EAN: 0025195039987
Binding: Blu-ray
Number of items: 1
Format: AC-3, Colour, Dolby, DTS Surround Sound, Dubbed, Subtitled, Widescreen,
Release date: 2008-07-22
Universal product code (UPC): 025195039987
Aspect ratio: 2.35:1
Running time: 130 minutes
Theatrical release date: 2001
Language: English (Original Language)
Language: English (Subtitled)
Language: French (Subtitled)
Language: Spanish (Subtitled)
Language: French (Dubbed)
Language: Spanish (Dubbed)

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