The Mummy Returns (DVD)

...are never as good as the first but I always watch them, as they deserve the chance to prove themselves. Even if this film weren't any good at least I would spend 120 minutes watching Brendan Fraser, which is a pleasure in itself.

The Plot
========

If you haven't seen the first one then I'll just bring you up to speed. Imhotep was a naughty priest who got a bit frisky with the Pharaohs bride, Anck-Su-Namun. Imhotep ...
.../> While Imhotep is performing the ritual he is caught and mummified. Thousands of years later, Evie and Rick dig him up and accidentally bring him back to life. Imhotep is now immortal and brings with him the ten plagues of Egypt.

In The Mummy Returns Imhotep is back and wants to kill The Scorpion King so he can have control over the army of Anubis. It has been ten years since they first fought Imhotep so Evie and Rick are married ... more

I am not a fan of sequels as most of them are never as good as the first but I always watch them, as they deserve the chance to prove themselves. Even if this film weren't any good at least I would spend 120 minutes watching Brendan Fraser, which is a pleasure in itself.

The Plot
========

If you haven't seen the first one then I'll just bring you up to speed. Imhotep was a naughty priest who got a bit frisky with the Pharaohs bride, Anck-Su-Namun. Imhotep and Anck-Su-Namun kill the pharaoh then Anck-Su-Namun kills herself so that Imhotep can bring her back to life.

While Imhotep is performing the ritual he is caught and mummified. Thousands of years later, Evie and Rick dig him up and accidentally bring him back to life. Imhotep is now immortal and brings with him the ten plagues of Egypt.

In The Mummy Returns Imhotep is back and wants to kill The Scorpion King so he can have control over the army of Anubis. It has been ten years since they first fought Imhotep so Evie and Rick are married and had a son called Alex.

Evie comes across the bracelet of Anubis because she has had dreams about it. The person who wears the bracelet must reach the Pyramid within 7 days or the life will be taken out of them. Alex puts on the bracelet while playing with it.

Anck-Su-Namun has been reincarnated and brings Imhotep to life again, they kidnapped Alex because he wears the bracelet and the bracelet shows them the way to The Oasis of Ahm Shere where the Scorpion King is located.

Evie and Rick must now follow them, retrieve their son and of course save the world.

The Characters
============

Rick O'Connell - Brendan Fraser
Evie O'Connell - Rachel Weisz
Alex O'Connell - Freddie Boath
Jonathan - John Hannah
Imhotep - Arnold Vosloo
Anck-Su-Namun - Patricia Velasquez
The Scorpion King - The Rock

The best thing is that the original cast returned for the sequel, aren't you just hating it when they change the actors but not the characters? Luckily it does not happen in this one, which makes the film a lot better to watch.

Evie's character has progressed since the original film, in the first she was a wannabe archaeologist in the sequel she is now a fully fledge archaeologists. So rather than just being saved by Rick she is also kicking mummy butt herself.

The characters are portrayed extremely well; Brendan gives a superb performance as Rick the action man and hero to all. Rachel's English class shines through into Evie but I feel that Rachel has added some of her own character into this film.

Extras
======

Since there is two disks to this DVD there is quite a number of extras.

Disc One

Directors' Commentary
DVD-ROM Special Features Unlock the secrets to The Scorpion King
Exclusive access to the movie production
Mummy Returns Game Demo
Screen Saver - three to choose from.

Disc Two

20 minutes Spotlight on Location Featurette - shows the different locations and the cast talk about the director, Steven Sommers.
An Exclusive conversation with The Rock, The Scorpion King
Egyptology 201 - provides information on Mummification, King Tut, Animals of Egypt, Myths and Magic and whether the Scorpion King is myth or reality.
The Mummy Returns Chamber of Doom - this is a virtual tour of the Chambers of Doom at Universal Studios, if the real thing is anything like this then I won't bother. There were a number of mummies popping out you but it didn't scare me at all.
Music Video - Live-forever may not be long enough
Outtakes - always funny as you then remember that actors make mistakes too
Visual & Special Effects - How the special effects were done, but to me this takes away the magic of the movie.
Trailer
Production Notes - very informative it gives details of how the sequel come about and the training they went through while making the film.
Trailer for The Mummy Returns game on the PS2

Overview
========

I really enjoyed this DVD rather than a sequel it is more of a continuation of the story. The Egyptian references are also explained but in such a way that it keeps in with the film so you do not need a degree in Ancient Egypt History and can watch the film easily without being confused.

My favourite part has to be when Evie discovers her past life and why she is drawn to the bracelet. To me it also explains some things from the first film as well like why Rick is Evie's protector and why they are drawn to Imhotep in the first place.

I also enjoyed the fact that The Mummy Returns contains some comedy moments as well as action, I find Jonathan, Evie's brother, especially funny as his want for money so that he can gamble is excellent.

To me this is better than The Mummy, though others may not agree with that opinion and would recommend anyone who enjoys watching action and comedy to give this one a go.

I bought this DVD for about £8 but it may be cheaper now, the DVD is certificated 12.

Thanks for reading.
 

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