The Scorpion King
Story
Set in around 3000 BC, the scorpion king follows the story of Mathayus, an Akkadian assassin and one of three brothers who are the last of their kind, who is hired to kill a sorcerer who works for an evil king called Memnon and allows him to rule by predicting the ... Read review
There's nothing original inThe Scorpion King, but this derivative action franchise gets ... more
off to a rousing start by cleverly stealing from a lot of better movies. Capitalising on his brief cameo inThe Mummy Returns, Dwayne Johnson (a.k.a. World Wrestling...
Postage & Packaging: £1.21 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
There's nothing original inThe Scorpion King, but this derivative action franchise gets ... more
off to a rousing start by cleverly stealing from a lot of better movies. Capitalising on his brief cameo inThe Mummy Returns, Dwayne Johnson (a.k.a. World Wrestling...
Postage & Packaging: Free! Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
In the notorious city of Gomorrah evil warlord Memnon is determined to lay to waste all ... more
the nomadic peoples of the desert. Because the few remaining tribes are virtually powerless against him they decide to hire a skilled assassin Mathayus to elimi...
Postage & Packaging: £0.00 Availability: 3-5 working days
Inspired by the hugely successful 'Mummy' series, 'The Scorpion King' is an action-packed ... more
epic adventure filled with spectacular stunts and fight sequences. In a time of darkness and in the face of evil, one man dared to fight back. Utilising his comba...
Adventure rules! The spectacular Mummy series explodes into a new realm of breathtaking, ... more
nonstop action in The Scorpion King! Unleashing WWE superstar The Rock as the most fearsome warrior of the ancient world, The Scorpion King plunges you into a sweeping tale filled with stunning fight sequences, awe-inspiring battles and pulse- pounding thrills. It's the ultimate special effects- powered epic and the must see and see again adventure of the year!
Action/Adventure - Director: Gore Verbinski - Original Language: English - Classification: 12 years and over - Starring:Bill Nighy, Keira Knightley, Johnny Depp, Geoffrey Rush, Orlando Bloom, Chow Yun-Fat
Production Year: 1964 - Action/Adventure - Director: Cyril Endfield - Original Language: English - Classification: Parental Guidance - Starring:Stanley Baker, Jack Hawkins, Ulla Jacobsson, James Booth, Michael Caine, Nigel Green
Production Year: 2002 - Action/Adventure - Director: Vincenzo Natali - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over - Starring:Lucy Liu, David Hewlett, Anne Marie Scheffler, Joseph Scoren, Matthew Sharp, Jeremy Northam
Advantages: Cool action, nice soundtrack, good characters and acting Disadvantages: Unoriginal story
...Set in around 3000 BC, the scorpion king follows the story of Mathayus, an Akkadian assassin and one of three brothers who are the last of their kind, who is hired to kill a sorcerer who works for an evil king called Memnon and allows him to rule by predicting the outcome of every battle. They find the sorcerer, who is not what they were expecting and is actually a sorceress, but are caught in her tent by Memnon's men. Mathayus's brothers are killed ... ...as well as the aid of a hose thief called Arpid. He then begins a one-man campaign to kill Memnon and avenge his brother's deaths.
MY OPINION
The story was well written, there were a lot of twists in it and it wasn't linear which is always a bonus. For a historian like me, there were too many historical inaccuracies in it for my liking but it is still a film at the end of the day so I guess I'll just have to put up with ... more
The Scorpion King
Story
Set in around 3000 BC, the scorpion king follows the story of Mathayus, an Akkadian assassin and one of three brothers who are the last of their kind, who is hired to kill a sorcerer who works for an evil king called Memnon and allows him to rule by predicting the outcome of every battle. They find the sorcerer, who is not what they were expecting and is actually a sorceress, but are caught in her tent by Memnon's men. Mathayus's brothers are killed but he is able to escape through the sorcereress's help as well as the aid of a hose thief called Arpid. He then begins a one-man campaign to kill Memnon and avenge his brother's deaths.
MY OPINION
The story was well written, there were a lot of twists in it and it wasn't linear which is always a bonus. For a historian like me, there were too many historical inaccuracies in it for my liking but it is still a film at the end of the day so I guess I'll just have to put up with them. The story flowed well and made the film fun to watch, however, it does seem a bit unoriginal and many similar films have done it all before. 3/5
Characters / Performances
Mathayus (The Scorpion King): I loved this character's development throughout the film. He begins as a die-hard, bad-man assassin/ mercenary who is only interested in money, completely. Following the death of his brothers, he then begins a vengeance mission, determined to kill Memnon and avenge his brothers' deaths. At this point he is still the die hard assassin but seems much less interested in money. In Memnon's city (Gomorrah) he is stolen from by a young thief. It is here where the first signs of his softer side begin to show, he spares the boy and offers him a chance to make some money by showing him into Memnon's palace. He later sacrifices his chance to kill Memnon in order to save the boy, who is about to have his hand cut off for stealing. This exposes him which means he has to run, he then kidnaps the sorceress as bait but eventually falls in love with her and it is this which causes the much more caring side of this warrior to shine through. As a wrestler, 'The Rock' (Dwayne Douglas Johnson) fits the role of the merciless warrior both in physique and attitude but I was more impressed with his ability to convey the emotional scenes as well as the character progresses.
Memnon: The primary antagonist, he is after nothing but power. He cruelly imprisons to sorceress Cassandra in order to win every single battle he fights using her gift of foresight. He also plans on forcing her into bed with him when he has conquered the world (he cannot do so beforehand or she will supposedly loose her gift) He is a member of a group of people who elect their greatest warrior as their king, and he is definitely that, being a sublime swordsman with incredible reflexes. He is merciless and evil and makes an excellent bad guy. Steven Brand plays the role well and provides a good performance as well as a good image of the character.
Cassandra: A very mysterious characters at the start of the film. She is feared by Memnon's enemies and even her gender is not known at the start, she is referred to as 'the sorcerer'. However, as the film progresses it becomes clear that she is actually a good character and Memnon was keeping her against her will. When Mathayus kidnaps her, she seems grateful to be rescued but initially fears him so tries to escape. However, by the end of the film she falls in love with him. Kelly Hu was a perfect actress for the role; her acting really brought the character to life and made her very believable.
Arpid: He begins as a horse thief who falls in with Mathayus. He is also the film's main source of humour and perfectly fills the role of the bumbling wimp who's out to save his own neck. There is not much development with this character, with the exception of a few brave acts, there is not much development to this character; he pretty much remains as he begins. Grant Heslov was perfect for this role as he both looks and acts the part.
Thorak: Memnon's second in command, he is obviously just sticking with the biggest bully in the playground and has no real loyalty. He is sadistic and ruthless and makes an excellent secondary antagonist. Ralf Moeller was a first-rate choice for the role and delivers the character beautifully, making him very believable.
Balthazar: Initially an overly-proud character, he starts of as an enemy of Mathayus due to his unwillingness to be humbled. However, he comes through at the end of the film and helps Mathayus defeat Memnon, showing that, deep-down, he has a great love for his people. There was some nice development with this character which was fun to watch. This character was played by Michael Clarke Duncan who was a very believable actor and made the character seem real.
Overall, a wide variety of characters, each of whom had something to bring to the film. 5/5
Special Effects
This film had some amazing action scenes. For example, Memnon's swordplay was excellently choreographed and when he blocked arrows with his sword it looked very cool and realistic. There were also two excellent battle scenes at the start of the film as well as lots of miniature fight scenes throughout the film and 2 good stealth scenes. The final battle between Memnon and Mathayus also had some cool slow motion work and well as good choreography. Furthermore, all the weapons, props, costumes and locations were realistic and brilliantly designed and more than played their part in sucking you in to the reality of the film. 5/5
Soundtrack
Impressive uses of soundtrack to enhance a film, all the sound effects were perfectly placed and there were some brilliant songs in all the right places. The songs on the soundtrack were:
"I Stand Alone" by Godsmack "Set It Off (Tweaker Remix)" by P.O.D. "Break You" by Drowning Pool "Streamline" by System of a Down "To Whom It May Concern" by Creed "Yanking Out My Heart" by Nickelback "Losing My Grip" by Hoobastank "Only the Strong" by Flaw "Iron Head" by Rob Zombie Feat. Ozzy Osbourne "My Life" by 12 Stones "Along the Way" by Mushroomhead "Breathless" by Lifer "Corrected" by Sevendust "Burn It Black" by Injected "27" by Breaking Point "Glow" by Coal Chamber
4/5
How does it compare to similar films and films by the same director?
It is on par with some of the best action films, with only a few of them being good enough to outclass it, obviously the story wasn't very original and there are many films out there with better story lines. It is one of Chuck Russell's most recent films and is of a different genre to most of his original work so is not really comparable. However, his newer film, Collateral, took in much more revenue and is in some ways better. 4/5
Value for Money
Definitely worth buying, I have watched this film several times and not gotten bored of it. 5/5
Advantages: The Rock - great screen presence, charisma and plento of macho posturing Disadvantages: seen it all before
...WWF legend ‘The Rock’ dominates the screen as the eponymous hero from ancient times and despite limited acting talent (all WWF stars have to be actors, of course), does a pretty good job. This is NOT A sequel, prequel or whatever – it is a Spin Off from ‘the Mummy’
Set well before the two Mummy movies, in this The Rock plays ‘Mathayus’ a beefy, sword wielding, slayer of evil doers. His task is to rid the ancient world of the threat from the very ... ...Oriental lovely Kelly Hu takes the female lead and it does not take a ‘Rock’et scientist to work out that before long, she will be ‘rocking’ with the King. But definitely a plus point to this movie for you red bloodied guys out there, is the fact that Ms Hu spends most of the movie wearing the minimum of ‘mummification’…clothes in fact.
FANTASTIC FIGHTS AND EXCEPTIONAL ESCAPES Along the way there are plenty of ‘beat-em-up’ scenes, even more whizzing ...
flashpointz 24.04.2002
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of The Scorpion King (DVD)
...an accent problem auditioned for the part of a muscle-bound hero in a sword and sorcery slugfest. That actor went on to massive world-wide success and quickly became a household name synonymous with the action movie genre and a Hollywood legend. That man was Arnold Schwarzennegar who was undoubtedly successful more because of being the right man, in the right place at the right time as opposed to being anything particularly special. 20 something ... ...very similar route to the big screen. That man is wrestling superstar The Rock who appeared first as a side character in the blockbuster sequel to the Indiana Jones style adventure movie The Mummy. A couple of years down the line and he gets to showcase his talents in the third movie in The Mummy franchise, in a role which no doubt would have been earmarked for a Schwarzennegar, Stallone or Lundgren were the years rolled back a little.
The Scorpion ...
wampyrii 10.05.2002
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of The Scorpion King (DVD)
Advantages: action packed adventure Disadvantages: quite a weak story and short.
...I'm fully aware of who the rock is because everyone seems to keep on about him.
I enjoyed the mummy returns and when he was in that as the scorpion king I thought it was going to be a follow up from that.
So this was inspired by the hugely succesfull 'mummy series' and is a action packed epic adventure filled with spectacular stunts and fight sequences. ********************
"the scorpion king "
********************
The Rock plays the part of ... ...sect of warriors called the Akkadians, fierce fighters living in the Egyptian wilderness of 3000 B.C.
The Akkadians are hired by King Pheron, the ruler of the land of Ur, to stop the growing influence of Memnon, a warlord who's invading Pheron's territory. Memnon is feared not only because of his powerful army known as the Red Turbans, but also by having a mysterious individual called the "Sorcerer" at his right-hand side. Using unearthly powers ...
super_stevo 21.01.2003
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of The Scorpion King (DVD)
Advantages: Full of action from the start to the finish. Disadvantages: Some cheesy acting from The Rock
...now it is time for The Rock to woo us with his acting Skills. I must say that he certainly does it alot better than i though he would. Hulk Hogan wouldnt even get near him.
The Scorpian king Has Power slamming action right from the start. The Rock who plays a character called Mathayus, one of the last surviving Akkadian clansmen, who is out to avenge the death of his brother. He starts of his journey with just one goal, to eliminate his brothes ... ...physical and brutal prowess on the battle field. The law of the land states that the best Soldier in the provinces would become the king. Thus resulting in Memnoms crowning.
The Akkadians are hired as they are renowned assains, and with there physical and leathal martial arts training, are a force to be reckonned with. They are sent to erradicate Memnoms Sorceress called Cassandra(Kelly Hu) who is infact the real force, as She's the sorceress who ...
JamesBrock 08.05.2003
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of The Scorpion King (DVD)
Advantages: Great performances, full of action and excellent fighting scenes, excellent storyline Disadvantages: The Scorpion King is made out to be evil in The Mummy Returns
...Introduction
After watching The Mummy saga and being incredibly pleased with them, my girlfriend and I decided to watch The Scorpion King. The movie was released in 2002 just after The Mummy Returns was released in 2001. The film of course features The Scorpion King, who was resurrected in The Mummy Returns. This movie tells a story of a small section of The Scorpion Kings life back when he really alive. Plot
It's ancient Egypt again; as always ... ...psychic powers which give her the ability to see into the future. Memnon uses Cassandra to his advantage to stop attacks on his kingdom, to capture those that thieve and of course, to help him take over the world, as all greedy kings do. Mathayus and his two brothers are Akkadian mercenaries, and are hired by a local 'tribe' to kill the sorcerer. Mathayus ended up with a lot more trouble than he expected. He wormed his way in to the kingdom to soon ...
spidercallum 28.08.2008
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of The Scorpion King (DVD)
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Advantages: The lovely Rachel Weisz Disadvantages: Only appears in the last two
is a fast-paced sequel that surpasses the 1999 original, also directed by Stephen Sommers. The success of the original, ensures that virtually the entire cast has come back for another exciting go-round. This time the heroic couple, (now happily married ) must try to prevent Imhotep (Arnold Vosloo) from gaining control of the Bracelet of Anubis and taking on the ScorpionKing (the Rock) for control of the world. Set now in 1933, the film follows in the same format combining a high speed movie, terrific special effects, sword and sorcery, comic capers and marvelous locations (Morocco, Jordan, London).
The success of the former film ensured a big budget for this sequel and the technical wizardry of Industrial Light and Magic is portrayed in glorious CGI effects. Think big epic battle scences involving an army of dog-like Anubis warriors ...
Advantages: Having all 3 films in one. Disadvantages: 3 films in one.
The Mummy is a good film, though it is a done before film, it is still action packed, hilourous in places, and has it's share of romance, and special effects. The acting is good, and the film is full of action to keep you on the edge of your seat. The Mummy 2 is just as good. It isn't a copy of number one either, so it makes it worth watching for the special effects. The Rock's brief apperance in this makes it worth watching. Scorpian King, was a bit of a disappoinment. Predicictable, and slow, only The Rock's acting, and pysic made it worth watching. It is a watchable film, if you have nothing else to do, but the story line is poor. But having the 3 films in one does make this a good value for money buy. ...
Advantages: brilliant acting, great special effects, tonnes of special features, cheap Disadvantages: feels as if special effects are prioty over acting, storyline wasn't as good
you by blabbing on!
Audio Commentary from director Stephen Sommers and the cast
'Interview with The Rock' Featurette
'Spotlight on Location' Featurette
'The ScorpionKing' Featurette'
'Egyptology 2001' Featurette
'The Chamber of Doom' Featurette
DVD-Rom Features include: ScorpionKing footage, visual and special effects formations of Imhotep, the Pygmy Mummies, Anubis Warriors and the ScorpionKing
Theatrical Trailer
Playstation 2 Game Trailer
Music Video: 'Forever May Not Be Long Enough'
Production Notes
Outtakes
Interactive Menu
Scene Access
- Prices -
You can The Mummy Returns (2 Discs) from Play.com for £6.99 brand new with P&P. I personally bought it used (as new condition) for £4 of Play.com. You should buy this, even if you have seen it before... bargain!
- Conclusion -
In my honest opinion, I think ...
Extended Version In Viewing Mode, Feature Commentaries, Outtakes, Alternate Versions Of Key Scenes, Spotlight On Location The Making Of, Ancient World Production Design, Shooting A Fighting Sequence, The Rock And Michael Clarke Duncan, Costume Design, Working With Animals, The Special Effects, Godsmack I Stand Alone Music Video, Trailers, DVDRom Features
Aspect Ratio
2.35 Anamorphic Wide Screen
Sound
DTS 5.1, Dolby Digital 5.1
Dubbing Sound
DTS 5.1 English Dolby Digital 5.1 English
Professional reviews
Review
"...The Rock has found the perfect vehicle for his particular brand of brawn....The silly style is pitch-perfect..." (Box Office, p.66, 01/06/2002)
"...It has high energy, the action never stops, the dialogue knows it's funny, and The Rock has the authority to play the role and the fortitude to keep a straight face..." (Chicago Sun-Times, p.35, 19/04/2002)
"...Russell keeps things going at a brisk, no-nonsense pace..." (Sight and Sound, p.52-3, 01/06/2002)
"...The Rock displays an impressive versatility....Its cheerfully anachronistic and anachronistically cheerful..." (Total Film, p.104, 01/06/2002)
"...With his striking good looks, powerful physique and ease before the camera, the Rock undergoes transition from entertainment-sports celebrity to movie star as if to the manner born..." (Variety, p.27-36, 22/04/2002)
DVD Description
Wrestler-turned-actor The Rock gets his first starring role with THE SCORPION KING. A prequel to Stephen Sommers' wildly successful THE MUMMY (1999) and THE MUMMY RETURNS (2001), THE SCORPION KING tells the action-packed story of Mathayus (Rock), an Akkadian assassin who is the only man strong enough to destroy the vile Memnon (Steven Brand). Memnon, a power hungry warlord, uses the prescience of Cassandra (Kelly Hu), a beautiful seer, to ensure an endless succession of victories. Understanding that to defeat Memnon one must first eliminate Cassandra, Mathayus journeys to Gomorrah to infiltrate Memnon's palace and kill Cassandra. But when he lays eyes on the sultry beauty, he is unable to take her life. It isn't long before sparks begin flying and Cassandra is using her powers to aid Mathayus and his cohorts, including the bumbling Arpid (Grant Heslov), and Balthazar (Michael Clark Duncan), a powerful tribe leader who is also looking for a way to end Memnon's reign. Ignoring a vision from Cassandra that predicts his death, Mathayus charges into battle nonetheless, hoping to silence Memnon once and for all. Playing the sensitive, courageous hero, The Rock proves that his appeal is not only relegated to the small screen.
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