The Mummy Returns
Universal Pictures
CAST: Brendan Fraser, Rachel Weisz, John Hannah, Arnold Vosloo, Dwayne Johnson,
Freddie Boath, Oded Fehr, Patricia Velazquez, Donna Air and Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje
DIRECTOR: Stephen Sommers
RATING: PG-13 for adventure action and violence
running time:
2001
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Both the Rocky and Lethal Weapon franchises are prime examples of sequels that get it right. Far from being lazy remakes (which the majority of sequels invariably are), these remarkable films are ultimately so beloved by audiences not for any particular action sequence, but for their unique focus on story and characters. While it might be the promise of sheer spectacle that first gets an audience through the door, its invariably the lure of a strong story that keeps them coming back.
Quite another variation of a successful sequel can be found in both Aliens and Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom. By taking the original films and/or characters as basic story templates, these sequels are nothing short of accelerator cinema. While Temple of Doom attempted to outdo the cliffhanger serial matinee formula established with its legendary predecessor, Aliens (under the clever guise of a Vietnam allegory) attempted a more emotional and viscerally terrifying experience than the original. Whether either sequel succeeded on those merits is a subject for debate, but what cannot be questioned is that audiences were treated to something truly spectacular.
In light of these examples, The Mummy Returns falls somewhere in-between.
Director and writer Stephen Sommers certainly has an affinity for the realm of adventure. From his underrated gem The Jungle Book to the popcorn matinee cleverness of Deep Rising, Sommers has amply demonstrated a knack for the art of spectacle entertainment. While his characters will probably never be heard pontificating on the malaise of the human condition, they are engaging, fun, and witty creations.
Dashing adventurer Rick O'Connell is just such a character. As previously seen in The Mummy, O'Connell (played with ingratiating charm by Brendan Frasier) is an appealing mixture of romanticism, bluster and self-aware action bravado. While most of the attention lavished onto The Mummy was largely focused on the special effects, it was the fun performance by Brendan Frasier that held everything together. Besides, O'Connell was able to utter the single best macho line of that year: “I only gamble with my life.” Who wouldn't be cheering for a hero like that?
For The Mummy Returns Stephen Sommers wisely expanded the character of Rick O'Connell, making him a husband, a father, and an unknown (and most unwilling) protector against the forces of evil. This time around Brendan Frasier is given considerably more to do and the film is all the better because of it.
The plot mechanics of The Mummy Returns are structured not so much as cliffhanging action set pieces, but as incredible mini-movies. From the unforgettable introduction of The Scorpion King (which will most certainly cement Dwayne Johnson as a huge action star) to the climactic three-way battle between the forces of good and evil, The Mummy Returns is that rare sequel that not only improves upon the original, but does so with great leaps and bounds of creativity.
One of the great surprises to be found in The Mummy Returns are the expanded roles for Oded Fehr (playing Servant of God Ardeth Bay) and Patricia Valezquez (portraying the villainous Anck-Su-Namun). Both audience favorites, these delightful actors are given a real chance to shine, and they nearly burn up the screen with the opportunity.
A rousing, satisfying romp, The Mummy Returns is cursed only with the sheer enthusiasm of a talented filmmaker. Now that's a plague I'll gladly endure.
-Yim Kip
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