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In this prequel to the Mummy films (see Kristin's review of The Mummy, WWF star Dwayne Johnson (AKA “The Rock”) reprises his role as the Scorpion King to show us his heroic beginnings. Mathias (Johnson) becomes embroiled in a battle against the current king -- one that prompts his own rise to power. But in order to succeed, Mathias must first hunt down and kill the king’s sorcerer (Kelly Hu), whose divinations afford the king unfair advantage in battle.
This is definitely a cheese fest, in the form of dumbed-down Mummy 1 and 2 humor. To serious moviegoers who don’t turn the other cheek when slapped with movie faux paus, I say, stay home. You won’t bounce back from cultural incongruities such as the heavy use of British accents and blending of cultures that were nonexistent in ancient Mesopotamia. Nor should those expecting a stellar script line up for this one -- the dialogue is limited to fun, cheap laughs. When the title character battles a room full of barbarians to save his brother, his ending comment is: “You’re lucky we have the same mother.”
Those caveats aside, this film does deliver for those seeking an afternoon of non-cerebral action and easygoing fun. The Rock has definite cinematic personality, conveying a presence without even having to utter the rather silly dialogue. The fight scenes are worthwhile, and the costumes downright fun -- especially for those Xena fans (or any scantily-clad-women fans, for that matter).
For the rest of the Mummy trilogy, see Kristin's reviews of The Mummy and The Mummy Returns.
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