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{{Short description|2001 American action adventure film}}
{{Infobox Film | name = The Mummy Returns
{{Use American English|date=April 2020}}
| image = The Mummy Returns poster.jpg
{{Use mdy dates|date = April 2020}}
| caption = Promotional poster for ''The Mummy Returns''
{{Infobox film
| director = ]
| name = The Mummy Returns
| producer = ]<br />]
| image = File:The Mummy Returns poster.jpg
| writer = ]
| caption = Theatrical release poster
| starring = ]<br />]<br />]<br />] <br> ]
| music = ] | director = ]
| producer = ]<br />]
| cinematography = ]
| writer = Stephen Sommers
| editing =
| based_on = {{Based on|Characters|Stephen Sommers|Lloyd Fonvielle|]}}
| distributor = ]
| starring = {{plainlist|
| released = ], ] (])
* ]
| runtime = 130 min.
* ]
| country = ]
* ]
| language = ]
* ]
| budget = $98,000,000 US (est.)
* ]
| imdb_id = 0209163
* ]
| preceded_by = ]
* ]
| followed_by = ]
}} }}
| music = ]
'''''The Mummy Returns''''' is a 2001 ] starring ], ] and ], and is ] by ]. It is a sequel to the 1999 movie '']'', and is set 8 years later, in 1933. Filming took place in ], ], and ]. Most of the original characters make a return, with a few new ones.
| cinematography = ]
| editing = ]<br />Kelly Matsumoto
| studio = ]<br />Alphaville Films
| distributor = Universal Pictures
| released = {{Film date|2001|5|4}}
| runtime = 129 minutes
| country = United States
| language = English
| budget = $98 million<ref name="Numbers"/>
| gross = $435 million<ref name="Numbers">{{cite web|url=https://www.the-numbers.com/movie/Mummy-Returns-The#tab=summary|title=The Mummy Returns (2001)|website=The Numbers|access-date=June 20, 2020}}</ref>
}}

'''''The Mummy Returns''''' is a 2001 American ] ]<ref>{{cite web |title=The Mummy Returns |url=https://www.bbfc.co.uk/release/the-mummy-returns-q29sbgvjdglvbjpwwc00nteymtm |website=]}}</ref> written and directed by ]. It is the sequel to the 1999 film ], and the second film in ] starring ] as ].

Fraser, ], ], ], ], and ] reprise their roles from the previous film, starring alongside ], ], ], and ] in his film acting debut. Most of the crew from the first film also return, though composer ] was replaced by ].<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Filmtracks: The Mummy Returns (Alan Silvestri) |url=https://www.filmtracks.com/titles/mummy_returns.html |access-date=2024-08-25 |website=www.filmtracks.com}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Silvestri |first=Alan |title=The Mummy Returns (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) |url=https://www.discogs.com/master/277319-Alan-Silvestri-The-Mummy-Returns-Original-Motion-Picture-Soundtrack |website=]}}</ref>


The film was released on May 4, 2001 by ]. Like its predecessor, ''The Mummy Returns'' was a commercial success, grossing $435 million worldwide, becoming ] and the highest-grossing film of the film series. The film received mixed reviews from critics. It was followed by a 2002 ] film '']'', a ] that is set 5,000 years prior and whose ]ous character, played by Johnson was introduced in this film. A sequel starring Fraser and Hannah, '']'', was released in 2008.
''The Mummy Returns'' also had a 2002 spin-off '']'', which is set 5000 years prior and focuses on The Scorpion King, who is introduced in ''Mummy Returns''.


==Plot== ==Plot==
<!-- PER WP:FILMPLOT, PLOT SUMMARIES FOR FEATURE FILMS SHOULD BE 400-700 WORDS. -->
{{spoiler}}
The movie begins before the gates of the ancient Egyptian city of Thebes in 3067 BC as a warrior known only as the Scorpion King (played by ]) leads his army against the defenders on his road to conquest. The Scorpion King loses this final battle and is forced to retreat into the desert with what is left of his army. As his soldiers die one by one from the desert heat, only the Scorpion King is left. Swearing an oath to ]-the Scorpion King's soul in exchange for his life and the power to defeat his enemies-a scorpion burrows its way out of the sand and the Scorpion King picks it up, biting down on it as he eats it to seal the pact. Almost immediately, a great ] is formed around him and he soon returns to Thebes with the Army of Anubis- immortal jackal-headed warriors- to exact his revenge. When he has completed his conquest, his soul is taken by Anubis, we are then fast forwarded exactly five thousand years to 1933 where we rejoin the O'Connells eight years after the first movie. In 3067 B.C., a warrior known as the ] leads an army to conquer the world. However, they are eventually defeated and he is exiled to the desert of Ahm Shere. Dying, the King vows to give ] his soul in return for the power to defeat his enemies. He accepts, conjuring an ] and golden ], and giving the King an army of ] warriors to conquer ]. However, once his task is finished, Anubis claims his soul, and the army is returned to the ].


In 1933 A.D., nine years after the defeat of ],{{efn|As depicted in '']'' (1999).}} ] and his wife, ], explore ancient ruins with their son, ], finding the Bracelet of Anubis. In ], Alex plays with the bracelet, which locks onto his wrist, showing him visions that lead to Ahm Shere. Evelyn is attacked and captured by a cult who resurrect ] with the '']''; they wish to use his power to defeat the King, which would give them command of Anubis's army.
As the title suggests, the ] ] has returned with the help of his reincarnated lover ] (]) and the O'Connells (played by Fraser and Weisz), as well as their son Alex. The O'Connells have to stop Imhotep from acquiring the Bracelet of ] and taking on the Scorpion King, whose defeat would allow Imhotep to control the massive armies of Anubis that were granted to the Scorpion King in life.


The cult, led by ] curator ], includes enforcer ] and ], the ] of Imhotep's love ]. Rick and Alex set out to rescue Evelyn with the help of her brother ], who had gotten his hands on a golden ], and the ] ], who has returned to help them.
Early on in the film, Alex is captured by the Mummy as he is the only one who can use the Bracelet of Anubis (He has already put it on, and the bracelet provides directions to the oasis), but he begins to leave clues as to where the Mummy is going. O'Connell finds Izzy, a pilot who helps them catch up with the kidnappers in his ]. As they head off to thwart Imhotep, the O'Connells learn of their connections to Imhotep and the Scorpion King himself: In a past life, Evelyn was Nefertiri, and charged with protecting the Bracelet of Anubis. Her father was the Pharaoh killed by Imhotep. Rick is a Medjai, and is trusted to protect Evelyn, as opposed to saving the world. Together with their son, they make up 3 sides of a pyramid (it is never specified who makes up the 4th side, although presumably, it is either the Scorpion King or Imhotep, ''but it is more likely that there is no fourth side to the pyramid as the allusion made by Ardeth to a pyramid is mostly likely the three sided pyramid characterised as a symbol of the Medjai - that can be seen on Ricks' arm).''


Rick frees Evelyn before she is sacrificed and they fight against Imhotep. Meanwhile, Alex is kidnapped and forced to lead the cult with the bracelet. The O'Connells pursue them with Rick's associate ]. En route, Alex secretly leaves clues for his parents, who follow in Izzy's ].
As the two groups arrive at the oasis where the Scorpion King's temple lies the cultists are attacked by mummified pygmies and are then ambushed by Rick, Evelyn, Jonathan and Ardeth. The cultists are all killed with the exception of their leader. Rick must then run with Alex to the temple before the sun hits it and only barely succeeds. However, the Army of Anubis is awakened, and the tribes of the Medjai are forced to hold them off, despite the vastly superior numbers of the army. Imhotep and Anck-Su-Namun walk into the pyramid while she runs a sword through Evie and Evie dies. Imhotep reaches the Scorpion King's lair, but his powers are stripped from him by Anubis, who wishes him to fight the King as a mortal. Despite his new disadvantage, Imhotep begins to summon the Scorpion King when he is interrupted by Rick. The two fight before the Scorpion King enters, with the body of a scorpion starting at his torso. Imhotep tells the Scorpion King that he is a loyal servant to buy himself time, prompting the Scorpion King to focus his wrath on Rick. While this is happening Alex finds the book of the dead and Jonathon distracts Anck-Su-Namun by fighting her while Alex brings his mother back to life. Evie then fights Anck Su Namun and wins.


Imhotep uses the ''Book of the Dead'' to restore Anck-su-namun's soul into Meela's body. By doing so, he unwittingly allows Evelyn to unlock the memories of her ] as Princess Nefertiri, the bracelet's keeper and ] ]'s daughter.
Rick sees a series of hieroglyphics on the walls, and realizes how to kill the Scorpion King; a sceptre that Jonathan has been carrying is the Spear of Osiris, which is the only weapon that can kill the Scorpion King. Although Imhotep nearly delivers the blow himself, Rick manages to be the one to impale the Scorpion King, and orders his foe to "go to Hell, and take your friends with you". Upon saying this, the Scorpion King turns into black sand. The Army of Anubis, locked in combat with the Medjai, also turns into black sand that disappears.


At the edge of the Oasis, Imhotep realizes that they are being pursued by Rick and uses his powers to attack the dirigible, causing it to crash into the oasis's jungle; Izzy chooses to stay behind to repair the dirigible. The O'Connells, Ardeth, Alex, and the cult are eventually attacked by ] mummies. Rick retrieves Alex while Ardeth kills Lock-Nah.
Rick and Imhotep race to escape the collapsing temple, as a chasm presumably leading to Anubis' domain (or simply Hell) appears complete with souls lining its sides reaching out for them. Rick and Imhotep fall in, but cling onto the edges of the opening. Evelyn and Anck-Su-Namun enter, and Evelyn risks falling debris to save her husband. Imhotep cries for Anck-Su-Namun to save him as well, but she only flees (she later falls into a pit of scorpions and is eaten). Shocked and heartbroken, Imhotep realizes his true love, whom he cheated death twice to be with, has now betrayed him, in contrast to Rick and Evelyn. He gives Rick and Evelyn a sad, envious smile before willingly letting go, allowing himself to fall into the chasm. Rick and Evelyn escape with Alex and meet up with Izzy's airship which arrives at the last moment. They escape the oasis unharmed and with a massive diamond that Jonathan had pulled from the top of Anubis' pyramid as they flew away.


They escape from the pygmies, who kill all of the cult members except for Hafez, Imhotep, and Anck-su-namun. Rick and Alex race to the pyramid before the sun light reaches it, saving Alex's life and allowing the bracelet to release from his hand. Anck-su-namun, Imhotep, and Hafez then arrive and kill Evelyn before entering the pyramid.
'''Tagline:''' ''Adventure Is Reborn''

Inside the pyramid, Imhotep loses his powers and is forced to face the King as a mortal. Hafez uses the bracelet to conjure Anubis's army, which appears in the desert outside of the Oasis. Rick finds Imhotep summoning the King and attacks him. The King, now an enormous ] monster, interrupts the fight. Imhotep tricks him into attacking Rick. Outside, Ardeth and the Medjai battle Anubis's resurrected army. While Rick and the King fight, Hafez is caught in the melee and dies.

Meanwhile, Jonathan and Alex steal the ''Book of the Dead'' from Anck-su-namun and use it to resurrect Evelyn. Rick discovers ] explaining that Jonathan's scepter is the mystic Spear of ], the only weapon capable of killing the King. Meanwhile, Evie fights with Anck-su-namun. Aided by Jonathan, Rick gets the spear and uses it to slay the King, sending him and the army of Anubis back into the Underworld.

As the oasis begins to implode and the pyramid crumbles, Rick and Imhotep cling to the ledge of a pit that leads to the underworld. Rick implores Evelyn to escape, but she risks her life to pull him to safety. Seeing this, Imhotep pleads for Anck-su-namun to do the same, but she abandons him. Heartbroken, Imhotep looks at Rick and Evie before letting go and plummeting into the underworld. While fleeing, Anck-su-namun inadvertently falls into a pit of scorpions<!-- scorpions is correct, do not change to scarabs per discussion at Talk page --> and dies.

Izzy then arrives with the repaired dirigible and rescues the O'Connells just before the oasis and the pyramid are destroyed—though not before Jonathan swipes a diamond. They depart into the sunset, with Ardeth saluting them before riding off.


==Cast== ==Cast==
{{main|List of The Mummy (film series) characters|l1=List of ''The Mummy'' (film series) characters}}
''See also: ]''
* ] as ], a treasure hunter and former ]
* ] as ]; respectively, Rick's wife, and the daughter of Pharaoh Seti I
* ] as ], the reincarnated form of Pharaoh Seti I's mistress, and secret lover of Imhotep
* ] as ], Evelyn's brother
* ] as ], a Medjai chieftain and warrior
* ] as ], Rick and Evelyn's son
* ] as ], the cult leader
* ] as ], a cult enforcer
* ] as ], Rick's friend and a dirigible pilot
* ] as ], a thief contracted by the cult to claim the Bracelet of Anubis
* ] as Jacques Clemons, a thief contracted by the cult to claim the Bracelet of Anubis
* ] as Jacob Spivey, a thief contracted by the cult to claim the Bracelet of Anubis
* ] as ] ], the Pharaoh of Egypt, whom Imhotep killed in 1290 BC
* ] as ], an ancient warrior who sold his soul to Anubis
* ] as ], High Priest of Osiris and lover of Anck-Su-Namun


== Production ==

=== Development ===
Following the success of ] (1999), ] quickly moved forward with plans for a sequel. Writer-director ] was approached by Universal after the film's opening weekend, and within a day, he began developing ideas for ''The Mummy Returns''.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=The Mummy Returns: Production Notes |url=https://www.cinema.com/articles/417/mummy-returns-the-production-notes.phtml |access-date=2024-12-21 |website=Cinema.com}}</ref> Sommers had already been contemplating a sequel during the production of the original film, aiming to expand the story with a larger scale, enhanced special effects, and fresh adventures for the familiar characters. He wanted to create a new adventure without repeating the same formula, aiming to "outdo" his previous work.<ref name=":2" />

Sommers chose to set ''The Mummy Returns'' in 1933, nine years after the events of the first film. This allowed the characters to evolve, with Rick and Evelyn now married and living comfortably in London.<ref name=":2" /> They have a son, Alex, who embodies the best traits of both parents. The story intertwines multiple timelines, exploring the ancient past of the Scorpion King, Imhotep, and the O'Connells' present-day life. Sommers also sought to delve deeper into the fascination with ancient Egypt that was central to the original film.<ref name=":2" />

=== Casting ===
Sommers was eager to reunite the original cast, including ], ], and ], for the sequel. The returning actors were enthusiastic about the script, which combined elements of horror, visual effects, comedy, and romance.<ref name=":2" /> Weisz and Patricia Velasquez trained extensively in ancient Japanese martial arts to portray more physically demanding roles. New to the cast was ], who played the Scorpion King. Although Johnson was new to acting, Sommers felt his natural charisma was well-suited for the role of a fearsome warrior who made a pact with the god ]. Johnson embraced the physical demands of the role, which involved extensive makeup and hours of preparation.<ref name=":2" />

=== Filming ===
] began in the deserts of ], with additional ] work filmed in ], including locations like the gorges at ]. In Morocco, filming took place in ], which had also been used for ''The Mummy'', and ].<ref name=":2" /> The production then moved to ] in ], where sets for ancient pyramids and temples were constructed. Filming also took place in various locations around ], including the ] and ]. Despite challenges posed by the weather, the crew adapted quickly.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Filming Locations for The Mummy Returns (2001), in Morocco, Jordan and the UK. |url=https://movie-locations.com/movies/m/Mummy-Returns.php |access-date=2024-12-21 |website=The Worldwide Guide to Movie Locations}}</ref>

=== Visual effects ===
The visual effects team, led by ] at ] (ILM), aimed to surpass the effects of the first film. Advances in ] (CGI) allowed for more intricate and realistic creatures, such as Imhotep. The filmmakers focused on creating a seamless integration between the live-action sequences and CGI, utilizing detailed ] and ] technology.<ref name=":2" />

Berton highlighted the challenge of animating creatures with organic realism and developing characters like Imhotep, whose interactions with other characters were more detailed than in the original film. ], who reprised his role as Imhotep, faced the challenge of acting alongside these digital elements, often reacting to creatures and environments that were only added in post-production.<ref name=":2" />

Despite advancements in CGI, the Scorpion King's appearance was widely criticized for its awkward facial features and ] effect.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Ward |first=Cassidy |date=2023-09-28 |title=Understanding the Uncanny Valley with The Mummy Returns |url=https://www.syfy.com/syfy-wire/understanding-the-uncanny-valley-with-the-mummy-returns |access-date=2024-12-21 |website=] |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Lund |first=Anthony |date=2022-07-17 |title=The Mummy Returns VFX Supervisor Reveals Why The Scorpion King's CGI Was So Bad |url=https://movieweb.com/the-mummy-returns-vfx-supervisor-reveals-why-the-scorpion-kings-cgi-was-so-bad/ |access-date=2024-12-21 |website=] |language=en}}</ref> The visual effects team faced challenges due to limited reference material of Dwayne Johnson, as his ] commitments prevented detailed facial scans.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pierce-Bohen |first=Kayleena |date=2023-06-04 |title=Why The Mummy's 1999 VFX Look So Much Better Than The Sequels' |url=https://screenrant.com/the-mummy-1999-effects-better-sequels-why/ |access-date=2024-12-21 |website=] |language=en}}</ref> As a result, the digital representation of Johnson lacked accuracy, standing out as one of the film's most criticized visual effects, despite improvements in other characters like Imhotep.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Farley |first=Lloyd |date=2023-11-04 |title='The Mummy Returns' Real Nightmare Was the Scorpion King CGI |url=https://collider.com/the-mummy-returns-scorpion-king-bad-cgi/ |access-date=2024-12-21 |website=Collider |language=en}}</ref>

== Music ==
{{Infobox album <!-- See Misplaced Pages:WikiProject_Albums -->
| name = The Mummy Returns: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
| type = Soundtrack
| artist = ]
| cover =
| released = May 1, 2001
| length = 01:13:26
| label = ]
| chronology = The Mummy
| prev_title = ]
| prev_year = 1999
| year = 2001
| next_title = ]
| next_year = 2008
}}
{{Music ratings
| rev1 =
| rev1score = {{Rating|3|5}}
| rev2 =
| rev2score = {{Rating|3|5}}
| rev3 =
| rev3score = {{Rating|4|5}}
| rev4 =
| rev4score = {{Rating|8|10}}
}}
'''''The Mummy Returns: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack''''' was released on May 1, 2001 by ].<ref name=":1" />

The score was composed and conducted by ],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Silvestri |first=The Film Music of Alan |title=The Mummy Returns: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack :... |url=https://www.alansilvestri.com/discography-the-mummy-returns-original-motion-picture-soundtrack-20.htm |access-date=2024-08-25 |website=The Film Music of Alan Silvestri |language=en}}</ref> who did not reuse any of Goldsmith's themes from the first film.<ref name=":0" /> It was performed by the ] and orchestrated by ].<ref name=":1" />

The soundtrack contains Silvestri's as well as a version of the song "]" by the rock band ], which slightly differs from the song's album version.

A 2-CD expansion was released by ] in 2018.<ref>{{cite web |title=THE MUMMY RETURNS (2CD) |url=http://store.intrada.com/s.nl/it.A/id.11534/.f}}</ref>

==Reception==
===Box office===
''The Mummy Returns'' earned $23.4 million on its first day of release, then made $26.8 million the day after. This made it the highest Friday and Saturday grosses, surpassing both '']'' and '']'' respectively.<ref name="RakesOpening">{{cite magazine|last=Susman|first=Gary|title=''Mummy Returns'' rakes in $70.1 million|url=https://ew.com/article/2001/05/09/mummy-returns-rakes-701-million/|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|access-date=May 8, 2022|date=May 9, 2001|archive-date=November 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201128162717/https://ew.com/article/2001/05/09/mummy-returns-rakes-701-million/|url-status=live}}</ref> Later that year, those records were simultaneously given to '']'' and '']''.<ref>{{cite news |title='Planet of the Apes' easily wins US box office |url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/2001/07/29/Planet-of-the-Apes-easily-wins-US-box-office/9067996379200/ |access-date=22 February 2022 |work=] |date=29 July 2001 |archive-date=February 22, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220222041424/https://www.upi.com/Archives/2001/07/29/Planet-of-the-Apes-easily-wins-US-box-office/9067996379200/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Linder|first=Brian|title=Weekend Box Office: Potter Smashes Records|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2001/11/20/weekend-box-office-potter-smashes-records|publisher=IGN|access-date=April 17, 2022|date=November 20, 2001}}</ref> During its opening weekend, the film made $68.1 million, making it the second-highest opening weekend of all time, only behind ''The Lost World: Jurassic Park''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.screendaily.com/the-mummy-returns-is-a-monster-opens-on-701m/405631.article|title=The Mummy Returns is a monster; opens on $70.1m}}</ref> Moreover, it surpassed '']'' to have the highest opening weekend for a 2001 film, joining '']'', '']'' and ''Planet of the Apes'' to become one of the only four films of that year to make $60 million in their first three days of release.<ref>{{cite news |title='Monsters' scares up win at box office |url=https://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2001/11/04/Monsters-scares-up-win-at-box-office/78081004905129/ |access-date=11 February 2022 |work=] |date=4 November 2001 |archive-date=February 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220211025803/https://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2001/11/04/Monsters-scares-up-win-at-box-office/78081004905129/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The film also became one of four consecutive Universal films of the year to cross the $40 million in an opening weekend, with the others being '']'', '']'' and '']''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/story?id=103058&page=1|title=Box Office: Audiences Eat Up American Pie 2|website=] }}</ref> Upon opening, the film reached the top of the box office, beating out '']''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/story?id=105535&page=1|title=Box Office: Mummy Scares Up Record Haul|website=] }}</ref> For its second weekend, it collected a total of $33.7 million, outgrossing '']'' in the process.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/113069537/mummy-still-rules-box-office/ |title='Mummy' still rules box office |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221114214255/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/113069537/mummy-still-rules-box-office/ |date=May 16, 2001 |access-date=November 14, 2022 |archive-date=November 14, 2022 |page=32 |publisher=] |via=] |url-status=live}} {{Open access}}</ref> ''The Mummy Returns'' would remain in the number one spot at the box office for a total of two weeks until '']'' took it.<ref>{{Cite news |date=May 21, 2001 |title=Shrek shakes up US box office |publisher=BBC |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/1342193.stm |access-date=May 10, 2022}}</ref>

The film grossed $202 million in the United States and Canada box offices and $233 million internationally, grossing over $435 million worldwide, making it the ].<ref name="Numbers"/>

===Critical response===
''The Mummy Returns'' received mixed reviews from critics. It currently holds a 46% rating on ] based on 141 reviews, with an average rating of 5.3/10. The site's consensus states: "In ''The Mummy Returns'', the special effects are impressive, but the characters seem secondary to the computer-generated imagery."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/mummy_returns/ |title=The Mummy Returns |publisher=]}}</ref> ] reported an average rating of 48 out of 100 based on 31 reviews, indicating "mixed or average reviews".<ref name="metac">{{cite web |url=http://www.metacritic.com/film/titles/mummyreturns |title=The Mummy Returns |publisher=]}}</ref> Audiences polled by ] gave the film an average grade of "A−" on an A+ to F scale.<ref name="CinemaScore">{{cite web
|url=http://www.cinemascore.com/
|title=CinemaScore
|work=cinemascore.com}}</ref>

], who awarded the first film three stars, gave the second film only two, saying that "The mistake of ''The Mummy Returns'' is to abandon the characters, and to use the plot only as a clothesline for special effects and action sequences."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20010504/REVIEWS/105040304/1023 |title=Review |author=Roger Ebert |publisher=Chicago Sun-Times}}</ref> ] of ReelViews gave the film two and a half stars (out of four), calling it "hollow, lightweight entertainment—not unpleasant, but far from the summer's definitive action/adventure flick.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.reelviews.net/movies/m/mummy2.html |title=Review |author=James Berardinelli |publisher=ReelViews}}</ref>

Kenneth Turan of the '']'' gave the film a positive review, praising its "constant plot turns, cheeky sensibility and omnipresent action sequences."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.calendarlive.com/top/1,1419,L-LATimes-Movies-X!ArticleDetail-31481,00.html?search_area=Movies&channel=Movies |title=Review |author=Kenneth Turan |work=Los Angeles Times}}</ref> Todd McCarthy of ] praised "the nonstop action of the final hour", saying that it "bursts with visual goodies."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.variety.com/index.asp?layout=review&reviewid=VE1117797948&categoryid=31&query=%22The+Mummy+Returns%22 |title=Review |author=Todd McCarthy |publisher=Variety | date=May 3, 2001}}</ref> Rene Rodriguez of '']'' said, "Twelve-year-olds weaned on ] may not mind, but anyone who remembers the tactile thrill of an alarmingly real boulder rolling down on '']'' in '']'' will be left cold."<ref>{{cite news |last=Rodriguez |first=Rene |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-miami-herald-the-mummy-unravels-in/158100008/ |title='The Mummy' unravels in sequel
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241106201620/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-miami-herald-the-mummy-unravels-in/158100008/ |date=May 4, 2001 |access-date=November 6, 2024 |archive-date=November 6, 2024 |page=68 |publisher=] |via=] |url-status=live}} {{Open access}}</ref>

Joe Morgenstern of '']'' gave the film a negative review, saying that it "has all of the clank but none of the swank of the previous version."<ref name="metac"/> Charles Taylor of ] was also not impressed, calling ''The Mummy Returns'' "everything the first ''Mummy'' was fun for not being."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://salon.com/ent/movies/review/2001/05/04/mummy_returns/index.html |title=Review |author=Charles Taylor |work=Salon.com|date=May 4, 2001 }}</ref>

==Accolades==
{| class="wikitable" {| class="wikitable"
|- style="background:#b0c4de; text-align:center;"
! Award
! Subject
! Nominee
! Result
! {{Refh}}
|- |-
|rowspan=4|]
! Actor !! Role
|]
|
|{{Nom}}
| rowspan=4| <ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.upi.com/Nominees-for-28th-Annual-Saturn-Awards/99311016139883/ |title=Nominees for 28th Annual Saturn Awards |access-date=August 9, 2018 |date=March 14, 2002 |website=] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171002215332/https://www.upi.com/Nominees-for-28th-Annual-Saturn-Awards/99311016139883/ |archive-date=October 2, 2017 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all}}</ref>
|- |-
|]
| ] || Richard 'Rick' O'Connell
|Aileen Seaton, ] and Jane Walker
|{{Nom}}
|- |-
|]
| ] || Evelyn 'Evie' Carnahan O' Connel/Princess Nefertiri
|John Andrew Berton, Jr., ], Neil Corbould and Thomas Rosseter
|{{Nom}}
|- |-
|rowspan=2|Best Young Actor
| ] || Jonathan Carnahan
|rowspan=2|]
|{{Nom}}
|- |-
|rowspan=1|]
| ] || High Priest Imhotep
|{{Nom}}
|rowspan=1| <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.youngartistawards.org/noms23A.htm |title=Twenty-Third Annual Young Artist Awards 2002 |publisher=] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160404173701/http://www.youngartistawards.org/noms23A.htm |archive-date=April 4, 2016}}</ref>
|- |-
| rowspan="1" |]
| ] || Ardeth Bey
|Favorite Movie Actor
|rowspan=2|]
|{{Nom}}
|rowspan=1|
|- |-
|rowspan=3|]
| ] (Dwayne Johnson) || Mathayus the Scorpion King
|Choice Action Movie Actor
|{{Nom}}
|rowspan=3| <ref name="winner">{{cite web|url= http://www.hollywood.com/general/2001-teen-choice-awards-57162725/ |title= 2001 Teen Choice Awards |author= Hollywood.com Staff |work= ] |date= August 12, 2001 |access-date= October 25, 2023 |archive-date= October 25, 2023 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20231025121818/http://www.hollywood.com/general/2001-teen-choice-awards-57162725/ |url-status=live}}</ref>
|- |-
|]
| ] || Alexander 'Alex' O'Connell
|]
|{{Won}}
|- |-
|]
| ] || Meela Nais/Anck Su Namun
|
|{{Nom}}
|- |-
|rowspan=1|]
| ] || Baltus Hafez
|Best Title Sequence
|
|{{Nom}}
|rowspan=1|
|- |-
|rowspan=1|]
| ] || Lock-Nah
|Best Sound Editing - Effects & Foley
|], Malcolm Fife, Ann Scibelli, Jon Olive and Jonathan Klein
|{{Nom}}
|rowspan=1|
|- |-
|rowspan=1|]
| ] || Izzy Buttons
|Best British Actress
|]
|{{Nom}}
|rowspan=1| <ref>{{Cite web |date=January 25, 2002 |author=Willow Green |url=https://www.empireonline.com/movies/news/empire-awards-nominations-announced/ |title=Empire Awards: Nominations Announced |work=] |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170719194837/http://www.empireonline.com/movies/news/empire-awards-nominations-announced/ |archive-date=July 19, 2017 |access-date=July 1, 2021 }}</ref>
|- |-
| rowspan="1" |]
| ] || Red
|Worst Supporting Actor
|]
|{{Won}}
| rowspan=1|
|- |-
| ] || Jacques
|-
| ] || Spivey
|-
| ] || Pharaoh ]
|} |}


==Reception== ==Home media==
''The Mummy Returns'' debuted on ] and ] on October 2, 2001.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/011003/law128_1.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20011102124551/http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/011003/law128_1.html|title=Universal Studios Home Video Launches the VHS/DVD Release Of 'The Mummy Returns' Amidst Ancient Sand Dunes at Santa Monica Beach|website=]|publisher=]|via=]|archive-date=November 2, 2001|date=October 3, 2001|access-date=June 14, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Enrique|last=Rivero|url=http://www.hive4media.com/news/html/Product_article.cfm?article_id=1328|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010701185839/http://www.hive4media.com/news/html/Product_article.cfm?article_id=1328|title=Universal's Mighty 'Mummy Returns' Unwraps at Retail Oct. 2|website=hive4media.com|archive-date=July 1, 2001|date=June 18, 2001|access-date=September 1, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> It became the fastest-selling DVD ever in the ], selling 2 million copies after its first week of release, while also surpassing '']''.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Groves |first1=Don |last2=Clay |first2=Jennifer |date=October 9, 2001 |title=Big day for DVD debuts |work=] |url=https://variety.com/2001/digital/features/big-day-for-dvd-debuts-1117853998/ |access-date=September 30, 2023}}</ref> The film would briefly hold this record for two weeks until it was taken by '']'' when it sold 2.2 million copies during its first week.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.deseret.com/2001/10/29/19613810/menace-sales-set-dvd-record|title='Menace' sales set DVD record|date=October 29, 2001 }}</ref> There are two separate versions of this DVD release either in widescreen or fullscreen formats.<ref name="IGNDVD">{{cite web|last=Nunziata|first=Nick|title=Mummy Returns, The|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2001/09/19/mummy-returns-the|publisher=IGN|access-date=October 28, 2024|date=September 19, 2001}}</ref>
This film received poor critical response, but was a ] hit in 2001. Previously, ] directed '']'', '']'', as well as '']''. His next film was '']'' in ].

==Trivia==


The film was subsequently released on the high-definition ] format in July 2008,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/The-Mummy-Returns-Blu-ray/826/|title=The Mummy Returns Blu-ray Release Date July 22, 2008|via=www.blu-ray.com}}</ref> and on ] in 2017.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/Mummy-Returns-Blu-ray-Brendan-Fraser/dp/B073CY43DV/ref=tmm_frk_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1574098564&sr=8-1|title=The Mummy Returns|date=September 12, 2017|via=Amazon}}</ref>
*The ] exterior shots are actually of ]


==Video games==
*The film's ']' do not appear until just before the ], which is famously an extreme case of the ].
Two video games based on the movie were released. The first was released on the ], developed by GameBrains, and was released within the film's theatrical release.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2001/04/20/the-mummy-returns-4 | title=The Mummy Returns | date=April 20, 2001 }}</ref> The other is for the ], developed by ] and was released in October 2001, to coincide with the film's home media release.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020814010245fw_/http://www.universalinteractive.com/news_article.phtml?news=05.17.01b | title=Universal Interactive - News }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2001/09/19/the-mummy-returns-2 | title=The Mummy Returns | date=September 19, 2001 }}</ref> Both titles were published by ].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/08/05/off-the-record-128 | title=Off the Record | date=August 5, 2000 }}</ref>


== Subsequent works ==
*A ] is shown in the film. However, the ] didn't enter service until ], 20 years after the events of ''The Mummy Returns''.


=== Spin-off ===
*A log bridge falls into a ravine with several pygmies on it. One pygmie runs one way across the falling bridge to get off of it, and then runs back the other way. After realizing it can't escape, it straddles the log and waves its hand in the air like Major Kong atop the bomb in ] ] '']''.
{{Main|The Scorpion King}}A spin-off/prequel film centering on ]'s character, the ], was released on April 19, 2002. It focuses on the King's origins, as he rises to power before the events of ''The Mummy Returns''<nowiki/>' prologue. The film received mixed reviews but was only a moderate commercial success.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Scorpion King |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/scorpion_king/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200921022245/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/scorpion_king |archive-date=21 September 2020 |access-date=20 April 2020 |work=Rotten Tomatoes |publisher=]}}</ref><ref name="mojo">{{cite web |title=The Scorpion King |url=https://boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=scorpionking.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091216212000/http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=scorpionking.htm |archive-date=16 December 2009 |access-date=4 January 2010 |website=]}}</ref> It spawned ], with ] sequels and with different actors playing the title role.


=== Sequel ===
*The weapons are of World War II era, i.e the ]s, the ] shown when Horus was killed.
{{Main|The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor}}A sequel to ''The Mummy Returns'' was released on August 1, 2008. Brendan Fraser and John Hannah both reprised their roles, while Rachel Weisz was replaced by ] as Evelyn, and ] played the now-adult Alex O'Connell. The film received generally negative reviews,<ref>{{cite web |title=The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor (2008) |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/mummy_tomb_of_the_dragon_emperor |work=]}} Accessed November 22, 2021.</ref> and was the lowest-grossing film of the trilogy.<ref>{{cite web |title=Mummy Franchise Box Office History – The Numbers |url=https://www.the-numbers.com/movies/franchise/Mummy#tab=summary |website=www.the-numbers.com}}</ref>


==Notes==
*O'Connell's tattoo was not present in '']''. This can be seen during a scene discontinuity where the leather covering on his wrist is not present, and then appears on his wrist shortly after.
{{Reflist|group=lower-alpha}}


==References==
*Oded Fehr voiced an Ardeth Bey-type character named Amahl Ali Akbar in the 2005 animated feature '']'' The similarity between Bey and Akbar is striking, including both having a falcon companion named Horus.
{{Reflist}}


==External links== ==External links==
{{wikiquote}} {{Wikiquote}}
* * {{Official website|http://www.themummy.com}}
*{{imdb title|id=0209163|title=The Mummy Returns}} * {{IMDb title|0209163}}
* {{Mojo title|themummyreturns}}
*{{rotten-tomatoes|id=mummy_returns|title=The Mummy Returns}}
* {{Rotten Tomatoes|the_mummy_returns}}
*{{metacritic film|id=mummyreturns|title=The Mummy Returns}}
*{{mojo title|id=mummyreturns|title=The Mummy Returns}} * {{TCMDb title|343654}}
* {{AFI film|62122}}


{{The Mummy}}
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{{Stephen Sommers}}
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Latest revision as of 19:39, 11 January 2025

2001 American action adventure film

The Mummy Returns
Theatrical release poster
Directed byStephen Sommers
Written byStephen Sommers
Based onCharacters
by
Produced bySean Daniel
James Jacks
Starring
CinematographyAdrian Biddle
Edited byBob Ducsay
Kelly Matsumoto
Music byAlan Silvestri
Production
companies		Universal Pictures
Alphaville Films
Distributed byUniversal Pictures
Release date
  • May 4, 2001 (2001-05-04)
Running time129 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Budget$98 million
Box office$435 million

The Mummy Returns is a 2001 American fantasy action-adventure film written and directed by Stephen Sommers. It is the sequel to the 1999 film The Mummy, and the second film in The Mummy film series starring Brendan Fraser as Rick O'Connell.

Fraser, Rachel Weisz, John Hannah, Arnold Vosloo, Oded Fehr, and Patricia Velásquez reprise their roles from the previous film, starring alongside Freddie Boath, Alun Armstrong, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, and Dwayne Johnson in his film acting debut. Most of the crew from the first film also return, though composer Jerry Goldsmith was replaced by Alan Silvestri.

The film was released on May 4, 2001 by Universal Pictures. Like its predecessor, The Mummy Returns was a commercial success, grossing $435 million worldwide, becoming the seventh-highest-grossing film of 2001 and the highest-grossing film of the film series. The film received mixed reviews from critics. It was followed by a 2002 prequel film The Scorpion King, a spin-off that is set 5,000 years prior and whose eponymous character, played by Johnson was introduced in this film. A sequel starring Fraser and Hannah, The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor, was released in 2008.

Plot

In 3067 B.C., a warrior known as the Scorpion King leads an army to conquer the world. However, they are eventually defeated and he is exiled to the desert of Ahm Shere. Dying, the King vows to give Anubis his soul in return for the power to defeat his enemies. He accepts, conjuring an oasis and golden pyramid, and giving the King an army of jackal-like warriors to conquer Egypt. However, once his task is finished, Anubis claims his soul, and the army is returned to the Underworld.

In 1933 A.D., nine years after the defeat of Imhotep, Rick O'Connell and his wife, Evelyn, explore ancient ruins with their son, Alex, finding the Bracelet of Anubis. In London, Alex plays with the bracelet, which locks onto his wrist, showing him visions that lead to Ahm Shere. Evelyn is attacked and captured by a cult who resurrect Imhotep with the Book of the Dead; they wish to use his power to defeat the King, which would give them command of Anubis's army.

The cult, led by museum curator Baltus Hafez, includes enforcer Lock-Nah and Meela Nais, the physical reincarnation of Imhotep's love Anck-su-namun. Rick and Alex set out to rescue Evelyn with the help of her brother Jonathan, who had gotten his hands on a golden scepter, and the Medjai Ardeth Bay, who has returned to help them.

Rick frees Evelyn before she is sacrificed and they fight against Imhotep. Meanwhile, Alex is kidnapped and forced to lead the cult with the bracelet. The O'Connells pursue them with Rick's associate Izzy. En route, Alex secretly leaves clues for his parents, who follow in Izzy's dirigible.

Imhotep uses the Book of the Dead to restore Anck-su-namun's soul into Meela's body. By doing so, he unwittingly allows Evelyn to unlock the memories of her previous life as Princess Nefertiri, the bracelet's keeper and Pharaoh Seti I's daughter.

At the edge of the Oasis, Imhotep realizes that they are being pursued by Rick and uses his powers to attack the dirigible, causing it to crash into the oasis's jungle; Izzy chooses to stay behind to repair the dirigible. The O'Connells, Ardeth, Alex, and the cult are eventually attacked by pygmy mummies. Rick retrieves Alex while Ardeth kills Lock-Nah.

They escape from the pygmies, who kill all of the cult members except for Hafez, Imhotep, and Anck-su-namun. Rick and Alex race to the pyramid before the sun light reaches it, saving Alex's life and allowing the bracelet to release from his hand. Anck-su-namun, Imhotep, and Hafez then arrive and kill Evelyn before entering the pyramid.

Inside the pyramid, Imhotep loses his powers and is forced to face the King as a mortal. Hafez uses the bracelet to conjure Anubis's army, which appears in the desert outside of the Oasis. Rick finds Imhotep summoning the King and attacks him. The King, now an enormous scorpion monster, interrupts the fight. Imhotep tricks him into attacking Rick. Outside, Ardeth and the Medjai battle Anubis's resurrected army. While Rick and the King fight, Hafez is caught in the melee and dies.

Meanwhile, Jonathan and Alex steal the Book of the Dead from Anck-su-namun and use it to resurrect Evelyn. Rick discovers hieroglyphs explaining that Jonathan's scepter is the mystic Spear of Osiris, the only weapon capable of killing the King. Meanwhile, Evie fights with Anck-su-namun. Aided by Jonathan, Rick gets the spear and uses it to slay the King, sending him and the army of Anubis back into the Underworld.

As the oasis begins to implode and the pyramid crumbles, Rick and Imhotep cling to the ledge of a pit that leads to the underworld. Rick implores Evelyn to escape, but she risks her life to pull him to safety. Seeing this, Imhotep pleads for Anck-su-namun to do the same, but she abandons him. Heartbroken, Imhotep looks at Rick and Evie before letting go and plummeting into the underworld. While fleeing, Anck-su-namun inadvertently falls into a pit of scorpions and dies.

Izzy then arrives with the repaired dirigible and rescues the O'Connells just before the oasis and the pyramid are destroyed—though not before Jonathan swipes a diamond. They depart into the sunset, with Ardeth saluting them before riding off.

Cast

Main article: List of The Mummy (film series) characters

Production

Development

Following the success of The Mummy (1999), Universal Pictures quickly moved forward with plans for a sequel. Writer-director Stephen Sommers was approached by Universal after the film's opening weekend, and within a day, he began developing ideas for The Mummy Returns. Sommers had already been contemplating a sequel during the production of the original film, aiming to expand the story with a larger scale, enhanced special effects, and fresh adventures for the familiar characters. He wanted to create a new adventure without repeating the same formula, aiming to "outdo" his previous work.

Sommers chose to set The Mummy Returns in 1933, nine years after the events of the first film. This allowed the characters to evolve, with Rick and Evelyn now married and living comfortably in London. They have a son, Alex, who embodies the best traits of both parents. The story intertwines multiple timelines, exploring the ancient past of the Scorpion King, Imhotep, and the O'Connells' present-day life. Sommers also sought to delve deeper into the fascination with ancient Egypt that was central to the original film.

Casting

Sommers was eager to reunite the original cast, including Brendan Fraser, Rachel Weisz, and John Hannah, for the sequel. The returning actors were enthusiastic about the script, which combined elements of horror, visual effects, comedy, and romance. Weisz and Patricia Velasquez trained extensively in ancient Japanese martial arts to portray more physically demanding roles. New to the cast was Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, who played the Scorpion King. Although Johnson was new to acting, Sommers felt his natural charisma was well-suited for the role of a fearsome warrior who made a pact with the god Anubis. Johnson embraced the physical demands of the role, which involved extensive makeup and hours of preparation.

Filming

Principal photography began in the deserts of Morocco, with additional second-unit work filmed in Jordan, including locations like the gorges at Petra. In Morocco, filming took place in Erfoud, which had also been used for The Mummy, and Ouarzazate. The production then moved to Shepperton Studios in England, where sets for ancient pyramids and temples were constructed. Filming also took place in various locations around London, including the British Museum and Tower Bridge. Despite challenges posed by the weather, the crew adapted quickly.

Visual effects

The visual effects team, led by John Berton at Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), aimed to surpass the effects of the first film. Advances in computer-generated imagery (CGI) allowed for more intricate and realistic creatures, such as Imhotep. The filmmakers focused on creating a seamless integration between the live-action sequences and CGI, utilizing detailed camera tracking and motion-capture technology.

Berton highlighted the challenge of animating creatures with organic realism and developing characters like Imhotep, whose interactions with other characters were more detailed than in the original film. Arnold Vosloo, who reprised his role as Imhotep, faced the challenge of acting alongside these digital elements, often reacting to creatures and environments that were only added in post-production.

Despite advancements in CGI, the Scorpion King's appearance was widely criticized for its awkward facial features and uncanny valley effect. The visual effects team faced challenges due to limited reference material of Dwayne Johnson, as his WWE commitments prevented detailed facial scans. As a result, the digital representation of Johnson lacked accuracy, standing out as one of the film's most criticized visual effects, despite improvements in other characters like Imhotep.

Music

The Mummy Returns: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Soundtrack album by Alan Silvestri
ReleasedMay 1, 2001
Length1:13:26
LabelDecca Records
The Mummy chronology
The Mummy
(1999) 		The Mummy Returns: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
(2001) 		Tomb of the Dragon Emperor
(2008)
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic
Empire
Filmtracks
Tracksounds

The Mummy Returns: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack was released on May 1, 2001 by Decca Records.

The score was composed and conducted by Alan Silvestri, who did not reuse any of Goldsmith's themes from the first film. It was performed by the Sinfonia of London and orchestrated by William Ross.

The soundtrack contains Silvestri's as well as a version of the song "Forever May Not Be Long Enough" by the rock band Live, which slightly differs from the song's album version.

A 2-CD expansion was released by Intrada Records in 2018.

Reception

Box office

The Mummy Returns earned $23.4 million on its first day of release, then made $26.8 million the day after. This made it the highest Friday and Saturday grosses, surpassing both Toy Story 2 and The Lost World: Jurassic Park respectively. Later that year, those records were simultaneously given to Planet of the Apes and Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. During its opening weekend, the film made $68.1 million, making it the second-highest opening weekend of all time, only behind The Lost World: Jurassic Park. Moreover, it surpassed Hannibal to have the highest opening weekend for a 2001 film, joining Monsters, Inc., Rush Hour 2 and Planet of the Apes to become one of the only four films of that year to make $60 million in their first three days of release. The film also became one of four consecutive Universal films of the year to cross the $40 million in an opening weekend, with the others being American Pie 2, The Fast and the Furious and Jurassic Park III. Upon opening, the film reached the top of the box office, beating out Driven. For its second weekend, it collected a total of $33.7 million, outgrossing A Knight's Tale in the process. The Mummy Returns would remain in the number one spot at the box office for a total of two weeks until Shrek took it.

The film grossed $202 million in the United States and Canada box offices and $233 million internationally, grossing over $435 million worldwide, making it the seventh-highest-grossing film of 2001.

Critical response

The Mummy Returns received mixed reviews from critics. It currently holds a 46% rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 141 reviews, with an average rating of 5.3/10. The site's consensus states: "In The Mummy Returns, the special effects are impressive, but the characters seem secondary to the computer-generated imagery." Metacritic reported an average rating of 48 out of 100 based on 31 reviews, indicating "mixed or average reviews". Audiences polled by CinemaScore gave the film an average grade of "A−" on an A+ to F scale.

Roger Ebert, who awarded the first film three stars, gave the second film only two, saying that "The mistake of The Mummy Returns is to abandon the characters, and to use the plot only as a clothesline for special effects and action sequences." James Berardinelli of ReelViews gave the film two and a half stars (out of four), calling it "hollow, lightweight entertainment—not unpleasant, but far from the summer's definitive action/adventure flick.

Kenneth Turan of the Los Angeles Times gave the film a positive review, praising its "constant plot turns, cheeky sensibility and omnipresent action sequences." Todd McCarthy of Variety praised "the nonstop action of the final hour", saying that it "bursts with visual goodies." Rene Rodriguez of The Miami Herald said, "Twelve-year-olds weaned on Nintendo may not mind, but anyone who remembers the tactile thrill of an alarmingly real boulder rolling down on Indiana Jones in Raiders of the Lost Ark will be left cold."

Joe Morgenstern of The Wall Street Journal gave the film a negative review, saying that it "has all of the clank but none of the swank of the previous version." Charles Taylor of Salon.com was also not impressed, calling The Mummy Returns "everything the first Mummy was fun for not being."

Accolades

Award Subject Nominee Result Ref.
Saturn Awards Best Fantasy Film Nominated
Best Makeup Aileen Seaton, Nick Dudman and Jane Walker Nominated
Best Special Effects John Andrew Berton, Jr., Daniel Jeannette, Neil Corbould and Thomas Rosseter Nominated
Best Young Actor Freddie Boath Nominated
Young Artist Awards Nominated
Kids' Choice Awards Favorite Movie Actor Brendan Fraser Nominated
Teen Choice Awards Choice Action Movie Actor Nominated
Choice Movie Villain The Rock Won
Choice Action Movie Nominated
Golden Trailer Awards Best Title Sequence Nominated
Golden Reel Awards Best Sound Editing - Effects & Foley Leslie Shatz, Malcolm Fife, Ann Scibelli, Jon Olive and Jonathan Klein Nominated
Empire Awards Best British Actress Rachel Weisz Nominated
Stinkers Bad Movie Awards Worst Supporting Actor The Rock Won

Home media

The Mummy Returns debuted on VHS and DVD on October 2, 2001. It became the fastest-selling DVD ever in the United States, selling 2 million copies after its first week of release, while also surpassing Gladiator. The film would briefly hold this record for two weeks until it was taken by Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace when it sold 2.2 million copies during its first week. There are two separate versions of this DVD release either in widescreen or fullscreen formats.

The film was subsequently released on the high-definition Blu-ray format in July 2008, and on UHD Blu-ray in 2017.

Video games

Two video games based on the movie were released. The first was released on the Game Boy Color, developed by GameBrains, and was released within the film's theatrical release. The other is for the PlayStation 2, developed by Blitz Games and was released in October 2001, to coincide with the film's home media release. Both titles were published by Universal Interactive.

Subsequent works

Spin-off

Main article: The Scorpion King

A spin-off/prequel film centering on Dwayne Johnson's character, the Scorpion King, was released on April 19, 2002. It focuses on the King's origins, as he rises to power before the events of The Mummy Returns' prologue. The film received mixed reviews but was only a moderate commercial success. It spawned The Scorpion King film series, with direct-to-video sequels and with different actors playing the title role.

Sequel

Main article: The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor

A sequel to The Mummy Returns was released on August 1, 2008. Brendan Fraser and John Hannah both reprised their roles, while Rachel Weisz was replaced by Maria Bello as Evelyn, and Luke Ford played the now-adult Alex O'Connell. The film received generally negative reviews, and was the lowest-grossing film of the trilogy.

Notes

  1. As depicted in The Mummy (1999).

References

  1. ^ "The Mummy Returns (2001)". The Numbers. Retrieved June 20, 2020.
  2. "The Mummy Returns". British Board of Film Classification.
  3. ^ "Filmtracks: The Mummy Returns (Alan Silvestri)". www.filmtracks.com. Retrieved August 25, 2024.
  4. ^ Silvestri, Alan. "The Mummy Returns (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)". Discogs.
  5. ^ "The Mummy Returns: Production Notes". Cinema.com. Retrieved December 21, 2024.
  6. "Filming Locations for The Mummy Returns (2001), in Morocco, Jordan and the UK". The Worldwide Guide to Movie Locations. Retrieved December 21, 2024.
  7. ^ Ward, Cassidy (September 28, 2023). "Understanding the Uncanny Valley with The Mummy Returns". Syfy. Retrieved December 21, 2024.
  8. Lund, Anthony (July 17, 2022). "The Mummy Returns VFX Supervisor Reveals Why The Scorpion King's CGI Was So Bad". MovieWeb. Retrieved December 21, 2024.
  9. Pierce-Bohen, Kayleena (June 4, 2023). "Why The Mummy's 1999 VFX Look So Much Better Than The Sequels'". ScreenRant. Retrieved December 21, 2024.
  10. Farley, Lloyd (November 4, 2023). "'The Mummy Returns' Real Nightmare Was the Scorpion King CGI". Collider. Retrieved December 21, 2024.
  11. Silvestri, The Film Music of Alan. "The Mummy Returns: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack :..." The Film Music of Alan Silvestri. Retrieved August 25, 2024.
  12. "THE MUMMY RETURNS (2CD)".
  13. Susman, Gary (May 9, 2001). "Mummy Returns rakes in $70.1 million". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on November 28, 2020. Retrieved May 8, 2022.
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External links

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