Mummy Returns, The MPAA Rating: PG-13 Entertainment: +4 Content: -1 1/2

Eight years after battling the mummy of cursed Egyptian priest Imhotep (Arnold Vosloo), adventurer Rick OConnell (Bredndan Fraser) is married to Egyptologist Evelyn (Rachel Weisz). The couple now take their son, Alex (Freddie Boath), on trips to discover ancient Egyptian artifacts. Alex becomes the focal point of the story when he tries on the ancient Bracelet of Anubis and cant get it off. The bracelet guides its wearer to the golden temple of the Scorpion King (The Rock), a legendary Egyptian warrior who sold his soul to the Egyptian god Anubis and serves as commander of his endless army of dog-headed soldiers. But the corrupt curator of the British museum brings the mummy of Imhotep back to life, hoping the powerful priest can defeat the Scorpion King and bring the curator wealth and power. They kidnap Alex and the bracelet to be their map. Rick and Evelyn try to rescue the kidnapped Alex, prevent Imhotep from claiming the power of Anubis army, and defeat the newly awakened Scorpion King. Crowd-thrilling action never stops in this old-fashioned adventure tale as good fights to overcome evil.

Some aspects of this fantasy story raise caution flags. Evelyn has visions that eventually lead to discovery of a past life. Another character claims to be Imhotep’s ancient lover, but he says she only has the looks and later conjures up her soul to complete the reincarnation. Ancient Egyptian chants from the “Book of the Dead” bring more than one character back to life. Violent action is almost non-stop but numerous deaths avoid showing gore or gruesome wounds, although one scene shows beetle swarms running under the skin and exploding out of a man’s mouth. Several mummy and pygmy warrior creatures also appear frightening at first. Some humorous comments are made about the difficulties of parenting, particularly with smart children, although Rick and Evelyn clearly love one another and Alex. Despite the strong family love shown by the O’Connells, the occultic aspects of the Egyptian chants and themes of reincarnation make THE MUMMY RETURNS a trip we can’t recommend.

Preview Reviewer: Paul Bicking
Distributor: Universal Pictures, 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA