The Mummy Returns (2001)
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Rick O'Connell and his family must confront an ancient evil and a powerful desert warrior to protect a mystical artifact.
The story
In 1933, Rick O'Connell and his wife Evelyn, along with their son Alex, discover the Bracelet of Anubis while exploring ancient ruins. When the bracelet locks onto Alex's wrist, it reveals visions of the desert of Ahm Shere. Shortly after, Evelyn is kidnapped by a cult led by Baltus Hafez. The cult intends to use the Book of the Dead to resurrect the high priest Imhotep, seeking to harness his power to command the army of the Scorpion King. Rick, his son, and their allies must navigate a dangerous journey to rescue Evelyn and stop the cult from unleashing ancient forces.
Full plot (contains spoilers)
In 3067 B.C., the Scorpion King is defeated and exiled, offering his soul to Anubis for power. In 1933, Rick O'Connell, his wife Evelyn, and their son Alex find the Bracelet of Anubis. When the bracelet locks onto Alex, it reveals visions of Ahm Shere. A cult led by Baltus Hafez kidnaps Evelyn to resurrect Imhotep using the Book of the Dead to command Anubis's army. Rick, Alex, and their allies—including Jonathan Carnahan and the Medjai Ardeth Bay—pursue them. Imhotep uses the Book to restore the soul of Anck-su-namun into the body of Meela Nais, which allows Evelyn to remember her past as Princess Nefertiri. After a series of battles and a journey to the oasis, the group faces the cult and the mummies. Imhotep eventually faces the Scorpion King, who transforms into a massive monster. Rick and his allies use the Spear of Osiris to defeat the King, sending him and the army back to the underworld. Imhotep is left behind as the oasis is destroyed, while the O'Connells escape safely.
- First release year
- 2001
- Runtime (minutes)
- 129
- Production countries
- United States
- Original languages
- English
- Directors
- Stephen Sommers
- Writers
- Stephen Sommers · writer
- Cast and characters
- Brendan Fraser · Rick O'Connell; Rachel Weisz · Evelyn O'Connell / Nefertiri; John Hannah · Jonathan Carnahan; Arnold Vosloo · Imhotep; Oded Fehr · Ardeth Bay; Patricia Velásquez · Meela Nais / Anck-su-namun; Dwayne Johnson · Mathayus of Akkad / The Scorpion King; Freddie Boath · Alex O'Connell
- Genres
- fantasy; action; adventure
- Themes
- Ancient Egypt; Sacrifice; Legacy
- Tone and mood
- Action-packed; Adventure; Fantasy
- Setting
- 1933 A.D. and 3067 B.C. in locations including the desert of Ahm Shere and the Oasis.
- Premise and plot tags
- Sequel; Mythology; Adventure
- Content notes
- Intense and frightening
- Reception
- The film was a commercial success but received mixed reviews from critics.
- Reported review scores
- Rotten Tomatoes · score: 46% · scale: percentage · review count: 142
- Production trivia
- It became the fastest-selling DVD ever in the United States upon its release.; The film was the highest-grossing film of the series.; The Scorpion King's appearance was criticized for its 'uncanny valley' effect.
Film metadata comes from the open sources listed in Credits & Contact. Catalogue details may be incomplete.
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