The Mummy Returns (2001)

 

The Mummy Returns - 2001

Coming up next is 2001's "The Mummy Returns".  The O'Connells are back!  This time, not only are they battling fiendish ancient priest Imhotep, they're also going up against the Scorpion King!

The film's cast includes Brendan Fraser, Rachel Weisz, John Hannah, Arnold Vosloo, Oded Fehr, Dwayne Johnson, Freddie Boath, Patricia Velasquez, Aharon Ipale, Shaun Parkes, Alun Armstrong, and Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje.

We start out with the origins of the Scorpion King and the Bracelet of Anubis.  The Scorpion King and his army is waiting to be awakened once again so they can conquer the world.

Five thousand years later, Rick and Evie O'Connell discover the bracelet while on an artifact finding expedition in Egypt.

Elsewhere, the body of priest Imhotep has been rediscovered.  It is believed that Imhotep is the only one with the power to defeat the Scorpion King and take over the world.

Back in England, the O'Connells' son Alex tries on the bracelet and sets in motion a plan that will awaken the Scorpion King.

Also in England is Imhotep, who has now been awakened.  He is most gratified to see the reincarnation of his lover, Anck Su Namun.

Knowing that the O'Connells possess the Bracelet of Anubis, Imhotep unleashes several of his priests to wreak havoc on the unsuspecting city of London.

They succeed in kidnapping Alex, though as long as he is wearing the bracelet he is safe from harm.  Rick and Evie are devastated.

Back in Egypt, Alex discovers that he only has five days to lead Imhotep to the oasis of Ahm Shere to awaken the armies of the Scorpion King or the bracelet will suck the life out of him.

With the help of an old friend, the O'Connells, Jonathan, and their friend Ardeth Bey, travel by dirigible across the sands of Egypt, hoping to catch up with their son.

By the time Imhotep reaches Karnak, he has fully regenerated.  Alex makes sure to leave a trail so that his parents know where he is and how to find him.

Eventually, the oasis of Ahm Shere is reached, and Imhotep and Rick must put their own battle on hold in order to face the Scorpion King himself.

Naturally, Rick and the gang save the day.  Before the oasis of Ahm Shere is reclaimed by the desert, Jonathan gets one last keepsake, an enormous diamond!

Everyone sails home on the dirigible.  Rick and Evie kiss, while everyone rolls their eyes.

Cast rundown:

   Brendan Fraser...................................Rick O'Connell

   Rachel Weisz......................................Evelyn O'Connell

   John Hannah......................................Jonathan Carnahan

   Arnold Vosloo.....................................Imhotep

   Dwayne Johnson.................................The Scorpion King

   Freddie Boath.....................................Alex O'Connell

   Patricia Velasquez...............................Anck Su Namun

   Aharon Ipale......................................Pharaoh Seti I

   Shaun Parkes.....................................Izzy Buttons

   Alun Armstrong..................................Baltus Hafez

   Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje..................Lock-Nah 

And that's it for The Mummy Returns.  This sequel to "The Mummy" broke all kinds of box-office records when it was released.  Two cast members suffered horribly during the filming.  Brendan Fraser endured a torn spinal disk, a cracked rib, and injured knees.  Dwayne Johnson had a bout with food poisoning and sunstroke, losing 10 pounds during production.  He said that it was the worst he ever felt in his life.

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