The Mummy Returns
Sequel to 1999's The Mummy with returning characters facing new ancient threats
The brief
Stephen Sommers doubles down on everything that made the first Mummy work, cranking the spectacle and silliness to 11 with mixed results. Brendan Fraser still brings that perfect goofy charm, but the pacing feels bloated at over two hours, and the CGI-heavy action sequences blur together into expensive-looking chaos. The family dynamic adds some heart, though young Freddie Boath as their son can grate when the script asks him to carry too much plot weight. If you loved the pulp adventure spirit of the original and don't mind diminishing returns, it scratches the same itch - just think Raiders of the Lost Ark's louder, messier younger brother.
The verdict
If you loved the first Mummy and have a high tolerance for over-the-top spectacle and CGI mayhem, this delivers more of that same pulpy adventure fun with Brendan Fraser's winning charm intact. If you prefer tighter pacing and more practical effects over bloated runtime and digital chaos, the diminishing returns will likely leave you checking your watch during its 130-minute sprawl.
Watch with
- 👨👩👧👦 Family movie night with older kids
- 👥 Friends who love cheesy adventure
- ⚠️ Skip if you want tight pacing
Heads up
- Child in peril throughout film (frequent)
- Mummy violence and undead imagery (moderate)
- Jump scares with supernatural creatures (moderate)
Credits
- Director
- Stephen Sommers
- Cast
- Brendan Fraser, Rachel Weisz, John Hannah, Oded Fehr, Arnold Vosloo, Patricia Velásquez, Freddie Boath
Official synopsis
'Rick and Evelyn O’Connell, along with their 8-year-old son Alex, discover the key to the legendary Scorpion
The Double
Make a night of it
Pair this with The Killer (1989)
Both feature relentless action with supernatural elements and ancient mysteries.
Total runtime: 2h 10m + 1h 50m = 4h 0m
