The Mummy Returns [2001] (REGION 1) (NTSC)

Amazon.co.uk Review

"We don't have time for subtle," says Brendan Fraser, the star of The Mummy Returns, neatly encapsulating the relentless pace and hammerheaded tone of the film. As is the way of sequels here we have more, more, more of the same formula: more explosions, more action and more mind-numbingly endless CGI effects. Once again borrowing shamelessly from the Indiana Jones series, The Mummy Returns, like its predecessor, has boundless energy but lacks the stylish verve and charm of Spielberg's trilogy. All the original cast are reunited, this time joined by WWF star the Rock in a cameo role designed to plug his spin-off vehicle, The Scorpion King, and young actor Freddie Boath who plays an English eight-year-old in the 1930s whose dialogue borrows from Bart Simpson ("Get a room" and "My dad's gonna kick your arse" are two of his choice phrases). Other cinematic thefts include a Jurassic Park-style creatures-in-the-long-grass sequence and a lengthy triple-threat finale along the lines of Return of the Jedi. Still, despite the wearying relentlessness of its computer-generated effects, endless chases and fights, this is undeniably fun popcorn fodder and provides some memorable scenes along the way, notably Rachel Weisz and Patricia Velasquez battling it out for the affections of nasty old Imhotep.

On the DVD: This two-disc "Special Edition" is a treat for fans of the franchise. The first disc has an anamorphic widescreen print of the movie in its 2.35:1 CinemaScope ratio, and a choice of Dolby 5.1 or DTS for the headache-inducing soundtrack. There's a decent commentary from the director and producer, plus a couple of DVD-ROM features. Disc 2 has all the usual stuff, including a 20-minute "making-of" documentary, a five-minute interview with the Rock about The Scorpion King, plus an exclusive trailer for it that is unsurprisingly reminiscent of Conan the Barbarian. There are also some detailed special effects breakdowns of key sequences, a blooper reel of outtakes and a virtual tour of the Universal theme park attraction "The Mummy Returns Chamber of Doom". Sundry trailers, production notes, a music video and an "Egyptology 201" text feature round out a well-loaded second disc. --Mark Walker

Customer Reviews:

"Not These Guys Again.".......2008-01-29

It's 1933, and the O'Connells are at it again. The now married Rick (Brendan Fraser) and Evy (Rachel Weisz) are back in Egypt exploring a long sealed tomb. They've even brought their eight year old son Alex (Freddie Boath) along for the ride. They're hear because of a bunch of strange dreams Evy has been having. Exploring the tomb, they find the bracelet of the Scorpion King (The Rock).

Unfortunately, they aren't the only people looking for it. A group of diggers has found the mummy of Imhotep (Arnold Vosloo). They intend to revive him and allow him to kill the Scorpion King, thereby allowing him to control the Scorpion King's army and rule the Earth. But, in order to do all that, they need the bracelet.

Which is why the O'Connells are attacked when they return home to London. And since Alex has just put the bracelet on, he becomes a target. Joining forces with Evy's brother Jonathan (John Hannah) and Magi Ardeth Bay (Oded Fehr), they set out to save the world again. But in this race again time, will they win?

Having been a surprised fan of the first, I was looking forward to the second. I was disappointed the first time around, but a second viewing made me see it with new eyes. The plot, while a little complicated, is actually more original then I gave it credit for being. It definitely starts faster then the original did. The story actually holds together well and the acting is fine. Once again, this really isn't a horror movie but an action flick with super natural elements.

Having said that, I do have definite problems with this movie. The introduction of the reincarnation back story still makes me roll my eyes. It might help explain why everyone from the first film is back, but it slows the movie down at times, too. The computer effects aren't up to par either. There were so many of them it grew quite distracting. Finally, I loved the jokes and wise cracks of the first, but this one doesn't have the same comedic flare.

I'm surprising myself by saying this sequel isn't bad. But it isn't great either. If you haven't seen it, you aren't missing much, but if you liked the first you'll be glad you gave this one a try.

AN EXCITING SEQUEL.......2007-08-08

After seeing "The Mummy" on video for the first time years ago, I knew I would be hooked. I've watched it about twenty times since then, and as many people know, this movie does not get boring or less funny after watching it numerous times, in fact, I think it gets more and more thrilling each time. I began hoping for a sequel to be released, and when I heard that one was in the making, I was relieved that they weren't going to end this great storyline with just one film. When "The Mummy Returns" was finally released in theaters, it didn't recieve very many good reviews right away. I was dissapointed because I didn't understand how Stephen Sommers could direct such a great movie classic and then totally botch a promising sequel. I let the reviews get to me and I didn't see the movie while in the theaters. I waited until this past weekend to watch TMR on pay-per-view not expecting much due to the bad reviews, but I soon found out that, boy, were some of those critics wrong.

Right from the opening scene I knew I wasn't going to be disappointed. The action, special effects, acting, comedy, and romance were all better than it's prequel in my opinion. The plot was a little confusing, and the Scorpion King graphic at the end looked like the same one used in the video game, but all in all it was an extremely fun and enjoyable movie. I actually found myself watching it three times in a row. I probably could have watched it 24 hours straight, but I didn't want to ruin it right away.

The SFX in TMR were outstanding. The pymies were so amazing, and the Anubis warriors were excellent as well. But, on to the greater aspects of the film. I thought that Jonathan, played by John Hannah, is one of the funniest characters ever, his one-liners are terrific, I was laughing out loud during his lines. Arnold Vosloo is great as the title character, but could have been more like the original, he was not as powerful in this film but was good anyway. Many people disliked Alex O'Connell, played by newcomer Freddie Boath, but I found him to be quite funny and likable. He had many great lines and was sarcastic when the film needed it. He is a cute kid and l hope he will have a good acting career. Oded Fehr is wonderful as Ardeth Bay. He keeps the heroes grounded.

Meela/Anck-su-namun, played by Patricia Velasquez has some good scenes, but I found her to be not as great as the rest of the cast. I was really looking forward seeing The Rock as the Scorpion King in this film, but he wasn't as bad as I thought, even though he was only it for about three minutes, I would have labled him as an extra. It was all hype for him. My favorite part of "The Mummy Returns" was the great chemistry between Brendan Fraser (Rick) and Rachel Weisz (Evie). They looked like an actual couple in this film, unlike other recent movies. This was why I liked this one better than the prequel. A little bit of romance was what was missing from the first 2/3 of "The Mummy", and I am so glad it was included much more in this film. Brendan Fraser is very easy on the eyes and he looks like a down-to-earth guy, not like a stereotypical moviestar. I think this is why the two seem so believeable in TMR, they are just two normal people who are still very beautiful people. I am glad they made Evie more attractive in TMR, she deserves to show off her pretty eyes. Rick is great because he is still the same sarcastic, wise-guy, handsome hero, who has all the females in the theater (including myself) drooling and sighing, that he was in the first mummy movie.

I hope that they will make another sequel with Fraser, Weisz, Hannah, Vosloo, Fehr, and Boath all included. They can't take out any of these characters without the movie being butchered. I probably won't see "The Scorpion King" since Brendan and Rachel, my favorite characters, won't be in it. I know there are many others just like me who love the romance in this film. I highly recommend this film to anyone who likes action, SFX, comedy, romance, and good clean fun. I would give this movie a 9.9 out of 10 points with the 0.1 being subtracted because it wasn't long enough to really explain the plot in more depth. When it ended, I wished it wasn't over. This goes in my top 5 movies of all time.

Suspenseful, witty and exciting........2006-03-10

Enjoyable film, no boring parts. Suspenseful, witty and exciting. Fantastic cast.

I dare say that this one is better than the first! I own all three and this is my favourite.

It's quite scary but not too much so that it becomes unenjoyable. Just light pieces mixed in with humour and a great storyline.

The Mummy Returns.......2004-11-09

Imagine you going back thousands of years ago when the pharoahs ruled Egypt the leader of the pharoahs was called the scorpion king. He had a braclet with a scorpion on it that is why he got his name The Scorpion King oh and because he is a king LOL!!!.

Then thousands of years later four archaeologists whent looking for the scopion kings braclet unleashing mummies and zombies on the way. They eventually find it and a little boy puts it on and it gets stuck on his wrist. The hero, whose son was wearing the bracelet,went on a quest to find some scrolls to tell them how to take it off. They have a deadline of seven days to take it off or the boy will die. Will they make it in time????

I think this film is good because it is like a horror and a humour mixed together to make this amazing film The Mummy Returns. I would say it was a film for all the family.

Absolutely Awesome!.......2004-03-07

This movie is brilliant, even better than the original. The actors are fantastic, it's funny, action packed & the visual effects are superb.

Amazon.co.uk Review

Straight out of the American television movie school of historical thought, Attila the Hun is a glossy, at times long and often ridiculous re-telling of one of the great stories of Ancient Rome. How much of it is historically accurate is debatable--much of the action is ludicrously far fetched--and the image that most of us have of Attila is quite different to the bare-chested, longhaired reject from an 80s soft rock band that is presented here.

The film does have its own slightly warped charm, though. The storyline is surprisingly complex, involving plots and counter plots, and the movie does exhibit a sense of epic somewhat in the vein of Gladiator, but is sadly lacking the budget, style or talent. The acting is awful (as befits anything that stars Steven Berkoff) and reduces the political machinations of Rome to little more than Dynasty in togas. Gerrard Butler is a fine actor--as he proved in the recent TV drama The Jury--but is woeful here, delivering his lines in a bizarre trans-Atlantic Scottish accent. At three hours it's way too long, too. There does remain something strangely compelling about Atilla the Hun, though you'll find more reliable facts about Roman history in an Asterix book. --Phil Udell

Customer Reviews:

Bloody awful!.......2008-01-16

It's nothing but a period drama with togas and furs (and a bad one at that). The acting is poor, the historical accuracy is appalling, the battle scenes make me cringe and Attila might as well have been played by Viggo Mortensen (Aragorn in Lord Of The Rings).
Truly bad, although I watched this with anticipation. The politics portayed are shocking, the death of Attila is attributed to Aetius (contrary to ANY historians beliefs), the battle scenes with the Romans using their pila (bendy javelins... hence you throw them) as spears in some sort of Greek phalanx is laughable and the in-battle acting is like something out of a 70's Doctor Who episode/Ben Hur.
I would have hoped that at least a tiny little bit of research would have been done before making even a low budget offering like this. I was wrong!
Stay well clear of this unless you want to follow it up on a Sunday afternoon in front of the fire with anything directed by Mel Gibson or my autistic sister.
But if wildly inaccurate, horrible films are your thing... go for Braveheart, The Patriot or U-571 or some sort of rubbish instead of this rubbish , at leat the acting is better.
I'd give this a minus rating if I could. Ouch! This really hurt.
I'm sure my wife would like it though (but bear in mind she has the full Columbo collection).

swoon :).......2007-11-04

Definitley one for Gerard Butler groupies. Not 100% about historical accuracy, but honestly, who is paying attention to facts when Mr Butler is on the screen? Wish he would pillage my town...

Finally the true story of Attila (Despite a few mistakes)........2007-03-19

Attila the hun is the first attempt to bring the story of the huns and their conflicts with the romans to the big screen as accurate as it can be. This is ofcourse a direct to video release but u understand what i mean. There were mistakes like the following:
1) Theodosius II was already dead in 450 and marcian was the emperor of the east by the time attila died (454).
2) Gala placidia died also in 450 in rome and did not survived Aetius who was trully murdered my vallentinian III in september 21rst of 454 as we saw in the movie.
3) Felix was killed by aetius in 430 and did not lived until the end of the movie as we saw.
Anyways, this movie was great despite those mistakes. Attila did lost the battle in gaul in 451 and king theodoric (418-451) did died at the battle as we saw and attila may died of poison as we saw in the movie.
Unfortunately attila's invasion of italy in 452 was ignored but for the rest this movie was accurate.
Gerard butler was great as attila and powers booth was great as aetius and the actor who played the role of the idiot emperor was also very convincing.
Attila the hun all in all is a movie NOT TO MISS and certainly a better one than the auful and inacurrate version of 1954 with anthony queen.

The finctional hun..........2006-04-28

Attila the Hun is a shadowy character in history. This is primarily due to the fact that the Huns and other peoples allied with and subject to them left little by way of written documentation. Most of what we know comes through Roman Imperial sources; even the legends that originated beyond the borders of the Eastern and Western Imperial lands were transcribed (and no doubt modified in the process) by the writers to suit their world view, if not particular political intentions.

Much of the legendary Attila has been re-worked over time so that many nations in Europe and Asia have claimed at one time or another either kinship with or victory over or subjugation to Attila. Some of these legends show forth in the movie, and others do not. This movie does not get high marks for historical accuracy. The Roman political scene is not as it is described; save for a few of the names that have been preserved, few of the events and intrigues presented in the film have any historical accuracy. Unlike films that play fast and loose with history while maintaining some integrity with the subject (notable examples include Elizabeth, I Claudius, and Pearl Harbor), this movie is, apart from the most general of frameworks of characterization, a work of fiction.

The primary historical argument I would have (beyond the fictional political intrigues which provided much of the plot) was the nearly-complete absence of the early church and its influence. This was a period in which the old Roman order was failing, both in the East and West, and the power of bishops, including Leo, bishop (pope) of Rome, was on the rise. There is virtually no mention of the church at all, and the power brokers of the church are absent - history records that, often as not, it was the bishop of the cities being attacked that negotiated peace or terms or surrender, and not the imperial diplomatic corps. Leo himself is credited with keeping Attila from attacking Rome. One would never gather this from the film. Of course, these scenes are not given to great drama. However, earlier films on Attila have included something of these scenes.

Likewise, we do not know that Attila had a fascination with red-haired women (a key element in the film), or that he was murdered after his wedding by a disgruntled-captive-become-queen. These are speculation, but there are legendary sources that could lend support. I can forgive a movie like 'Gladiator', which does not purport to be based on actual events more than I can overlook such issues in a movie designed to present an actual historical figure. Attila's legendary death is recorded by various sources in differing ways - some by slaves, some by freeborn, some by a wife revenging herself, some by natural causes, some by angels bent on protecting the young, developing Christendom. Most likely he was murdered, as many Hun and other tribal leaders were, but as the records are sketchy at best, and his body laid to rest in an unknown place, it is unlikely we shall ever know definitely.

These criticisms aside, the movie is entertaining. Gerard Butler, a newcomer Scotsman, does a serviceable job as Attila (and, as a note of historicity, it is appropriate that a Celt should play this role, as an enemy of Rome). He has played smaller roles in films such as 'Mrs. Brown' and 'One More Kiss', but this is his first major role.

A few mentions should be given to Powers Boothe (who plays the Roman general Flavius Aetius) and Alice Krige (who plays the mother of the Western emperor Valentian), who give powerful performances, albeit with stilted scripts and direction. They perform their roles well. Sian Phillips (from 'I Claudius' fame, among others) is lost potential in her small cameo at the beginning, and Tim Curry is under-utilised as the Eastern Emperor Theodosius. Mention should also be made of Andrew Pleavin, as the honourable and loyal general to Attila, Orestes (ironically, again, this shining character is based upon what one historian calls 'the most unprincipled turn-coat in history'). His role is brief but memorable.

The battle scenes are fair, although it is apparent that low budgets caused many corners to be cut, both for numbers (yes, we have been spoiled by the Cecil B. DeMille epic styles) and for equipment/settings. The same is true for the overall sets. (Apparently Rome only had one street and three buildings.) In setting up the contrast between Roman opulence and barbarian simplicity, the sets were effective. However, there was insufficient attention to detail to give it believability.

Alas, there is not much more to say. My friends and I have often used the phrase 'USA movie' to denote that type of film that is not bad, but not really great, that is entertaining to a degree, but not inspiring. A fairly generic film. The music was passing fair, but far from memorable. The overall direction and cinematography was competent but generic. This is a film worth watching, but only once, and then followed by an intensive course of reading to see what the world was really like.

If there is one great advantage of the film, it is that it might inspire people to learn more about Attila and the Roman Empire during the period of its decline.

The finctional hun..........2006-04-28

Samurai Jack: The Premiere Movie [2001] (REGION 1) (NTSC)

Average customer rating:

They call me... Jack
GREAT PILOT, GREAT SHOW!

Samurai Jack: The Premiere Movie [2001] (REGION 1) (NTSC)
Starring: Jennifer Hale , Rob Paulsen , Lauren Tom , Jeff Bennett , and Sab Shimono
Director: Robert Alvarez (II) , and Robert Renzetti
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00005UF82
Release Date: 2002-03-19

Customer Reviews:

They call me... Jack.......2006-06-23

Cartoon Network shows tend to be very, very cool -- at the very least, fascinatingly weird. But their most "righteous" show has to be "Samurai Jack," a dryly hilarious show with a righteous hero, his magic sword, and a truly loathsome villain.

"Samurai Jack: the Movie" is nothing new, merely the first few episodes of the series. Nevertheless, it's a good introduction to anyone who is just checking out this clever little series.

The evil Aku (Japanese for... "evil") has risen again, and lays waste to Japan. But the empress manages to smuggle away the young prince, and over the years he becomes a brave warrior. He returns, frees the enslaved people, and goes off to kill Aku with a magic sword forged by the gods.

But during the battle with Aku, the young samurai is flung thousands of years into the future (think a grimier "Jetsons"). Aku rules the future with an iron fist, and the world is full of volatile aliens, speeding aircars, and talking dogs. Now the samurai -- known as "Jack" -- must free the enslaved dogs from Aku's rule, and find a way back to his own time so this future will never happen.

Of course, he won't find it right away, because otherwise there wouldn't be a story. There's a bonus episode in the extras menu: Jack walks over a miles-long bridge, and encounters a psychotic Scotsman who ends up getting handcuffed to him. Will they escape backwater bounty hunters together, or strangle each other first?

Certainly "Samurai Jack" isn't like anything you've seen before, with its simplistic drawing style and clever scripting. The animation style is reminiscent of classical Japanese artwork, and their movies get a nod in the quiet, relatively slow pacing of the episodes.

And as it entertains you with evil robots and shapeshifting demons, it also throws in a subtle message about honor, kindness, and "righteousness." For a series with no character development, its hero is a pretty lovable guy. He's morally upright, righteous and kind, but somehow it isn't annoying.

And it's fairly cool to see him training with Vikings, Olympic wrestlers, Cossacks, Zen monks, and even with Robin Hood. And when he gets to the future, we get to see him deal with all sorts of bizarro things. (Robot alligators with machine guns?) And surprisingly, Jack adjusts very quickly to his surreal new surroundings.

Though it has nothing that people with the other "Samurai Jack" DVDs won't have, "Samurai Jack: the Premiere Movie" is a good intro for people who are just getting introduced to this clever series.

GREAT PILOT, GREAT SHOW!.......2004-02-05

Easily one of the best – if not THE best – cartoons on TV at the moment (it's broadcast on the Cartoon Networks Toonami Channel). These shows are 20 minutes of perfection: great storytelling, beautiful visuals and they work on more than one level.

Amazon.co.uk Review

Customer Reviews:

"Not These Guys Again.".......2008-01-29

AN EXCITING SEQUEL.......2007-08-08

Suspenseful, witty and exciting........2006-03-10

Enjoyable film, no boring parts. Suspenseful, witty and exciting. Fantastic cast.

I dare say that this one is better than the first! I own all three and this is my favourite.

It's quite scary but not too much so that it becomes unenjoyable. Just light pieces mixed in with humour and a great storyline.

The Mummy Returns.......2004-11-09

I think this film is good because it is like a horror and a humour mixed together to make this amazing film The Mummy Returns. I would say it was a film for all the family.

Absolutely Awesome!.......2004-03-07

This movie is brilliant, even better than the original. The actors are fantastic, it's funny, action packed & the visual effects are superb.

Customer Reviews:

an insight into what might have been.......2003-03-03

This is the cheapest way of seeing what might have been Bruce Lee's follow up to enter the dragon. All of the lost footage (at least all of the fight stuff) along with Lee's fight footage that had been butchered into Game of Death (a film with a completely different plot and using a double/ old footage for most of the scenes. Seeing the pagoda fight sequence (as it has survived) is very impressive and provides a good memorial to what was lost after bruce lee's premature departure from this world.

As a film I dont think it would have been that good - the plot sounds more like the plot of a computer game than of a movie and the surviving dialog is lame even by genre standards. Never the less the fighting is very well handled (amongst Bruces finest) and for this alone this VHS is worth having. It will irk that every time you want to see the fight footage you will have to watch (or fast forward) through a documentary that though ok will unlikely be of interest beyond a couple of viewings but it is a cheaper alterative to either buying a special edition DVD of Game of Death (if it contains the entire footage) or a DVD of this VHS.

This is a great film!.......2002-08-27

If your a Bruce Lee fan then this is the film for you. Everything you need to know about the legened is included in this documentery. It includes a deep insight into the life of Bruce and his family. It has excellent fight scenes involving Bruce, some of which have never been seen before. Footage from "The game of death" which was lost before Bruce died, has been put together and remastered. If you don't like documentery's and are more of a fight fan, then it's worth getting this film to see the footage from the game of death it lasts for about 45 minutes and is great to watch. So if your not so sure if you wonna buy this film you should take my advice and get it now and you'll be thankfull you do.

Best documentary on Bruce Lee.......2002-05-02

I feel this documentary was brilliant it gives you an indication on his Martial art and philosophy. It has great interviews with Taky Kimura and Dan Osanta and Linda Lee Cadwell. It shows you the vision Bruce had in mind whilst making the 'Game Of Death' it shows you the awsome fight scenes between Bruce and Kareem Abdul Jabal. This documentary also shows you the unscene footage of the Game of death. I recomend that you watch it or buy it.

Average customer rating:

Too good for words

The Warrior [2001] (REGION 1) (NTSC)
Starring: Woo-sung Jung , Sung-kee Ahn , Jin-mo Ju (II) , Ziyi Zhang , and Yong-woo Park
Director: Sung-su Kim (II)
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000E1EHPE
Release Date: 2006-03-07

Customer Reviews:

Too good for words.......2005-03-15

Every once in a while a great director manages to produce a work of such unsurpassed greatness that it is destined to stand amongst the greats for all time. This is such a film.
The story is about a group of Koreans whose quest to return home from China is turned into an epic struggle for survival against overwhelming odds when they go to the aid of a Ming princess.
It differs from most asian action movies in two ways. The first is in the action. It is wonderfully filmed but in a realistic manner. None of the silly artsy wire work which seems to be so poupular these days.
The second is that the acting is exceptional. The characters are given both a sense of nobility and depth along with a flawed humanity.
In my opinion Kim Sung-su has proved himself to be as good as Kurosawa, if not better. It was quite rightly described as "the biggest motion-picture event in Korean cinema history."

This film was also released under the title "The warrior" but if you look for it under that name then be careful. There is another film by that name and it sucks. For some reason the reviews for both films of that name come up for both of them.

Average customer rating:
Ancient Warriors [2001] (REGION 1) (NTSC)
Starring: Daniel Baldwin , Franco Columbu , Michael Hartson , Richard Lynch , and Iris Peynado
Director: Walter von Huene
Manufacturer: Trinity Home Entertainment
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0002S64PK
Release Date: 2004-08-03

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