April 2002 The Scorpion King :

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Reviewed by Alberlynne “Abby” Harris The Scorpion King Distributor: Universal Pictures Director: Chuck Russell Screenwriter: Jonathan Hales Producers: Jim Jacks, Sean Daniel, Stephen Sommers, WWF owners Vince and Linda McMahon Cast: Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Michael Clarke Duncan, Kelly Hu , Stephen Brand Derived from the blockbuster hit, “The Mummy Returns,” The Scorpion King is destined to begin another string of cult films for Universal Pictures. With it's seemingly color blind cast, the movie provides for an enjoyable experience that is action packed and entertaining. The story begins 5,000 years ago in the city of Gomorrah. A battle between good and evil develops as an evil ruler, with the aid of visions by a sorcerer, decides to rid the land of all nomadic tribes. Once warring tribes must band together to prohibit their impending demise. Mathayus, played by “The Rock,” is a skilled assassin hired to eliminate this evil. In addition to the film staying true to its slapstick origins. The movie includes comedic lines and a lead character, The Rock, that takes you on a heroic adventure through the desserts of ancient times to save mankind from tyrannical reign. The acting quality, while not Oscar wining material, provides for a fantastic display of dramatic scenes for The Rock under the glowing lantern of a fun, family adventure. The action sequences upgrade from guns, martial arts and sword fighting to capitalize on favorite wrestling moves, bows and arrows, magic, and a roller-costar tag team performance by Michael Clarke Duncan and The Rock. Interestingly, the film does not at all tie into the origins for “The Mummy” or “The Mummy Returns.” However, “The Scorpion King” solo departure leaves room for the inevitable development of sequels. Surely, The Rock has at least two more in him. Like most of his fans, you just can’t seem to get enough of what The Rock is cooking these days!