The Mummy Returns
Universal Pictures | Release Date: May 4, 2001 CRITIC SCORE DISTRIBUTION
48
METASCORE
Mixed or average reviews based on 31 Critic Reviews
Positive:
10
Mixed:
16
Negative:
5
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Critic Reviews

Critic scorePublicationBy date
80
Mr. ShowbizLarry Terenzi
What matters is that the movie's a blast, right up until its protracted climax.
75
USA TodaySusan Wloszczyna
There's much mumbo-jumbo about past lives and symbolic tattoos, but who cares when you can gaze at a sight as lovely as a dirigible floating in the night sky? Read full review
70
Los Angeles TimesKenneth Turan
Both pleasantly old-fashioned and packed with up-to-date computer-generated special effects, the film's constant plot turns, cheeky sensibility and omnipresent action sequences have no trouble attracting our attention and holding on. Read full review
70
VarietyTodd McCarthy
Virtually bursts with visual goodies, and writer-director Stephen Sommers scarcely allows the actors, or the audience, a moment to take a breath during the nonstop action of the final hour. Read full review
67
Seattle Post-IntelligencerSean Axmaker
Sommers is a pure pop Steven Spielberg who's put his deft technical skills in the service of the ultimate rollercoaster movie ride. It's sometimes more exhausting than exciting. Read full review
67
Austin ChronicleMarc Savlov
So gleefully abandons any semblance of sanity that it's virtually impossible not to enjoy the sheer breadth of nonsensical fun taking place on screen. Read full review
63
Chicago TribuneMark Caro
Action junkies may enjoy this non-stop barrage, which barely pauses for anything but the most rudimentary (albeit complicated) plot exposition. Read full review
63
Philadelphia InquirerSteven Rea
Although the sequel retains its predecessor's breezy retro spirit, The Mummy Returns is a mite darker and scarier and the effects a little spiffier.
63
New York PostJonathan Foreman
Perfectly enjoyable swashbuckling, eye-catching entertainment. Read full review
63
New York Daily NewsJami Bernard
The movie resembles a video game in which each victory whisks you to the next level, with slightly different antagonists and a faster pace. Read full review
60
Film.comSean Means
Mostly he's (Fraser) trapped in a sequel that's too wrapped up in a desire to top itself. Read full review
60
Chicago ReaderLisa Alspector
It's all very impressive without being particularly enthralling. Read full review
58
Entertainment WeeklyLisa Schwarzbaum
The actors themselves are more rip roaring and full of spunk than in their first outing. Read full review
50
SlateDavid Edelstein
A few billion 1s and 0s in search of a movie. Read full review
50
Boston GlobeJay Carr
If you liked the earlier ''Mummy,'' you'll probably like this one. In fact, at many points you'll probably think you are watching the earlier one.
50
The New York TimesA.O. Scott
The noisome action sequences of The Mummy Returns are preferable to the quiet times, when the cast is limited to spouting dialogue that is a banal combination of exposition and homily. Read full review
50
TV Guide MagazineMaitland McDonagh
It works its gilded butt off to give you your money's worth. Read full review
50
San Francisco ChronicleMick LaSalle
Suffers from the bloat common to sequels. Read full review
50
Miami HeraldRene Rodriguez
The Mummy was certainly no "Raiders," but as far as summer movies go, it was just good enough.
50
SalonCharles Taylor
Everything the first "Mummy" was fun for not being. It's loud and chaotic, jammed with effects that don't wow us precisely because they are trying so hard to wow us. Read full review
50
Chicago Sun-TimesRoger Ebert
The mistake of The Mummy Returns is to abandon the characters, and to use the plot only as a clothesline for special effects and action sequences. Read full review
50
Christian Science MonitorDavid Sterritt
More emphasis on computer-generated gimmickry than on persuasive acting and ideas. Read full review
50
Village VoiceMichael Atkinson
First and foremost a trial run for a Universal Studios ride. Read full review
50
Portland OregonianKim Morgan
So action-packed from start to finish that the final result is grating rather than thrilling.
40
L.A. WeeklyHazel-Dawn Dumpert
You can't see the movie for the footage, so thick is it with digital tricks and furious action. Read full review
40
Wall Street JournalJoe Morgenstern
This frenzied sequel has all of the clank but none of the swank of the previous version.
38
Charlotte ObserverLawrence Toppman
This might all have been silly fun -- as it was in the 1999 version -- except for the carelessness of the whole picture. Read full review
30
Washington PostRita Kempley
Many of the visual effects are stunning, but others are downright cheesy -- especially an attempt to fuse the Rock's head onto a scorpion's body. Read full review
30
Washington PostCurt Fields
Fraser is likable enough, albeit never quite convincing as an action hero. Read full review
20
Rolling StonePeter Travers
We have to suffer through two hours of this rancid summer cheese. Read full review
20
New Times (L.A.)Robert Wilonsky
It punishes rather than entertains; it condescends, it offends, it loathes its audience. Read full review
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