Barnes & Noble

The latest in a long line of professional athletes to make the leap to action-movie heroism, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson makes a sensational starring debut in this rousing, opulent adventure set in ancient times. In the days before Egypt built the great pyramids and established its empire, the far-flung desert tribes face conquest by the evil king Memnon (Steven Brand), whose campaign is guided by the prophetic visions of the sorceress Cassandra (Kelly Hu). The worried tribesmen band together and hire freebooting mercenary Mathayus (The Rock) to assassinate the sorceress and bring Memnon down, but destiny has something else in store for the indomitable warrior. A prequel of sorts to The Mummy Returns, The Scorpion King fleshes out the character introduced in the former film, and employs the same savory mix of sword-and-sorcery ingredients that helped catapult Arnold Schwarzenegger to stardom in the Conan movies. The Rock, accomplished through years of mugging for the WWE's cameras, is actually a better actor than Arnold, and very nearly as charismatic; moreover, his eye-popping physique and athletic ability make him perfectly believable in the numerous, well-choreographed battle scenes. Director Chuck Russell (Bless the Child) knows exactly what he's doing here. Little attention is paid to maintaining historical accuracy and credibility, but the occult trappings and countless feats of derring-do keep Scorpion King on the move at all times -- which is precisely what fans appreciate. The DVD edition features a commentary by Russell, two behind-the-scenes featurettes, deleted scenes, DVD-ROM features, and a preview of The Rock's upcoming movie, Helldorado. Ed Hulse

All Movie Guide

The Rock has his first starring role in this prequel to The Mummy films, which was developed while The Mummy Returns was still in production. The film takes place in ancient times, when a mighty swordsman, Memnon (Steven Brand, making his film debut) ruled over nearly all the known world. Memnon, a brutal tyrant, defeats his enemies in battle with the help of a beautiful sorceress, Cassandra (Kelly Hu), who can predict the future. The last of the "free tribes" form a fragile alliance to fight Memnon, and hire a trio of Akkadian assassins, led by Mathayus (pro wrestler The Rock, who made his big-screen debut as this character in The Mummy Returns), to kill the sorceress and thus remove Memnon's advantage. Balthazar (Michael Clarke Duncan of The Green Mile), the powerful leader of the Nubians, objects to hiring mercenaries, but the plan goes forward. The assassins are betrayed by Takmet (Peter Facinelli), the son of one of the tribal leaders, and Mathayus finds himself unable to kill Cassandra. Thanks to the unlikely machinations of Cassandra, and the aid of a horse thief, Arpid (Grant Heslov of True Lies), Mathayus escapes to the desert. He eventually abducts Cassandra, who explains that Memnon was holding her against her will. Mathayus thwarts Memnon's efforts to re-capture Cassandra, then uses his newfound sense of justice to convince the surviving tribal leaders to join forces again to defeat Memnon. The Scorpion King was directed by Chuck Russell. Jonathan Hales (Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones) was credited with the story, and WWF owner Vince McMahon has an executive producer credit. The film, which was shot in the U.S. (very unusual for a big action film), reportedly underwent extensive re-shoots when the first cut came in with a running time of 70 minutes. ~ Josh Ralske, All Movie Guide

San Francisco Chronicle

Like every other action movie, it's designed for a 14-year-old boy's mentality, but it's enjoyable enough to turn most people into 14-year-old boys. Mick LaSalle

Product Details

• UPC: 025192240126
• Source: UNIVERSAL STUDIOS
• Region Code: 1
• Aspect Ratio: Pre-1954 Standard (1.33.1)
• Presentation: Pan & Scan
• Sound: Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround
• Language: English, Français, Español
• Subtitles: English, Español
• Time: 1:32:00
• Sales Rank: 14,859

This DVD is also available as part of a box set:

• Mummy Collector's Set
• Scorpion King Warrior Pack
• Rock Collection
• Rock Action Pack

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