The Scorpion King Review
by Homer Yen (homer_yen AT yahoo DOT com)April 22nd, 2002
"The Scorpion King" – Stings Less if You Know What You're in for
by Homer Yen
(c) 2002
So, you're standing by the ticket booth of the local cineplex, wondering which movie to see. A murder mystery might be good; a raunchy romantic comedy might be fun; a human-interest drama might be worthwhile. The stars in the film or the good word-of-mouth that you've heard will guide your final choice. But to choose "The Scorpion King" means that you’re a wrestling fan and want to see The Rock.
We first were exposed to The Scorpion King in "The Mummy Returns" in which he was depicted as a vile conqueror. In this movie, he's just mean on the outside. But beneath that muscular physique, his chiseled features, and his mellifluous voice, goodness flows through his veins. Actually, how the transformation takes place is a real mystery, and this film does not offer any insight. Yet, if you liked "The Mummy" films, then chances are that you will probably enjoy this as well. It borrows all of its ideas from those films, Indiana Jones films, Xena: The Princess Warrior, and any other film in which a motley band must trek across a desert and defy all odds to save their people.
Again, you're likely watching this film because it stars The Rock, whose tremendous charisma has made him one of the most popular WWF stars ever. Happily, he brings that energy and likeable charm to the big screen. That, and his physique, are his best assets. And the film wisely builds itself around those assets with out exposing his weaknesses. He needs only to maintain a consistent level of fortitude, his lines span no more than 20 seconds at a time, he looks believable in choreographed fight sequences, and our focus is spread among various supporting players and its comic book-like feel. The sequence in which he's buried to his neck near a colony of fire ants is goofy yet humorous
The Rock plays Mathayus, the last of a race of assassins whose mantra is "Live Free; Die Well." The lands of the realm are slowly being taken over by the tyrannical Memnon (Steven Brand). Despite The Rock's abilities, he can not fight his armies alone. Those that join in his battle include a Nubian King (Michael Duncan Clark), a beautiful woman who has the ability to influence Memnon (Kelly Hu); and a horse thief who provides comic relief (Grant Heslov). In order for them to succeed, they have to overcome all sorts of obstacles, including troops that are sent to kill them, sandstorms, impenetrable fortresses, and acting that's more appropriate for Saturday Night Live rather than a feature film.
Nonetheless, the film doesn't disappoint although the film is not particularly compelling in any way (in fact, The Rock's pet camel is noticeably smarter than the villain). Everyone in the theatre at the post-midnight viewing remained awake, entertained, and I didn't here any jeers from the audience. In spirit, it's like a Jackie Chan movie. You kind of know what you're going to get, and from that point of view, "The Scorpion King" lives up to its expectations.
Grade: C+
S: 1 out of 3
L: 1 out of 3
V: 2 out of 3
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