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Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Steven Brand, Michael Clarke Duncan, Kelly Hu, Bernard Hill ... see more see more... , Grant Heslov , Peter Facinelli , Ralph Moeller , Branscombe Richmond , Roger Rees , Sherri Howard , Conrad Roberts , Bernard Smith , Tyler Mane , The , Rolf Moeller , Somaya Reece

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 sword... read more read more...sman, 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, Rovi

Flixster Users

53% liked it

270,614 ratings

Critics

41% liked it

133 critics

PG-13, 1 hr. 32 min.

Directed by: Charles Russell, Chuck Russell

Release Date: April 19, 2002

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DVD Release Date: October 1, 2002

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Stats: 9,613 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (9,613)

  • phubbs1
    April 12, 2012
    phubbs1
    So oddly enough this character was actually loosely based on a real Egyptian leader which does make things a little more interesting, not a franchise saver by any means but its cool to read up on it. This spin off is set 5000 years before the events of 'The Mummy' which does seem... read more rather a long time to me.

    Great title, slightly dull execution, we all knew what to expect here, Johnson running around half naked killing endless enemies with no apparent fighting skills. I will be completely truthful here and say this film isn't too bad, if you squint at it its almost pretty good, the fights are solid along with the stunts, cast does the job for the type of film this is and more importantly it actually looks good without any silly cgi to spoil the broth.

    If you took out the historical setting you could quite easily say this was a sequel/prequel to the 'Conan' franchise really, its your basic swords n sorcery fantasy just without any monsters, its better than the recent official Conan effort. So yeah...this is not too bad, Kelly Hu looks lovely and Johnson is clearly learning the ropes showing promise.
  • FiLmCrAzY
    April 2, 2012
    FiLmCrAzY
    Well its okay, it'll suffice as a prequel because i doubt you'd get any better!
    Its good enough in the action front and special effects!
    Theres nothing to special about this movie but its fun enough!
  • TheDudeLebowski65
    May 12, 2011
    TheDudeLebowski65
    Third entry of The Mummy franchise tells the story of Thew Scorpion King which you'd expect that they would make something good, but unfortunately; it is not to be. The Scorpion King is a terrible action film that has poor story and even poorer acting. The cast for this film is t... read moreerrible and really most of them seem out of place\. It's a shame because The Scorpion King could have been a terrific film, but it ends being one bad film. The Rock is not so good as The Scorpion King even though he looks cool in the part. Instead of delivering an awesome actioner, director Chuck Russell tones down the blood and plays it safe to secure a PG-13 rating. If this film would've been rated R, I think there could have a lot more accomplished in terms of action. Also like I've said, the story fails and mimmicks tother towering sword & sandle epics of old to very bad results. The film feels stupid, and though its slightly entertaining at times, you can't shake the feeling that it's a poorly made action film. The idea is good, the execution is terrible. They could have done something cool with the story, but it feels to simple and lacks anything great. I've the same action scenes before, it's nothing new. The film is cliched with a bad cast and a bad story. If the screenwriters would've tried a little harder they could've written a superb script and ended up with a film that would've entertained you. Instead the film insults the viewer with barely anything truly original to offer, this will make anyone watching it want his hour and a half back
  • riverdale237
    April 8, 2011
    riverdale237
    If I were to sum up the Scorpion King in one sentence it would be this: An entertaining, yet cheesy action movie with fantastic action, battle scenes but bad plot. Luckilly for me, I have a few paragraphs to describe it.

    Let's start with the bad, so we can move on to the good.... read more This movie doesn't have too much of a plot. Basically it's a ripped guy killing stuff and leading a war against an evil guy. Same old, same old uncreative plot. However, Kelly Hu (My celebrity crush) has a very interesting character that keeps the plot from looking to much like "Conan the Barbarian)There are also a few really, laughably bad sound affects.

    Now that we have that done, let's go with the good. Dwayne Johnson is one of the few wrestler's who can actually act. Well, one of the few who can actually act in MOVIES that is. He manages to play a normally non inteteresting character named Matthias and turn him into an interesting one. His performance was actually surprisingly good. Kelly Hu's was pretty amazing too. She made an already interesting character even more interesting (And incredibly attractive too. Just saying)In fact, pretty much all the actors did a good job!

    Now let's talk about what has Rock fans going crazy. The action scenes. These were on par with LOTR, and has some of the best action you will ever see (If you can ignore the total cheeseieness of the final battle scene) Especially the desert battle.

    Over all, this was a fun movie. Not spectacular, but very, very VERY fun. If your looking for a movie to watch as a film festival, not a smart choice. But if you're just haning out with friends for the night, looking for something fun, you have yourself a can't miss situation.
  • ScoopOnline
    October 25, 2010
    ScoopOnline
    Perhaps The Rock should have rejected the Role in this Movie.

    I disagree at this point. The Rock was really great in his Role.

    I was very surprised how great this Movie was. A piece of Cake.
  • ythelastman89
    September 6, 2010
    ythelastman89
    Probably one of the trashiest movies ever made; sponsored by WWE, cheesy lines, characters, subplots, etc. However, I think it's funny that the movie still ends up being fun and for the most part good. The Rock is definitely the key ingredient in this. He's got such a great onscr... read moreeen presence, almost like an Arnold Schwarzenegger type of likeness. If you liked the first two Mummy movies, this shouldn't be a disappointment. It's just pure fun and should be taken as such.
  • bbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbb1
    July 23, 2010
    bbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbb1
    C-
  • SirPant
    April 13, 2010
    SirPant
    Almost every part of The Scorpion King has been stolen from other films, maybe that's why it's not as bad as you might think. It's still nothing special though but at least it doesn't take itself too seriously!
  • 3niR
    January 28, 2010
    3niR
    Watchable.
  • stormyweather980
    August 15, 2009
    stormyweather980
    The part where The Rock is buried and has huge ants coming to eat him and he keeps blowing at them is just hilarious. All around good movie.

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Critic Reviews

Michael Wilmington
July 20, 2002
Michael Wilmington, Chicago Tribune

Another grandiose, hyperactive crock, full of lame jokes and gorgeous, stupefying images. Full Review

Michael Rechtshaffen
April 24, 2002
Michael Rechtshaffen, Hollywood Reporter

All the necessary exposition prevents the picture from rising above your generic sand 'n' sandal adventure.

Ed Park
April 23, 2002
Ed Park, Village Voice

Russell lacks the visual panache, the comic touch, and perhaps the budget of Sommers's title-bout features. Full Review

Richard Roeper
April 22, 2002
Richard Roeper, Ebert & Roeper

Wimps out by going for that PG-13 rating, so the more graphic violence is mostly off-screen and the sexuality is muted. Full Review

Stephen Holden
April 20, 2002
Stephen Holden, New York Times

The Scorpion King may look like a movie, but it feels like a food fight. Full Review

Dan Via
April 19, 2002
Dan Via, Washington Post

A fairly by-the-books blend of action and romance with sprinklings of intentional and unintentional comedy.

Stephen Hunter
April 19, 2002
Stephen Hunter, Washington Post

It feels very much like barbarian lite, which is to say, it's nothing special at all.

Mike Clark
April 19, 2002
Mike Clark, USA Today

It's for moviegoers who like their pizzas with extra cheese. Full Review

Peter Howell
April 19, 2002
Peter Howell, Toronto Star

Contains not a single good line or memorable action sequence. Full Review

Mick LaSalle
April 19, 2002
Mick LaSalle, 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. Full Review

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Facts

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    • The Scorpion King/Mathayus: You! You betrayed your own father?
    • Takmet: Yes. He was very shocked. [holds up his father's head]
    • Takmet: You could tell by the look on his face.
    • Jesup: Horses are faster.
    • The Scorpion King/Mathayus: But camels are smarter.
    • The Scorpion King/Mathayus: I've come for the woman... and your head.
    • Philos: Good lord. Are you going to kill me?
    • The Scorpion King/Mathayus: Maybe later.
    • Arpid: What happened?
    • The Scorpion King/Mathayus: You got us in! I knew you could do it. A jug of your finest wine for my road-weary friend here.
    • Arpid: Wait a minute... the last thing that, that I remember was this huge Akkadian fist coming straight into my...
    • The Scorpion King/Mathayus: Get ready! I'll kill half, you kill half!
    • The Scorpion King/Mathayus: [the boy,urchin, looks at him concerned]
    • The Scorpion King/Mathayus: All right. I'll kill them all!
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The Scorpion King Trivia

  • In which 2002 movie does The Rock play the most feared warrior of the ancient world?  Answer »
  • What 2002 movie was directed by Chuck Russell and starred The Rock and Michael Clarke Duncan?  Answer »
  • Name the spin-off movie of The Mummy series starring WWE wrestler 'The Rock'?  Answer »
  • Who plays The Scorpion King in the Mummy Returns?(His real name)  Answer »
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