THE SCORPION KING
Starring:
The Rock, Kelly Hu, Steven Brand and Michael Clarke Duncan
Director: Chuck Russell
Running Time: 92 mins
Certificate: 12
Out to
buy on DVD 4th November
5,000 years ago, a Warlord called Memnon (Brand) laid siege to the known world and declared himself king. With a Sorceress (Hu) by his side, Memnon had the ability to see any eventuality of the battle. The surviving tribes had come together to strike back at the merciless King by hiring an assassin to kill his sorceress and therefore his advantage. The man charged to do his was the last of his kind, an Arcadian. They are a skilled warrior race, unmatched in battle and masters of the fighting arts. This man was Mathayus (Rock).
To say that expectations for this movie were low is an understatement, but I was pleasantly surprised. What we are greeted with is a good, all action popcorn movie that is just entertainment.
Written by Steven Sommers, the man behind the two Mummy movies and the one who created the character for the second movie in the first place, you know to expect big thrills and spills. Were this prequel of sorts is not overly hungry with the special effects like its predecessors, it makes up for it with non-stop action and numerous sword fights. While films involving swords can be violent and bloody, this is more comic-book violence with the blood turned well and truly off making it good family entertainment.
The Rock or Dwayne Johnson, as he is really known, (Yes, it makes me laugh as well) is actually lot better in the lead role than I had expected. While we know he is used to action after his exploits with the WWF, his promotion from supporting villain to leading man is a lot smoother than some might have expected. He might actually have a future in action, if he makes the right project choices. The Rock has good support from the beautiful Kelly Hu, the always-watchable Michael Clarke Duncan and a menacing villain in the form of Steven Brand.
If you go expecting something life changing and overly dramatic, you will be disappointed but if you switch your brain into a lower gear and just see what The Rock has got cooking, you'll be pleasantly entertained.
Extended version in 'Enhanced Viewing Mode': a unique opportunity to see alternative versions of key scenes in the movie, Feature-length audio commentary from director Chuck Russell, Feature-length audio commentary from key cast members, Out-takes, 'Spotlight on Location: The Making of the Scorpion King' featuring director Chuck Russell, The Rock, Michael Clarke Duncan, Kelly Hu and crew on location ,Ancient World Production Design: learn the intricate and artistic design in creating a world that once existed through the eyes of this generation, Choreography of the fight sequences, Physical effects created for the film, Comparison of storyboard to final feature, Costume Design feature Godsmack music video 'I Stand Alone', Photograph montage, DVD-Rom features include Total Axxess, Interactive menu, Dolby Digital 5.1 & Scene access
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