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| Available at Amazon.com |
No franchise seemingly is immune from the ability of Hollywood to make direct to DVD sequels. The film that made Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson into a household name outside of professional wrestling has been given a prequel of sorts. And when its defining attribute is that its villain is a top star in a niche sport, you know it can’t be good. The Scorpion King 2: Rise of a Warrior is another in a series of seemingly unneeded films showing that in its quest for profit knows no bounds.
Mathayus (Michael Copon) is in his youth at this point, a young warrior whose question is about loyalty to his king Sargon (UFC Champion Randy Couture). When he has to question that loyalty, he winds up on a one way path to war with the king. Its your standard action film, meant to give a back story to Mathayus that leads directly into The Scorpion King.
And while its interesting to see the story, the best thing that can be said is that its an interesting role for Couture. The reigning UFC Heavyweight Champ is interesting in the role given, as his lack of acting ability and training is evident early on. He fits in well with the cast, who are mainly direct to DVD actors and television actors from children’s shows, as the film is direct to DVD quality all around. It’s laughable in its quality, feeling second rate whenever the cast has to do something besides look the part.
While the cast is second rate, the film’s effects are top notch as The Scorpion King 2 looks as good as films made for release into theatres. This is a visually arresting film, keeping up the Mummy franchise’s history of great effects. The film’s budget has seemingly been emptied on making it look good, as opposed to things like good actors and a solid script, leaving it to be a great-looking horrible film.
The film’s a/v is top notch, utilizing the format of Dolby Digital and a widescreen presentation to their maximum. The film’s look and feel, as well as its solid score, come through wonderfully.
The Making of The Scorpion King 2: Rise of a Warrior is your standard EPK about the film’s production. Nothing interesting or of note is said.
Fight Like an Akkadian: Black Scorpion Training Camp is a quick look at how hard everyone trained to be in shape for the film.
Becoming Sargon: One on One with Randy Couture is a quick piece wherein everyone talks about Couture and how great it was to work with him.
On Set with the Beautiful Ladies focuses on the two primary female characters.
Creating a Whole New World is a slightly longer feature about the creation of the world. Much of it was from CGI and clever cinematography, it seems.
The Visual Effects of The Scorpion King 2: Rise of a Warrior is the disc’s only interesting feature, as it discusses the film’s use of CGI and the various things they used to create the film. It’s a bit lengthier than the others, owing to it being less of an EPK and more of an actual feature.
There’s also a Gag reel.
For hardcore fans of The Mummy franchise, the second Scorpion King film is significantly less of a priority to watch the first. With a series of features that provide absolutely nothing of interest, besides Karen David’s ample cleavage on display at all times, it’s definitely recommended for those who have enough disposable income to blow on bad movies. Recommendation to avoid.
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Universal presents The Scorpion King 2: Rise of a Warrior. Directed by Russell Mulcahy. Starring Michael Copon, Karen David, Randy Couture. Written by Randall McCormick. Running time: 109 minutes. Rated PG-13. Released on DVD: August 19, 2008. Available at Amazon.com.
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