Mummy 3 Madness

I had heard a lot of bad talk about this third installment in the Mummy series, but frankly it's just as fun and entertaining as any of the other outings. This time around, the younger O'Connell Alex now in his 20's, discovers the hidden tomb of the dragon emperor, but as always, finding artifacts aren't without consequences. Soon the long cursed and sleeping emperor  wakes up and becomes determined to regain both life and land in a battle to the death. So with the help of parents Rick  and Evelyn (played this time around by Maria Bello!), as well as side players John Hannah and Michelle Yeoh, Alex and company take on the mummy and his army once again. Taking over the reigns from previous Mummy director Stephen Sommers, Rob Cohen is a natural fit and keeps the action fast and furious (the effects and monsters are all top notch!), but also adds a touch of Asian mythology that gives the film pinch of depth. Not to mention that Li is a decent foe against Fraser's goofy man of action - the characters really do cook. 

This release has two DVD extras beginning with a very enjoyable full-length commentary track with Director Cohen who uses his sessionto talk about everything from relationships to artifacts to action - he does cover the spectrum! Plus there's also a section of Deleted and Extended Scenes with more on the relationship that sends the emperor into a frenzy, a little extra gore   and even more fight stuff with Fraser and Lee with Terminator 2 style effects.  Bottom line is that this Mummy outing is not unlike the previous films - escapist fun that's well worth watching.