The Scorpion King (2002)

The Scorpion King is a 2002 American action-adventure fantasy film directed by Chuck Russell, starring Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Kelly Hu, Michael Clarke Duncan, Steven Brand and Bernard Hill. The film is a spin-off/prequel to the 2001 film The Mummy Returns. It was distributed by Universal Pictures.

Plot
In prehistoric times, Mathayus is the last Akkadian. He finds a sorceress who helps him defeat Memnon.

Why It Rocks

 * 1) It has an impressive starring debut for Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson.
 * 2) While the soundtrack is anachronistic, it's pretty good, especially "I Stand Alone" by Godsmack.
 * 3) Michael Clarke Duncan, Kelly Hu and Steven Brand did a great job portraying their characters.
 * 4) The Akkadian Creed "Live free, die well" is pleasant to hear. In the end, Balthazar changes the last part for Mathayus with "rule well".
 * 5) The cast is quite diverse by 2002 standards.
 * 6) The Universal logo song was pitched down to the same tone as “I Stand Alone”.
 * 7) Unlike The Mummy films, this film is more reliant on practical effects.
 * 8) It’s better to watch than the direct-to-video follow-ups.

Bad Qualities

 * 1) The movie can feel a little cheesy.
 * 2) We aren't sure if the Scorpion King in The Mummy Returns is either Mathayus or his descendant.
 * 3) Unless you count the end credits, Cassandra’s name wasn’t revealed.