The Scorpion King

There's nothing original in The Scorpion King, but this derivative action franchise gets off to a rousing start by cleverly stealing from a lot of better movies. Capitalizing on his brief cameo in The Mummy Returns, Dwayne Johnson (a.k.a. World Wrestling Federation star the Rock) stars as Mathayus, an Akkadian assassin in the age preceding Egyptian pharaohs, who vows to avenge his brother's murder by an undefeated warlord (Steven Brand) prophesied to become the desert-ruling Scorpion King. Their battle for supremacy comprises most of the film's brisk 95-minute running time, punctuated by comic relief from Mathayus's obligatory sidekick (Grant Heslov), romance with a beautiful sorceress (Kelly Hu), and alliance with a massive Nubian (Michael Clarke Duncan) on the eve of their climactic showdown. There's no rhyme or reason to the film's depiction of ancient civilization (the costuming is particularly ludicrous), but the Rock demonstrates adequate action-star potential, and director Chuck Russell (The Mask) wraps it all in a slick, professional package. --Jeff Shannon

Theatrical International release dates:
Europe: Apr 19, 02
Japan: Jun 8, 02
Australia: Apr 18, 02

Movie Details

Cast: The Rock, Michael Clarke Duncan, Steven Brand, Kelly Hu, Bernard Hill, Grant Heslov
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Running time: 89 min

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DVD Features:

Enhanced Feature Commentary with The Rock

Feature Commentary with director Chuck Russell

Outtakes

Alternate Versions of Key Scenes

Spotlight on Location: The Making of The Scorpion King

Helldorado Sneak Peek

Ancient World Production Design

Preparing the Fight

The Rock and Michael Clark Duncan

Working with Animals

The Special Effects

Godsmack Music Video - "I Stand Alone"

King Scorpion

Theatrical Trailer

Production Notes

Cast and Filmmakers

Universal Showcase

DVD-ROM Features, Including Total Axess

The Scorpion King Special Offers

WWE Legends

International rating:

Europe: 12
Australia: M

DVD International release dates:
North America: Jun 1, 03