April 19, 2002

by Veronica Mixon

In ancient times, the world has a dark shadow cast over it by a murderous warlord, Memnon (Steven Brand), who wants to rule many kingdoms. Under the advice of a beautiful sorceress, Cassandra (Kelly Hu), Memnon's armies continually invade any and all tribes, destroying life wherever they find it. When Mathayus (Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson) encounters Memnon, he's attempting to rescue his brother. His meeting with Cassandra and the deadly scorpion spell will change his life forever.

The Scorpion King is a high-action, old-fashion adventure film with fierce battles, beautiful tough babes and a golden hero that seduces an audience of men, women and kids. The former pro-wrestler known as "The Rock" is perfectly suited for this dramatic turn and like many of his predecessors, only time will tell his he'll adapt well to Hollywood's image machine. When you look at The Rock, you think Arnold Schwarenegger or even the classic 1960s Herculean hero, Steve Reeves. The tall, handsome muscled man draped in very little clothing and a long dark mane is truly a wondrous sight to behold.

In The Scorpion King, Mathayus (The Rock) clashes with a group of surviving warriors including Balthazar (Michael Clarke Duncan Planet of the Apes) and a young prince, Takmet (Peter Facinelli). He makes his way into Memnon's city and steals away with Cassandra. They eventually fall in love and Mathayus' fight takes on new meaning. Naturally, he is betrayed but the arguing band of warriors follows his lead into a mighty battle.

The Scorpion King is great fun and director Charles Russell has enhanced the film with an interesting interracial cast. It gives the film set in desert African or Middle East locales are more authentic look. The Rock is articulate and sensual as is his costars, Kelly Hu and Peter Facinelli of Supernova fame.

Despite the scantily clad women and men, this is wholesome family entertainment.