First off, this movie isn't to be taken seriously. It's camp, just like the first one. However, this is one of those rare sequals that is as good as, or in this case, better than the original. The Mummy Returns flows great, has lots of good humor, cool special effects, and plenty of action. The cast does a good job in their roles, sparing us any glaring bad acting moments, and the anacronisms are mere side-notes to the entertainment value of the movie.
  What this movie provides more than anything else, is laughs. It delivers some great bits within the movie: Freddie Boath as Alex does a great job portraying a smart kid using all the little childish tricks to cause trouble innocently. The comment by the pilot is beautiful - "If you give me that, you can wax my head, shave my legs, and use me for a surfboard!" However, some of the best laughs aren't in the movie. This movie just begs to be MiSTied! I saw it with 18 friends and most of us couldn't help but say things at the screen. When the Rock calls the charge at the begining, I keep hearing him say "Hakuna matata!" :> When we first see Brenden Fraiser, he strikes the classic James Bond pose behind the screen of cobwebs, and you want to start making Tomb Raider compairasons. There are tons of moments for comments like these in the movie. In addition, there are a bunch of references to other movies in there too. Everything from Indiana Jones, to Star Wars, to Dr. Strangelove. And the animators definitely play Diablo II....
  There are few bad moments in The Mummy Returns. The second version of the Scorpion King probably could have been done better. And if you're a fan of The Rock, wait for the Scorpion King movie to go drool over him. I suppose I could nitpick, but why bother? I had a great time watching the movie.