The Mummy Returns (2001)

Everything in The Mummy Returns is bigger than the first one except the fun. There’s a reincarnation subplot, a second villain, a magic bracelet with a countdown, a hot air balloon ship and an army of dog-headed warriors, and the story feels like three sequels fighting for one seat. Brendan Fraser still nails the goofy hero who’s never quite in control, and Rachel Weisz finally gets to swing a sword instead of shelving books. John Hannah’s Jonathan remains the best coward in the business. The double-decker bus chase through London is a riot. The problem is the effects. A lot of the computer work looks rushed, and one big creature near the end looks like it escaped from an unfinished video game. Opening crowds graded it an A minus on CinemaScore, and it made $444.1 million worldwide. A 5.0 because the cast is still a blast and the movie keeps burying them under noise. $5,802 says you try on a bracelet at a thrift store this year and get a weird feeling it’s not coming off.

What works: Fraser, Weisz and Hannah still have great chemistry, and the London bus chase is a blast.

What doesn’t: The plot is overstuffed with villains and subplots, and a lot of the computer effects look rushed and dated.

Who it’s for: Families with older kids who want an old-school treasure hunt and don’t mind a lot of noise.