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Mortal Kombat: Annihilation - 35  stinky
Story: 4 -  Wasting only a few seconds with an extremely contrived plot outline, Mortal Kombat II jumps right into the the mindless action. Stopping only briefly every 10 minutes or so, the actors almost have enough time to pretend there is still a plot.

Acting: 8 -  I'm not exactly sure what the point to casting this movie was. The only actor that played his part convincingly was killed in the first few minutes. It says alot when only one cast member returns for a sequel, and it isn't the main star.

Creators: 15 -  The creative positives in this movie were not how it made the story come alive, rather how lively the movie was without a story. Some nice fight scenes and some good editing, mixed here and there with some bad of all of the above.

Impact: 2 -  I had forgotten most of the movie before the day was over. Except Rayden commenting on his "new look". The low point of the movie.

Modifiers: + 6 -  Some very cool special effects and action sequences. However, others were so poorly edited or mixed with the film that they barely looked better than some old Godzilla effects.

Mummy, The - 87 none
Story: 27 - The story was well done for a summer blockbuster-type movie. The story ended up straying from the original Mummy series, but was still entertaining.

Acting: 22 - Some of the characters are downright laughable. But Frazier and Vosloo (Imhotep) carry the movie on their own.

Creators: 20 - Incredible special effects. Mood is set quite well, and the action sequences don't actually steal completely from Indiana Jones.

Impact: 10 - Not an Oscar type movie, but you leave the theater having seen a fun show. Great closing credit sequence!

Modifiers: 8 - It is getting harder and harder to come up with original looking special effects. But this movie pulls off some of the most original work since Terminator 2.

Mummy Returns, The - 73  none
Story: 18 -  The sequel rule still holds true, although The Mummy Returns fares better than most serial films. Many parts are revisitations to the The Mummy but we get to laugh a little, see several new characters and an interesting twist to the story in creating a villian greater than The Mummy himself.

Acting: 22 -  Brendan Fraser does a good job as a surrugate Indiana Jones again and Rachel Wiess proves to be a great sidekick. The Rock doesn't act much in this movie, but makes a fairly impressive appearance.

Creators: 18 -  Fabulous computer imaging once again. Great new monsters, and a healthy heaping of familiar ones from the original. A fun ride, but lets just say that the Scorpion King would have been better kept further from the camera.

Impact: 9 -  incredibly fun movie. Alot borrowed from the original, but plenty of new stuff to keep you happy. Overall a very fun adventure.

Modifiers: + 6 -  Fantastic integration of CGI work with live action. Watch for the realistic interaction of the mummified Imhotep with Anack Su Namun. The bus chase is incredible as well.

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