So 2016 saw the announcement that Universal was trying again to build a bit of a cinematic universe (look guys you did it in the 40's - just build on that don't reinvent the wheel) called Dark Universe. First cab of the rank - The Mummy (2017) which effectively canceled the existing Mummy/Scorpion King Franchise and killing a fourth movie with an Aztec Mummy (reportedly played by Antonio Banderis).
Imagine my utter surprise that 2018 had a new direct to DVD Scorpion King movie. New actor Zach McGowan as The Scorpion King - the fourth in the franchise.
Zach came to Brisbane Supanove in November 2018, when was the movie release? December 2018. So I couldn't have a copy for him to sign. What marketing genius thought that was a good idea?
So I finally get the movie. Matthius is working as a blacksmith in a small village having lost his kingdom and love interest again. What's that like three now?
(from 1, 3, and 4 although 4 isn't as certain as the other two) Maybe that's what causes his Mummy Returns heel turn - I'm sick of losing kingdoms)
And that's something that hangs over these movies - is this the one where he snaps?Where we see the start of his descent into villainy? Because in all five Scorpion King movies, Matthius is pretty heroic.
The movie opens with the creation of The Fang of Anubis, a sword that steals the souls of all it kills. A warlord Nebserek steals it and lays waste to country. He is obessessed with finding the Scorpion King.
The villains make the classic villain mistake - the hero is cheerfully minding his business - he might be on holiday. The baddies hear he is nearby clearly the hero must be in town to investigate their evil plot, there is no other possibility. We must attack first. Our hero who would have cheerfully spent two weeks fishing and gone home is now aware of villainy in the area and he is rather pissed off that his holiday is ruined, someone tried to kill him, possibly that there is someone else died in the attempt. (my favourite version of this is Batman Forever) Look Mathius would have been happy chilling in his smithy but you had to attack him and kill his friends.
He is left for dead and is rescued by Tala, the daughter of Balathazar (Michael Clarke Duncan) from the first movie and they quest to find the one artefact the Book of Souls that will destroy the Fang and release the souls.
It's an enjoyable movie, McGowan is good in the fights, the villain is suitably threatening making for a good final boss fight. There's a nice twist on the nature of the book of souls. There are some interesting new characters including a golem who is scared of fire. (I kept thinking they were calling him gollum)
With or without McGowan, I'd be down for more Scorpion King movies. (also I'd down for a definitive timeline )
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