The Scorpion King 2: Rise of a Warrior is a direct to video release, hinging on the popularity of the cult classic The Scorpion King. Long gone are The Rock and
Michael Clarke Duncan that made the first film so successful, in their place we find disgruntled UFC Heavyweight Champion Randy Couture and B actor Michael Copon.
The Truth
Its not that The Scorpion King 2: Rise of a Warrior is a terrible movie, its just more of the same thing, only done with less effort. Randy Couture is a terrible actor, but mostly because of how the director encouraged Randy to perform. Perhaps if Couture would have ditched his silly “scary voice” and just spoke with his normal voice, it would have been a little easier to take. Instead we are left cringing every time Couture opens his mouth and forces out this voice that one can only describe as constipation.
Karen David and Michael Copon are actually fairly decent as co-stars and perform pretty well in the action scenes presented to them. Karen’s character Layla is rather sexy in her role as lead vivacios and dangerous female warrior.
The Action
Lots of action to be found in Scorpion King 2, whether you find it enjoyable ,or not, is another topic for discussion. The action is there, its plentiful .. but I found it took away from the story a little too much at times.
The Effects
Rather decent for the budget they worked with. The Minotaur looked pretty good, the environment was great.. the Scorpion was pathetic. Sometimes the CGI gets away from the film a little bit, but the Scorpion that Couture evolves into looks like it was created in the 80’s. The final battle scene looked like one from Jason and the Argonauts.
The Verdict
What sort of review do I give The Scorpion King 2: Rise of a Warrior? Obviously a film that goes straight to DVD has a predisposed opinion heading into the film, but lets get past that. Lets get past Couture’s acting performance, and the hilarious scene where he performs an armbar and a little jiujitsu on a fellow oppononet. Let me put aside some really bad effects and dialogue and try and give this movie a fair shake on the rating scale.
The Scorpion King 2 isn’t the worst movie you’ll rent this year, its actually not too terrible bad at all. Just take it for what it is, do not compare it to the Scorpion King.. and you may just enjoy the film. Its a rentable alternative to sitting at home watching reruns of Stargate for one night.
Tags: Action 2008, Aug 08, Randy Couture, Worst of 2008
YOu do realize that the director changed coutures voice digitally to match their grand vision for the film.
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I think thats what made it even worse for me. That was part of the master plan to change Couture’s voice into that horrible, monotone, altered vision of what the director wanted.
It reminded me of “Batman’s Scary Voice” which I still laugh at when I watch The Dark Knight.
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