The Stephen Sommers Mummy franchise, for all intents and purpose, is dead. There hasn't been a decent installment since 2008's Tomb of the Dragon Emperor, and the direct-to-video sequels to it's Scorpion King spin-off have been nothing short of terrible and unnecessary.

Yet, I'll concur that Book of Souls is an improvement over the last two Scorpion King sequels in terms of plot and cinematography, capturing the feel of The Mummy films. But not enough to revive long-term interest in a franchise that has since been relegated to the DTV ghetto. Especially when these films shuffle lead actors like it shuffles cards.

Expected garbage but it was ok. Ticked some boxes. Bit of eye candy for everyone, bit of action and at least there was a story. Worth a watch.

In ancient Egypt, warlord Nebserek steals the Fang of Anubis to launch a conquering war. Nebserek burns down Mathayus' village. He is known as The Scopion King and joins Nubian princess Tala to find the Book of Souls.

The plot is straight forward but somehow overly complicated. It's probably the muddled expositions. This is a B-movie. It's not terrible but also not good. The biggest problem is that it's dull. The cinematic lacks kinetic energy. It doesn't really offer anything. Zach McGowan is a solid grunt but not a leading man. There is action but nothing special. It is play-acting sword and sandals.