You can rely on the Hollywood studios for one thing: if a movie makes enough money, you can expect a sequel. Lately we've seen the belated likes of Indiana Jones And The Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull, Rambo and Rocky Balboa, so the fact that The Mummy: Tomb Of The Dragon Emperor comes just seven years after the preceding chapter in the franchise makes it seem practically hasty.

This time out, however, there are changes.and big ones at that. Franchise creator and regular director Stephen Somers is out, replaced by efficient action maestro Rob Cohen (xXx, The Fast And The Furious). Also gone is British leading lady Rachel Weisz, with unlikely substitute (and American) Maria Bello stepping into her shoes. Leading man Brendan Fraser is happily still on board, and there's enough action, mayhem and imagination on offer here for The Mummy: Tomb Of The Dragon Emperor to rate as a reasonable addition to this enjoyable if occasionally uninspired franchise.

Rick O'Connell (Fraser) and Evelyn (Bello) are now retired and living happily in the English countryside. Evelyn spends her time writing "fanciful" books based on their past adventures, while Rick wiles away his days learning to fish. When offered the chance to escort a priceless jewel to China, the couple springs back into action, eventually crossing paths with their now grown archeologist son (Australian actor Luke Ford), and then doing battle with a resurrected Chinese king (Jet Li) and his army of terracotta warriors. Throw in yetis (!!!), ancient curses and more CGI than you can poke a stick at, and you have a capable and highly watchable action adventure flick. It's no classic, but if you're after undemanding thrills, The Mummy: Tomb Of The Dragon Emperor should fit the bill.

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