Movie Review: The Mummy (1999)

Stars: 5 out of 5
Pros: Action! Adventure! Laughs!

Cons: The first half is a little slow

The Bottom Line:

Ancient curse made new

With comedy and action

You're sure to enjoy

"Patience is a Virtue."  "Not Right Now It Isn't!"

Every so often, I like to be scared. But not too much. Fortunately, there are movies like The Mummy. It's a blood pumping adrenalin ride, but it's got so much humor you have a great time along the way.

In ancient Egypt, one priest, Imhotep (Arnold Vosloo), had the nerve to fall in love with Pharaoh's mistress. As a penalty, he was cursed to become one of the undead and suffer for all time. Unless someone released him from his prison.

Flash forward to the 1920's. American Rick O'Connell (Brendan Fraser) has acquired a map to the ancient city of Hamunaptra. His map falls into the hands of British siblings Evelyn and Jonathan Carnahan (Rachel Weisz and John Hannah). The three team up to find the treasures of this mythical place.

But they are in a race against a group of Americans who want the treasure for themselves. The two groups begin to find ancient things long buried in the sand. Ignoring attacks from Magi guarding the city, they keep digging and awaken an ancient evil. Suddenly, they find themselves in a race against time to save their own skin and the world in general. Is there a way to stop someone you can't kill?

Now I will admit the first hour of the film is rather slow. The time is used to establish the characters, the storyline, and the mythology. There are several jump moments along the way, and it certainly creates atmosphere. Things really pick up after the Mummy awakes, which happens almost exactly half way through the film. Even then, the movie doesn't become a true horror film. There are lots of scares and some disturbing scenes, but mostly this is just a full out action film. And let me tell you, the pace never slows after that point.

This film is the very definition of a Saturday matinee popcorn flick. Or a summer blockbuster, if you prefer. What this means is that it is about entertaining. The characters aren't too deep. There are a few holes in the plot. But if you sit back and let yourself relax, you'll have a wonderful time.

Part of the reason why is the humor I mentioned in the beginning. Rick, Jonathan, and Evelyn all have some classic lines. Rick especially gets a healthy dose of sarcasm that he spreads through his scenes. Jonathan's bumbling and skittishness also add to the fun.

It certainly helps that the actors do a great job. Again, we aren't talking Oscar caliber work here, but everyone takes their job seriously enough to make us believe in the story.

Then there are the special effects. When it was released in 1999, computer effects were still a fairly new tool. Sometimes that shows, with some of the effects appearing dated today. Most of them are still amazing, however. I have no problem believing what I see on the screen.

Yes, The Mummy will give you chills and start your heart racing. But it will provide a few laughs along the way, too. This movie is only trying to entertain, and it does a splendid job of it.