"The Mummy" is a typical summer blockbuster, full of action and special effects. What is lacking are characters beyond cartoonish stereotypes, and a meaningful script behind the eye candy of special effects. Certainly those who enjoy campy escapist action sci-fi films (you know who you are) will also like this one, but those seeking content besides all the razzle-dazzle will be disappointed.

The story begins three thousand years ago.
Egyptian priest Imhotep (Arnold Vosloo) has
been fooling around with the Pharoah's lady
(Patricia Velazquez). Imhotep is mummified
alive, but a spell from a sacred book can
bring him back to life, at which time he will
bring the 'ten plagues of Egypt' upon mankind.

Fast forward to 1925. Evelyn (Rachel Weisz)
is the most beautiful and knowledgable museum librarian alive. O'Connell (Brendan Fraser) is a rugged adventurer in the Indiana Jones style. After Evelyn literally saves O'Connell's neck, they are off to the Egyptian desert in search of treasure. Along for the ride is Evelyn's brave but alcoholic brother Jonathan (John Hannah) and treacherous weasel Beni (Kevin J. O'Connor).

Treasure is indeed found, but unfortunately Imhotep is awakened from his long sleep. Soon he is killing off all the explorers except for the lead characters, and for good measure threatens to involve Evelyn in a dubious ritual to bring his old girlfriend back to life.

Fraser plays his adventurer character straight, despite the campy story and script. He is competent and dashing, but something is missing, and he can't escape the stereotype of his character. Weisz is lovely and has a pleasing accent, which is probably all the director would ask of her. As a villain, Vosloo is about as scary as a second-league pro wrestler. The various comic relief characters don't quite work. (43/100)





Recommended: No