The Mummy

The Mummy

Directed by: Stephen Sommers

Written by: Stephen Sommers, Nina Wilcox Putnam, Richard Schayer, Lloys Fonvielle, Kevin Jarre

Top Billed Actors: Brendan Fraser, Rachel Weisz, John Hannah, Arnold Vosloo, Oded Fehr

Genre: Action/Adventure

Year Released: 1999

When Evelyn and Jonathan Carnahan discover a map of the Ancient Egyptian city of Hamunaptra, they each have their own motivation for seeking it. Evy is drawn to the history of the city. Hamunaptra is the supposed resting place of the book of Amun Ra, a valuable and previously undiscovered relic. Jonathan, on the other hand, is seeking the “wealth of Egypt” which is rumored to lie within the city. The two team up with Rick O’Connell who acts as their guide on their journey up the Nile. Along the way, they are surprised to discover that they have competition – a group of Americans seeking Hamunaptra for their own profit.

Though they all scoff at the legend of the “Curse of the Mummy,” danger is stirring beneath the sand. The members of both crews are forced to abandon their hopes for the expedition and rethink their view of curses when they accidentally awaken Imhotep, a high priest of Ancient Egypt. And much to Rick’s discomfort, this time his normal arsenal of firearms won’t be enough.

Sarah’s Thoughts

I must admit that when Chris and I sat down to watch this movie, I was asleep within twenty minutes. I suppose it’s a good thing, then, that I’ve seen it several times over the years. As you can probably gather, I love this movie. A wonderful blend of action, romance and humor, The Mummy is an incredibly fun film to watch. Though perhaps the plot and characters are a bit typical for the genre, I have very few complaints about this movie.

Rick is winning hero and it is only natural to cheer him on. Evy is his natural love interest but manages to use her knowledge of ancient Egypt so as not to be a complete damsel in distress. Though Jonathan does not add any particular skills to the team plot-wise, his character contributes a significant amount of the film’s humor. Beyond this, the obvious chemistry between the three main actors makes the movie as wonderful as it is.

I must also praise the efforts of the special effects team. Imohtep was created entirely within the computer. His movements were matched to Vosloo’s and thus the mummy was born. Now, I could go into what I learned through watching the hour-long documentary included on the DVD, but suffice to say, the process behind the spectacular effects seen in the final film is nothing short of art.

Overall, I would recommend this film for a fun movie night.

Chris’s thoughts

When Sarah first mentioned The Mummy, I was a bit skeptical. Whenever I think of mummies, I think of the Scooby Doo version – toilet paper and such. Then someone accidentally steps on a loose piece of toilet paper and and the mummy is unraveled into some kind of tub or something. But this movie was no Scooby Doo. At least, I think so. I missed bits and pieces because someone fell asleep on my chest and was too cute to ignore. -cough- Sarah -cough-

But The Mummy had an interesting plot, and great special effects and CGI, especially for its time. Like when the Imhotep – the High Priest Dude – rose from the dead! PRICELESS!!! And Rick just had a serious case of kickassitosis and badasseomia. And Jonathan... well, he's useless, but friggin hilarious.

An all-around awesome film.
Chris says that you must watch it!