The Mummy (1999)
- written January 2005
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This is a remake of the 1932 movie with Boris Karloff. It stars Brendan Frasier as a French Legionnaire Rick O'Connell who has visited the ancient Egyptian city of the dead, Humanuptra. His legion had visited the city a few years back and ended up getting slaughtered in a massive battle with some Egyptian forces. Now 3 years later, he is imprisoned when the beautiful yet ditsy Evelyn, played by "Chain Reaction's" Rachel Weisz goes looking for it. She is able to free O'Connell just seconds before his death on a scaffold and off they go.
The City of the Dead is particularly important because 3000 years ago, a high priest named Imhotep betrayed the Pharaoh by falling in love with his woman, Anack-su-namun. She killed the Pharaoh and then committed suicide. After escaping, Imhotep attempted to bring her back to life, but the Pharaoh's bodyguards stopped him. They mummified the high-priest and his followers and then placed upon Imhotep the worst of all ancient curses - along with placing with him in the casket hundreds of flesh-eating bugs. Now in the 1920's, it is Evelyn's idea to search the city for treasures, including the Golden Book of Aman-Ra (Sun God), made out of pure gold. But while there, along with several touristing Americans, they uncover the Book of the Dead and the body of Imhotep. They read from the Book of the Dead and bring the high priest back to life where he then becomes the scourge of the Earth and brings upon Egypt the 10 worst plagues ever (locusts, bees, etc.). Now Evelyn and O'Connell must do whatever it takes to stop Imhotep from ravishing the Earth. But will the Mummy have the last laugh? Overall: I really enjoyed this film and found the effects just mind boggling. The story has a few holes here and there but it is still fairly solid. It does tend to get a bit gory and bloody (watching someone talk after their eyes have been ripped out, can get to you) but it is defiantly necessary to keep up the atmosphere of the film. Arnold Vosloo is very good as Imhotep as is the comedic talent of Kevin J. O'Connor as Beni. Very enjoyable film with lots of good action. Comparison: Gremlins meets Tarzan: Legend of Greystoke |
Links to other sites at The Sinning Room
The Mummy Review Page
The Mummy Returns Review Page
Horror Films L-Z Review Page
Horror Films Review Page
