A review of a new take on the classic horror

Rating: 8/10 (12 July 1999)

Back in 1932, The Mummy, starring Boris Karloff, had a quiet eeriness about it - it still does. I didn't know what to expect almost seventy years later when Universal released a modern update of the horror tale. With all the fuss over the latest computer generated imagery, I knew that it would either be another special effects laden summer blockbuster, or an exciting adventure in the tradition of Raiders of the Lost Ark. I suppose it was a bit of both, boasting some breathtaking effects in one of the best adventure films of recent years.
After the opening Universal globe dissolves into a desert sun - think back to the beginning of Raiders and the Paramount logo - we are introduced to Imhotep, played by Arnold Vosloo, in Ancient Egypt. When he is found with the pharaoh's mistress, he is mummified alive and sealed inside a coffin with flesh-eating scarabs while the mistress kills herself in hope that he will resurrect her. Sound unpleasant? It's a way of getting the audience's attention from the very beginning - that's for sure. Then we cut to the 1920's where ex-American Legionnaire, Rick O'Connell, a dashing Brendan Fraser, is being chased away from The Hidden City of Hamunaptra by black robed guards. Librarian, Evelyn, played by Rachel Weisz, and her money-grubbing brother, Jonathan, played by John Hannah, free O'Connell from execution years later in hope that he will lead them to the city. And indeed off they go, only O'Connell suspecting underlying evil, with the opposing explorers, among them Kevin J. O'Connor and Jonathan Hyde, hot on their trail. Of course when they reach the city, the mummy is unleashed and in turn he sets out to bring his love back from the dead, destroy those who stole the Book of the Dead from his chest and generally cause a lot of havoc and mayhem.
If all of this sounds a little silly, then you're right - it is. But it is the kind of light-hearted excitement a summer blockbuster should be. While the film doesn't offer too much in the way of character depth, Fraser comes across as a likeable hero, providing the brawn; Weisz is the respectable librarian-turned-adventurer, providing the brains; and Hannah plays the witty Englishman who provides most of the humour. Saying that, the humour doesn't always work and Fraser's over-the-top heroism is at times irritating. The art direction is worthy of mention, and when the director allows the camera to pull back over a scene, the film looks fantastic, perfectly recreating turn-of-the-century Egypt. Add to that Jerry Goldsmith's exotic and exciting score and you get the best period adventure in a long time. The Mummy isn't without fault, but with all the drivel Hollywood has produced over the last few summers, this is definitely worth a look.