All Wrapped Up In Visuals.

Rating: 5/10 (9 June 2015)

The Mummy (1999): Dir: Stephen Sommers / Cast: Brendan Fraser, Rachel Weisz, John Hannah, Jonathan Hyde, Kevin J. O'Connor: Triumphant special effects that translates as an action adventure film as oppose to horror aspects in the 1932 original. It is an enchanting visual sight of everything ancient but the story isn't so wondrous. It opens in ancient Egypt where a kingdom is brought down with the death of Ferrell and the prisoners enclosed in caskets and wrapped as mummies. Jump ahead to the 1920's where the search for an ancient book is in progress. Brendan Fraser is introduced as a prisoner in Egypt until Rachel Weisz orders his release. She and her brother need his assistance in tracking the book. It is obvious that the mummy will be freed in the process with chaos to follow. Director Stephen Sommers handles the action effectively. Fraser is given the one role of any interest. He brings humour throughout as he springs from one action sequence to the next. Weisz is basically a potential romantic interest for Fraser. John Hannah plays her brother and the role is as cardboard as her's. The wrappings on the mummy's body contain more personality than both characters combined. The special effects are the film's best selling point as objects shift forms and creatures descend into reality. Fine concept within a screenplay that remains lost within the mindless chaos. Score: 5 ½ / 10