If you see ANY movies this summer, DON'T see The Mummy

Rating: 2/10 (10 May 1999)

This is one of the worst movies I've seen, and I've seen a lot. The premise is not bad, and the effects are actually quite good, but neither could save this film from the abysmal acting and god-awful script.
I won't waste time describing the story, as you can find plenty of such descriptions. I will simply note that it has a considerable number of holes. It had potential, but fell far short.
Stephen Sommers, who most recently brought us the inane Deep Rising, has made that film look like a masterpiece in comparison to The Mummy. As the writer/director, he deserves the most blame for this catastrophe, regardless of box office receipts. Perhaps Sommers should get some writing advice from Tarantino if he wants to be witty, or at least competent.
This film attempted to rely on the popular one-liner, but Brendan Fraser was not the man to pull it off. "Clever" he is not. I've seen this film compared to the Indiana Jones films, Big Trouble in Little China, and other great adventure films. However, Fraser cannot live up to the stars of these great movies. He did not have the timing to carry the lines. However, I cannot place all the blame of Fraser as he had a miserable script to deal with.
I don't know how anyone could possibly enjoy the banter between the characters and the off-timing one-liners which Fraser dispenses far too frequently and with far too little ability. I was painfully reminded of Mr. Freeze in Batman and Robin, to give you an idea of how bad it truly is.
The film reminded me of "Army of Darkness" in many ways, but without the skill and flair Sam Raimi and Bruce Campbell brought to that film. The creature effects were quite similar, with the initial mummy creature looking something like the "evil Ash." Also, the attempts at humor and witty one-liners were similar as well. However, you'd be much better off watching "Army of Darkness," for it is by far the superior movie. As for comparisons with the Indiana Jones films, I will not even dignify them with a response.
The Mummy is not worth your time or money. I would suggest going to see this movie ONLY if you are so into effects that you can overlook the plot, script, acting, and all other aspects of the film. The effects are truly the only redeeming quality, and even they really aren't anything new. Save your money. I wish I had.