A brilliant parody of the action/horror genre

Rating: 9/10 (4 February 2008)

Reading the most highly-rated comments for this film, I've seen many praising the action and the "fun-factor". But none have highlighted what for me takes this film to a higher level, which is the way that it adroitly and subtly sends up every mummy/horror/action film in the genre.
It is a masterpiece: the progressing bullet-holes in the paddle-steamer's side, about to take Fraser's head off; the salute as the bi-plane sinks into the sand; the dismembered arm reaching for the sword at *just* the right moment. It is simply the most ingenious parody I have ever seen -- and it does it all with such grace that most viewers never even noticed.
But for those who are aware of it, there are a few signposts to show that this parody is intentional. The one that stands out in my mind is the camp-fire that flickers every time someone mentions something otherworldly, until one of the characters remarks, "That happens a lot around here, doesn't it?"
This film is comic timing at its best. Rachel Weisz, Brendan Fraser and John Hannah are clearly having a ball, and who can blame them? This film has it all -- action, comedy, great lines and a hot librarian.