Comic book fun with great modern special effects.

Rating: 8/10 (19 May 2001)

The Mummy is a pseudo-remake of the 1932 Karloff picture of the same name. This modern Mummy is not like any monster Mummy I've ever seen before. I commend the film makers for making a modern version of this classic monster. Arnold Vosloo plays the antagonist well, he is not the traditional mummy that hobbles about wrapped in bandages. This Mummy is strong, quick ,powerful, has plenty of tricks up the proverbial sleeve, and really is just plain downright menacing. I can't say enough good things about the actual monster and the very flashy special effects used in connection with his powers (e.g. the wall of sand with his face). I give the monster and related effects a 10/10.
The plot is pretty good (despite some large continuity problems). Two groups of treasure hunters find a much sought after legendary lost city in Egypt, only to accidentally awaken the Mummy, and thus fulfill a 3000 year-old prophecy of a great curse and plague on the Earth. Now they must save the world. The whole movie has the feel of a live action comic book, which makes Brendan Fraiser's zanyness a great choice as the lead actor. He is surprisingly competent as the kick ass action hero spewing enough one-liners to make Arnold proud. The role doesn't require a lot of ability, and he fills the shoes of the zany American hero well. All the characters (except the monster) are comic book type characters (e.g. the yeeee-haaa cowboy Americans, the bumbling coward brother, the weasel bad guy Benny, etc...).

FINAL RATING: 8/10 The characters don't run that deep but they don't really need to because the story is interesting enough by itself. The great constant action, the excellent scenery, and very cool special effects make a good movie, but Vosloo as the Mummy is the real star here. Consider me impressed.
Noob Aalox