Fun "Remake"

Rating: 8/10 (8 May 1999)

The Mummy is entertaining fare. A few of the jokes (and there are plenty attempted here) might be a bit boorish (bookshelves in an austere museum knocking each other down domino-style), but enjoyable nonetheless. And the characters, while slightly one-dimensional and cartoonish, fit this story perfectly.
Try to pay attention to the beginning of the story; there are some great little scenes where the ancient Egyptian high priest Imhotep (aka The Mummy) is caught in a naughty position with the Pharaoh's wife. Some great costumes and set design are seen here and later in the movie when our 20th century adventurers come upon the tombs. Kudos to the set designers and prop people and costumers and matte painters...beautiful stuff.
Anyway, the bulk of the story involves a competition of sorts between a bunch of loud-mouthed Americans and a British brother-sister team (led by their pal Brendan Fraser), all trying to find the Egyptian City of the Dead, where lots of gold 'n stuff is to be found. One problem, though: the City of the Dead isn't supposed to be messed with, 'cause that's where Imhotep is buried.
After a few twists 'n turns, they arrive, awaken bad old Imhotep, and the chase is on. How to kill the soon-to-be-invincible Mummy? To make matters worse, Imhotep has picked our British heroine out to be the sacrifice that will bring Pharaoh's wife back to life. Good horror/adventure stuff, eh?
Anyway, the show is a lot of fun, doesn't take itself too seriously, and has some good laughs and great special effects (Industrial Light & Magic). I gave it an 8.