The best thing about it is it has almost everything you want in summer movies.

Rating: 10/10 (5 October 2007)

My Take: It's tons of fun and what else should it be?
Summer movies have become too complicated over its last few years. But THE MUMMY brings back the old-fashioned action movie tradition. They have this belief that the old-school feel still works, and it really does. THE MUMMY may not be a totally perfect summer movie, but it's still darn good "can't take your eyes of the screen" entertainment, but the best thing about it is it has almost everything you want in summer movies. Whether it's adventure, thrills, horror, suspense and laughs, THE MUMMY makes all these formulas work and work together forming a delightful summer blockbuster that delivers entertainment that aren't just special effects.
The opening sequence features, perhaps, one of the best and most convincing shot of an Egyptian civilization. It was such a convincing combination of model shots, matte effects and actual shots that its believable. It is perhaps one of the best recreation of ancient Egypt since, perhaps, the large-scale sets in Cecil B. DeMille's THE TEN COMMANDMENTS in 1956, which we now know is only made in a studio. This one was actually more convincing, including shots of large pyramids and the crowds and chariots. This opening introduces the Pharaoh's head priest Imhotep (Arnold Vosloo) who has an affair with the Pharaoh's mistress. As punishment, he is to be mummified alive, having flesh-eating beetles feed on his flesh.
This is then changed in to the usual formula of old-fashioned adventure flicks wherein they must find the ancient lost city, uncover its untold wealth and leads to the deadly curse. Then they add the explorers' curiosities which unlocks the deadly curse and unleashes the mummy Imhotep loose on earth. Let the good times roll!
The action sequences get a bit silly (even with the spectacular effects) and the storyline borderline ridiculous, but that's just the point. THE MUMMY is a throwback to the good ol' action-adventures of yore, and frankly, there's not much of them to go around anymore. Brendan Fraser (as Indiana Jones-inspired Rick O'Connell) and Rachel Weisz (as the adorable intrepid Evelyn), and some adorable witty dialog manage to occupy as much screen-time as the action and suspense. The action sequences, of course, are terrific in their own way. The sight of a creatures' face suddenly rise above the sand is some show of terrific special effects (and to think seeing a sandstorm up close is amazing enough).
Along with INDEPENDENCE DAY, THE MUMMY is perhaps one of the decades loudest, most exciting, most gimmicky summer action movie of its decade. Just like the other said film, I enjoyed the film more than just for its special-effects. This one has story, characters and a celebration of screen excitement (all good), a bunch of elements much needed, especially to today's summer flicks. THE MUMMY, perhaps, may be among the few special effects-bound movies were I don't criticize the special effects, which usually becomes the centerpiece in summer movies. This one has story to go along with it, and, boy, was it a good one.
Rating: ***** out of 5.