Good new direction

Rating: 8/10 (4 May 2001)

The Mummy is just one of those movies that I enjoy more each time I see it. In 1999 I was expecting an action adventure film and instead was treated to a nicely paced horror movie with a new touch due to Stephen Sommers. In the sequel Sommers changed the direction from horror to what I was originally expecting. This change in genre was one of the smartest things Sommers could have done in giving us more of the same, but different. Much like the difference between Alien and Aliens. They are really two different films.
One of the reasons I enjoyed the Mummy more each time is due to the enjoyable characters. For one reason or another I really wanted to know what happened to these people and getting to see them 10 years later was a big bonus. Most of the characters have more defined roles this time and its good to see some character growth in a sequel.
The plot is thrown at us faster this time around with much more going on. But Stephen Sommers never cheats with the writing. Everything is mentioned once, twice, and then action! A familiarity with the first one is helpful since Sommers has the kid experience many of the same things his parents did last time creating some cross generation/movie jokes. Sommers also respects the conventions of the original Universal Mummy movies giving us an excellent climax that is above the usual action. Like the original Mummy this plot is one that has the ability to grow on you more with multiple viewings.
The crew behind the scenes do an excellent job as they did before. Cinematography, Sound, and Art Direction all create an engrossing movie experience. Alan Silvestri picks up Jerry Goldsmith's score and continues its themes. Their are some FX quibbles from ILM but mostly just some weird background and the finale features a creature on par with 1997's Lost in Space that could stand some improvement. But they also have some great set pieces with the returning Warrior Mummies and an impressive ground battle that reminds one of the Phantom Menace's. Meanwhile Sommers has obviously been influenced by some of his competition in summer's past. Some of the fight scenes have some Gladiator and Matrix-esque touches to them that seem out of place in a movie like this. Sommers directorial style was so clean in the Mummy and his previous adventure Deep Rising that these flashes of slow-mo stand out very conspiciously. To his credit everything else is framed very well with some great introductions for our heroes.
While it's true that the Mummy Returns isn't terribly original, it does derive from the best. The Mummy had a hard time getting out from Indiana Jones' shadow and the sequel seems to embrace this with many elements reminisicent of Indy's first sequel The Temple of Doom. Spielberg and Lucas influences abound as well as an image from James Cameron and a small Kubrick nod. (See if you can find the Dr. Strangelove homage.) But it's all in good fun as we are taken on this incredible adventure. If you enjoyed the first film you'll be very satisfied by the change in direction for this one. Its far enough from the original to give you a new experience but it never forgets the original. While their are deeper film experiences out there you'll be very happy if you're in the mood for a fun adventure. This is a cast and crew that loves what they're doing and it influences the audience in a very positive way. Bring the popcorn and enjoy!