A Modern Movie For A Simpler Time

Rating: 8/10 (16 May 2001)

"The Mummy Returns" plays like a film made in the forties when Universal produced four sequels to the original "The Mummy" (1932). Though I thoroughly enjoyed it, and I think most classic monster fans will, it may seem out of place to today's more "sophisticated and enlightened" movie crowd.
The movie's all about fun and high-adventure and it delivers in spades on both! It contains all of the excitement, thrills and intrigue that can be found in the adventure serials of the thirties and forties. Whether intentional or not, the CGI creature effects hearkened back to the days of Willis O'Brien and Ray Harryhausen. Though much smoother than their stop-motion techniques, there was an obvious separation between the computer world and the real world. This added a kitschy feel to the film which I loved. When this movie is released for home viewing, I plan on watching it in black and white to get the complete 1940's feel!
The bottom line: If you go to the theatre to be entertained and to escape the real world, go see "The Mummy Returns", the kid inside you will thank you for it!