The Mummy (1999)
Director: Stephen Sommers
Starring: Brandan Fraser, Rachel Weisz, John Hannah, Arnold Vosloo
Primary genre: Fantasy
Secondary genre: Action
Third genre: Adventure
Nominated for: Best Sound
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It was quite baffling to witness the reception that Stephen Sommers’ bonkers remake of the 1932 horror classic “The Mummy” received back in 1999. Labeled as a mediocre, if not an uninspired copycat of “Indiana Jones” with expensive special effects, critics missed the point just like with several other films that dared to do something different (e.g., “Blade Runner“ (1982), “The Thing” (1982)).
“The Mummy” was not supposed to replace any of the classic Harrison Ford adventures. In a noble effort, Sommer’s wacky and restricted script took a horror concept that focused more on dread and atmosphere and crafted a fascinating and expanding canvas in the spirit of classic action adventures splashed with a dose of fantasy.
While professional critics scorned this marriage, audiences loved it to such degree that a sequel was greenlighted after the opening weekend and “The Mummy” created several imitators with its tongue-in-cheek approach, light-hearted proceedings and groundbreaking visuals which was its biggest draw.
The advanced technologies made it possible for Sommers to present Imhotep as a living and breathing demi-god with sand-related powers which became (perhaps unintentionally) a pivotal moment in the late 90s and in cinema history overall, offering visually dazzling sequences that even to this day feel fresh (i.e., the sand volcano in particular is a sight to behold and will test the limits of any sound system).
As this was before the frenetic director got fascinated with computer graphics, his remake has a warm balance of special and practical effects. Within an acceptable running time of two hours, he keeps pushing the momentum forward building nicely the inevitable crash of our heroes with Imhotep through different environmental and living threats that range from raining fire and undead mummified priests to thousands of flesh eating scarabs, all accompanied by Jerry Goldsmith’s sweeping and exotic score. He does not forget to craft likeable (major and minor) characters either who will embark soon in a larger than life adventure into the scorching deserts of Egypt using real locations and authentic production design (under the gorgeous lens of Adrian Biddle).
And here the cast is pitch perfect too. Brendan Fraser oozes natural charisma in a glorified American archetype that never takes himself too seriously sharing undeniable chemistry with Rachel Weisz who does not go down the route of the traditional damsel in distress. The rest are spot on in their limited roles, particularly John Hannah and Kevin J. O. Connor who share the film’s biggest laughs.
Yet one of the few criticisms is related to the titular character himself: the mummy. Appearing half-way through, Arnold Vosloo is mostly an incredible motion capture effect that recites lines in ancient Egyptian and bears minimum to zero interaction with our heroes. Even his final confrontation leaves much to be desired as he tells spells and conjures stuff out of thin air in order to extend the plot with another action sequence. And the script misses a golden opportunity to present an antagonistic in more tragic light as opposed to a force of nature with a singular purpose in mind. Vosloo does what he can with the role and can be quite intimidating - especially in the earlier stages of his transformation but as the film progresses the lack of actual horror (despite a few jump scares) might bother the purists of adult creature features.
“The Mummy” can be summarized by Fraser’s character: “Rescue the damsel in distress, kill the bad guy, and save the world”. Sommers’ remake might not take the classic Universal Pictures horror trope but offers plenty in return to entertain the audience. It is quite an appealing package of smart humour, action, funny characters and out-of-this-world special effects. In the eyes of a modern or traditional blockbuster fan, “The Mummy” is a flawless action adventure that does not require anything from you besides having a great time.
Spectacular remake of the 1932 horror classic
+Groundbreaking special effects
+Brendan Fraser/Rachel Weisz
+Jerry Goldsmith’s sweeping score
+The sound design is out of this world
+Authentic production design and real locations
+Homage to classic adventure pics
+Humor is spot on
+Scale
+Tongue in cheek approach
-Limited screentime for villain
-Lack of actual horror