Writer: Wahiduzzaman

Writer Ratings:
Overall:
Cast:
Plot:
Effects:
Cinematography:

Watch this if you liked: "Mummy" franchise, "Indiana Jones" franchise, "Shanghai Noon" and "Shanghai Knights".

The mummy has awoken after seven years in hiatus!

"The Mummy" returns to the big screen promising more action than ever before - but wait! It wasn't up to expectations actually. Yes, admittedly the trio of Rick O'Connell (Brendan Fraser), wife Evelyn (this time played by Maria Bello) and bro-in-law Jonathan Carnahan (John Hannah) have stunned me with their spontaneous and believable character play.

Of course it's no surprise to see the fine character delivery from Fraser and Hannah as they have dwelled in the roles since the previous films. Surprisingly, Mario Bello also fits the role as Evelyn, Rick's wife. Being new to the franchise, she fits herself so well into the Evelyn mould that we tend to forget that it used to be Rachel Weisz in that role. Bello made Evelyn hers.

Nonetheless, it was the supporting roles that disappoint me the most. The now grown-up son Alex (played by newcomer Luke Ford), fails to add anything to the established set. It feels as if the O'Connells could do without him! His bulky figure and so-called playboy pick-up lines don't fit the bill. Unlike Rick, the son is more of a college charmer than a young adventurer. The rest, like Zi Juan (Michelle Yeoh), Lin (Isabella Leong) and General Yang (Anthony Wong) look steady. However the worst performance here should go to martial arts master Jet Li, who looks too awkward as the Mummy. Something just doesn't seem right - him playing Emperor Han, then frozen up, only to return in the form of a Mummy!

Storywise, there's nothing extraordinary to be expected from this Mummy. The special effects are rather realistic and they are up to the current standards of technology I guess, whereas shots and angles are nicely done to give a more adventurous feel to the quest in the movie. Also, I thought the music score was superb.

Still, Rob Cohen didn't really impress me with his visualisation and presentation of this movie. Little impact could be felt when leaving the cinema hall. I would say it's a disappointment but I guess this will pass as some mindless entertainment for all until the next Mummy...

Cinema Online, 23 September 2008