The Mummy was first on the scene, in this epic trilogy set in 1920's Egyptian that follows the exploits of a group of archaeologists led by adventurer Rick O'Connell (Brendan Fraser) that discovers the mummified body of Imhotep, an Egyptian priest who was cursed for falling in love with the Pharoah's mistress. Naturally they accidentally resurrect him thus ensuring a rocket ride battle for their survival in a bid to halt the mummy to reclaim his long-lost love. It's all here: ancient curses, an embalmed high priest, two rival parties searching for archaeological treasure and dashing legionnaire Brendan Fraser romancing prim librarian Rachel Weisz.
Although a dark comedy, the balance between the horror and the comedy is so well placed that it's a fun ride for anyone who watches it. Fun performances from Fraser and Rachel Weisz add to the tongue-in-cheek Saturday matinee appeal boosted by modern special effects can only improve
on the Raiders of the lost Arch genre. . Screenwriter/director Stephen Sommers has taken license on this format and extended belief with flesh-eating beetles and battling zombie slaves along with more traditional hurdles that one might expect in such a cheeky romp.
Fraser does his goofy macho best as an Indiana Jones clone, tackling every scene with endearing enthusiasm, egged on by Raquel Weisz suitably atired in period clothing that enhances her better attributes. A jolly good romp whoes special effects put shame to the likes of Jason & the Arganouts but managed to retain its sense of adventure. If you are a fan of adventure romps, then this will not disapoint and the fact that a sequel was made, confirms its box-office returns.
The Mummy Returns is a fast-paced sequel that surpasses the 1999 original, also directed by Stephen Sommers. The success of the original, ensures that virtually the entire cast has come back for another exciting go-round. This time the heroic couple, (now happily married ) must try to prevent Imhotep (Arnold Vosloo) from gaining control of the Bracelet of Anubis and taking on the Scorpion King (the Rock) for control of the world. Set now in 1933, the film follows in the same format combining a high speed movie, terrific special effects, sword and sorcery, comic capers and marvelous locations (Morocco, Jordan, London).
The success of the former film ensured a big budget for this sequel and the technical wizardry of Industrial Light and Magic is portrayed in glorious CGI effects. Think big epic battle scences involving an army of dog-like Anubis warriors ,that stretches as far as the eye can see, that would put Ben Hur extras on the dole and socery that suspends belief. If this was not enough, Rachel Weisz has been unashamedly sexed up with more revealing outfits, girl-on-girl fighting and smoldering looks.
I really enjoyed the first movie and I think this one tops it simply because it is more epic in scale. It's great to see all the major characters back, and with a multitude of set-piece thrills along with the humour of the first film this adds up to a first rate sequel.
A prequel to 'The Mummy' tells the story of an alliance that is formed to overthrow the tyranical ruler called Memnon. This is perhaps the weak link in the chain, the bridge to far spured on by previous box office revenue but lacking any of the previous cast bar the Rock whoes oneliners are reminiscant of Arnie movies back in the day.
If you like the Mummy films, this adds background history on the Scorpion King character introduced in the second film but is a tenuous link at best, highlighted by the fact the other two films are also available in an earlier boxset.
Lacking in any comic overtone, this is played strictly by the numbers, with a heavy dose of CGI , and another chance for The Rock fans to see him in action. Having said that, it is not a complete waste of time, even if one lack of empathy for the main chararcter ensures an indifference to his demise and subsiquent revival in the earlier film.
All in all, these three films are a great roller-coaster of action, CGI and Egyptian folklore, that can only delight any Indiana Jones fan.
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Production Year: 1973 - Horror - Director: William Friedkin - Original Language: English - Classification: 18 years and over - Starring: Ellen Burstyn, Linda Blair, Jason Miller, Max Von Sydow, Lee J. Cobb, Jack MacGowran, Kitty Winn
Production Year: 1977 - Horror - Director: John Boorman - Original Language: English - Classification: 18 years and over - Starring: Ned Beatty, Richard Burton, Linda Blair, Louise Fletcher, Max Von Sydow, Kitty Winn, Paul Henreid, James Earl Jones
Re-rated based on Ciao's insistence that such reviews are no longer considered "Off Topic"
Soho_Black 22.04.2007 12:22
I see you've posted this as a DVD review, but you've not mentioned the DVD. Are there any extras? If so, what are they and are they any good? If you add to this, or if you change it to be posted as a "Film Only" review, which can be done by accessing "edit review" above the review and changing the drop down menu under the "Which format are you reviewing?" question at the bottom, please let me know and I'll re-rate.
piggypine 15.04.2007 09:53
I agree with Bollinger28, loved the mummy films but was really let down by the Scorpian King, shame as it had such potential.
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![The Mummy / The Mummy Returns / The Scorpion King [DVD] [1998]](http://picnicb.ciao.com/uk/78489201.jpg "The Mummy / The Mummy Returns / The Scorpion King [DVD] [1998]")
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