The Mummy (1999) Review

Title: The Mummy 
Year: 1999
Director: Stephen Sommers
Country: US
Language: English

An extremely loose remake of the 1930's Universal Horror classic The Mummy (1932), this version  was made near the end of Hollywood's era of the "carfree" action/adventure films. See, in the 80's- late 90's action movies were, for the most part, mindlessly fun experiences. This all changed when The Matrix (1999)  made gritty nihilism action popular; the rise of superhero films like X-Men (2000) didn't help. It may be odd to say, but I miss the wackiness of this bygone era of action. 

At an archaeological dig in the ancient city of Hamunaptra, an American serving in the French Foreign Legion (Brendan Fraiser) accidentally awakens a mummy who begins to wreak havoc as he searches for the reincarnation of his long-lost love (Rachel Weisz).

I...like this movie? Is that blasphemous to say? It's a fun, imaginative action/adventure epic that reminds me of Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) The cinematography, stunts, choreography and visual effects are over the top in a "they don't make movies like these anymore" way. Though it's not always successful at its genre shape-shifting, The Mummy did have many moments that excitened, frightened and made me laugh. 

The production design and costume design both do a great job at higliting both the period of time (the film is set in 1926) The score does a terrific job at keeping pace with the insanity that is thrown on screen; from a person getting eaten alive by beetles, to a mountain of sand swallowing horses whole. The actors do a tremendous job; Fraiser is a believable hunky hero & Weisz is the hot damsel in distress. Boy meets Girl meets Undying Sand Mummy. 

If you're a film snob like I am, you might be hesitant to call this film a "classic" but damn is it a good popcorn muncher. Forget The Matrix, this is the definitive action movie from 1999. The Mummy (1999) ought to be more well regarded.