Universal first unwrapped The Mummy franchise back in 1932 with Boris Karloff playing the title role. There have been a couple of series reboots since then with the Brendan Fraser-led version being the most recent starting in 1999. Now Universal is ready to move forward again with another reboot but they’ve also decided to go all the way back to the beginning by resurrecting their vision for an entire connected monster universe. The Mummy starring Tom Cruise will also serve as the first chapter in newly labeled Dark Universe. There is a lot to potentially be excited for going forward but it all hinges on the success (or failure) of this first offering.
Nick’s (Tom Cruise) lines are morally blurry but he’s not out to hurt anyone. He simply looks for ways to line his pockets with additional income from time to time. While on various assignments with the military, Nick seeks out opportunities of personal profit. His latest moonlighting gig gives him way more than he could have every bargained for. An ancient tomb is unearthed which also happens to house a very powerful being. The ancient temptress Ahmanet (Sofia Boutella) is set free and she leaves a path of destruction in her wake as she attempts to finish a task that she was unable to complete centuries ago. Nick must search for inner strength if the world is to survive the wrath of Ahmanet.
The majority of Alex Kurtzman’s experience with big budget movies comes from the writer’s chair but with The Mummy, Kurtzman is the man. Thankfully, as the director he was willing to step away from the writing duties (although not totally since he does assist on the screen story) while putting much of his focus and effort on directing. One thing that this movie just has to have to stay relevant any potential summer run would be action, and lots of it. Another is a good story. Finally, acting chemistry is a must.
The action is present from the beginning until the end. There’s a lot going on that should keep the adrenaline pumping throughout much of the movie. I’m happy to report that Tom Cruise does run a time or ten so there won’t be any disappointment there. The plot keeps to the general story what we’ve come to expect from mummy movies. That being said, it doesn’t feel old or stale, nor does it feel like a forced stretch just for the sake of being different. As for the acting, there’s pretty good chemistry. Jake Johnson’s character Chris is Nick’s partner in crime and the two seemingly have a rich history. Those familiar with Johnson’s previous works will be happy to heart that his comedic edge doesn’t get lost in the sand storm. Sofia Boutella continues to grow in Hollywood as she once again excels in the role she’s given. Annabelle Wallis and Russell Crowe round out the cast of main contributors here.
Even though The Mummy is another reboot, it still feels fresh. This vision is a little different than the previous trilogy. It’s a little more grounded and it isn’t as cheesy. There is humor but it’s not to the point that the movie feels campy. Knowing that a road map of a much bigger picture has been laid in the horizon makes this experience a little sweeter. Anticipation is a sweet cinematic aphrodisiac. While this isn’t a top notch upper echelon type movie, there is more than enough to keep audiences entertained for almost two hours. Get ready for a surprise or two and check this one out in theaters right now.
