The Mummy is a near-perfect example of what it wants to be: a whirlwind silly PG-13 action adventure with a mythological villain in a period setting. The characters are either brainy, brawny, or buffons, and there's little to no thematic depth to be had. And yet, I still love this movie. Here's the big reasons why.
It's Fun and Funny
This sense of fun also applies to the set-pieces which include plenty of one-liners or jokey moments to let everyone know, "Don't worry it's all in good fun." Every fight is light-hearted despite being full of destruction, and there[s plenty of time for one-liners from Brendan Fraser.
It's Self-Contained
This might be a small thing, but it's nice to have a movie that isn't designed to be a part of a series or shared universe. Yes this movie has a sequel, but if this was the only adventure we had with these characters it would be plenty satisfying.
Indiana Jones Style Action
This movie is actually a decent model of how to mix CGI with period style action *Ahem* Crystal Skull *ahem* We've got tons of shootouts, hand to hand combat, blades, monster battles, and even a biplane facing off against a wave of sand. The movie also uses the Mummy's evolving powers to present new challenges for our heroes. Sometimes it's bugs, other times it's more mummy minions, and sometimes it's fire from the sky.
A Twinge of Anti-Imperial Sentiment
Another small element but I really enjoy that the whole reason this thing is a problem is that a bunch of American and English folks think seeking out an ancient Egyptian tomb is a harmless means of acquiring riches. All the while the Medjai, people who actually know what's going on because it's a part of their history, try to clean up their mess and prevent the apocalypse.
Charming Lead Characters
The one two punch of Rachel Weisz in an early starring role and the best action hero role of Brendan Fraser's career is enough to sell this movie. Fraser has frequently been cast as a beefy weirdo, he's literally played a caveman twice, but this role is well-suited to his not so serious man of action. The script asks a lot of sarcastic asides, one-liners, and no-nonsense responses to folks and he's perfect. Weisz's Evelyn is far better than most women in movies like this. She's smart, she's resourceful, and even though she's inexperienced she is driven by a quest for knowledge not riches. And ultimately it's her brains that save the day...speaking of.
Knowledge Saves The Day
Brendan Fraser's muscles and military know-how keeps everyone alive far longer than it should but it is Evie's knowledge, which everyone assumes she didn't have, that saves the day. In fact, she actually demonstrates superior brain power and understanding of the magic book's text than the Mummy himself and it proves to be his undoing. Not bad for a 1999 romp.
While being the definition of slight, The Mummy still has plenty of shameless fun to offer. Check it out if you haven't already.
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