The Mummy

When the tricks fade, not even a pile of ashes will be left of The Mummy. Unlike Indiana Jones, this film lacks the essentials that every truly high-quality adventure film has to have – a hero. The local guy is an inflated pretty boy with no charisma. A pretty face doesn't make a good character... Three years ago, the impression was top notch thanks to the technical aspect, now The Mummy seems to me to be decently below average... Compared to Dr. Jones, this Egyptian hunk is driving all over the place... (30/01/2004)

A fantastic adventurous tangle of many supporting characters, a charismatic villain, a characteristically courageous protagonist, and a beautiful and clumsy girl in distress. I could watch this heartfelt affair from morning to evening, Jerry Goldsmith's music and Sommers' enthusiastic direction helped create an unforgettable ride. (21/04/2007)

I loved The Mummy when I was younger and at least once a year I found time to watch Stephen Sommers' genre mash-up, which doesn't lack adventure action, romance, or even a hint of horror. As I've gotten older, I've found that sometimes a film works for me, while other times not so much. Compared to the director's previous Deep Rising, The Mummy definitely offers better characters (as well as cast): Rachel Weisz is truly charming as the intellectual librarian yearning for secrets hidden under the Egyptian sand, John Hannah plays the role of the goofy brother (the thief) superbly, and Arnold Vosloo as the bloodthirsty Imhotep also won me over. In the case of Brendan Fraser, it's like with the film, sometimes he suits me, sometimes he doesn't. I mustn't forget to mention Bernard Fox's small but really funny role as the drunken pilot Winston. I originally gave The Mummy four stars, then reduced it to three, but the fact is that I like coming back to the film and enjoy it (despite the weaker CGI in places). (31/05/2019)

An relaxing popcorn adventure ride with a flavor of Hollywoodized Egyptian mythology. Decent special effects, good production design and a charismatic hero are the main pluses. The somewhat infantile style of humor is the biggest negative. This is not a new Indy by any stretch of the imagination, just as it is not a remake of the original Universal Mummy; but the truth is that Fraser's escapades manage to fill the gap that was left by them. Although only partially. (25/01/2007)

I can unashamedly call The Mummy one of the seminal films of my childhood, and I'll try to capture its magic as simply as possible: a fearless and likeable hero in Brendan Fraser, a really cool and scary bad guy played by Arnold Vosloo, plus a lot of great one-liners and tons of catchy and dynamic action – or how little it takes to make kids happy. (14/07/2011)