Time: 125 Minutes
Age Rating: M – Medium level violence
Cast:
Brendan Fraser as Rick O’Connell
Rachel Weisz as Evelyn Carnahan
John Hannah as Jonathan Carnahan
Arnold Vosloo as Imhotep
Kevin J. O’Connor as Beni Gabor
Jonathan Hyde as Dr. Allen Chamberlain
Director: Stephen Sommers

I remember having a lot of fun with The Mummy when I first saw it, and revisiting it, it’s still a fun 90s adventure film.

The Mummy works well at being a straightforward old school adventure movie, which throws back to other movies in the genre. There’s plenty of tropes within the genre to be seen here with deadly traps, icky bugs, impressive action and stunts, and fun vibes, while also being a memorable enough movie in its own right. There’s plenty of enjoyable 90s cheese, comedic quips and fun comic relief here too. Not all of the plot makes sense and does take some logical leaps, but it keeps things moving at a consistently fast pace so that there’s never a dull moment. Even the essential exposition doesn’t feel forced or slow things down here, and the movie keeps you constantly entertained throughout.

The film also benefits from a great cast which adds a lot of charm. Brendan Fraser is an endearing and charming lead, Rachel Weisz is equally great, and the chemistry between the two is wonderful. John Hannah completes the central trio with some amusing comic relief.

The direction from Stephen Sommers also adds a lot. It’s a good looking movie with warm visuals, great sets, and nice practical effects, and even adds a little bit of horror elements at points. The CGI is impressive in some areas and very dodgy and dated in others, but even the worst cases are charming in themselves. The action sequences are also very fun, creative and well staged. Jerry Goldsmith’s sweeping score is epic and fitting for this kind of adventure movie.

The Mummy is a very entertaining, well constructed, and fun action adventure that’s enjoyable from beginning to end.