The Mummy – Film Review

In 2017, director Alex Kurtzman embarked on a daring mission to reboot The Mummy franchise, which had previously gained popularity with the charismatic performance of Brendan Fraser in the late ’90s and early 2000s. With high expectations and hopes of rekindling the same sense of adventure and excitement, audiences flocked to theaters to witness the modern incarnation of this beloved supernatural tale. However, upon leaving the theater, many couldn’t help but feel a profound disappointment. Despite a promising premise and a talented cast, Kurtzman’s The Mummy fails to deliver a captivating experience, falling short in various aspects.

One of the film’s major setbacks lies in its narrative execution. The Mummy attempts to lay the groundwork for an interconnected cinematic universe of monsters, similar to what Marvel Studios achieved with superheroes. Sadly, the script feels convoluted and overstuffed with exposition, sacrificing organic storytelling for the sake of setting up future films. Characters and their motivations are introduced in a hasty and shallow manner, leaving little room for audience investment or emotional connection. The plot becomes a web of contrived twists and turns that often detract from the main story rather than enhancing it.

Furthermore, the film suffers from a lack of tonal consistency. The Mummy struggles to strike a balance between its horror elements and its comedic moments, resulting in an uneven viewing experience. There are instances where the movie aims for tension and terror, only to abruptly shift to forced humor, diffusing any buildup of suspense. This inconsistency not only disrupts the pacing but also undermines the intended impact of key scenes, leaving viewers detached and disengaged.

While the cast is composed of talented actors, their performances are hindered by underdeveloped characters and weak dialogue. Tom Cruise, in the lead role as Nick Morton, brings his usual charisma, but his character lacks depth and comes off as a generic action hero rather than someone we truly care about. Sofia Boutella, who portrays the titular mummy, Ahmanet, is limited by a one-dimensional role that fails to explore her potential complexity. Russell Crowe as Dr. Henry Jekyll, an intriguing character in theory, is given little room to shine and ends up feeling shoehorned into the narrative.

Visually, The Mummy boasts impressive production design and stunning special effects. The ancient tombs, supernatural elements, and action sequences are visually appealing and occasionally breathtaking. However, these visual accomplishments cannot make up for the film’s narrative deficiencies. The impressive CGI and set pieces feel like mere distractions rather than organic components of a compelling story. It becomes apparent that the focus was placed more on style over substance, which ultimately hampers the overall impact of the film.

Moreover, the editing of The Mummy leaves much to be desired. The pacing feels erratic, with abrupt cuts and awkward transitions between scenes. This lack of cohesion disrupts the flow of the narrative, making it difficult for viewers to fully immerse themselves in the story. The action sequences, while visually stimulating, suffer from excessive quick cuts and shaky camerawork, making it challenging to follow the action and diminishing their impact.

One redeeming aspect of The Mummy is its sound design and score. The film effectively utilizes sound to create a sense of atmosphere and tension. The eerie whispers and unsettling noises add to the supernatural aura surrounding the mummy’s presence. The score, composed by Brian Tyler, is appropriately epic and adds some much-needed energy to certain scenes. However, even the strongest technical aspects cannot compensate for the film’s narrative and tonal shortcomings.

In conclusion, The Mummy, directed by Alex Kurtzman, falls short of its potential as an exciting and engaging reboot of a beloved franchise. Its convoluted narrative, lack of tonal consistency, underdeveloped characters, and weak dialogue prevent it from delivering a satisfying and immersive experience. While the film showcases impressive visual effects and production design, these elements become overshadowed by the narrative flaws, leaving viewers disconnected from the story.