Sunday, March 12, 2023

THE MUMMY (1999)

Egypt, 1290 BC. Pharaoh Set I discovers that his high priest Imhotep has been long-dicking his mistress Anck-su-namun. He gets really pissed off for about three seconds…until Anck-su-namun stabs him to death. At the same time, the Pharaoh’s royal guard, the Madjai, come busting in. Imhotep flees and Anck-su-namun kills herself with a knife. Shit happens and soon Imhotep himself is captured, while trying to resurrect Anck-su-namun. As punishment, he’s wrapped up like a mummy and buried alive. A few years later, in 1926, a nerd, Rachel Weisz, learns that local adventurer Brendan Fraser knows the secret location to the lost city of Hamunaptra. While traveling there together as a team they find that the body count of the film will be increased if they are joined with a second group of treasure hunters. All kinds of Indiana Jones-style adventures and wacky shit ensue.

Time has been kind to THE MUMMY. I originally saw it in the theater on opening weekend way back in ye olde 1999. I was wearing a Lords of Acid t-shirt; in case you were wondering and/or happen to be a time-traveler wanting to say hello. I remember enjoying it at the time. And every time I’ve seen it again over the years, I’ve always found myself caught up in the excitement and adventure of it all. Quick pace that never lets up, excellent casting, solid acting, dated special effects that still work out fine and give it a kinda campy look that actually benefits the film, strong direction.

I’m not sure that THE MUMMY will change your life or inspire any deep philosophical thoughts in yer noodle, but it is an excellent way to spend a few hours. Check it out.

Part 2 - The Mummy Returns(2001)
Part 3 - The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor (2008)
Prequel - The Scorpion King (2002)
Prequel Part 2 - The Scorpion King 2: Rise of a Warrior (2008)
Prequel Part 3 - The Scorpion King 3: Battle for Redemption (2012)
Prequel Part 4 - The Scorpion King 4: Quest for Power (2015)
Prequel Part 5 - The Scorpion King: Book of Souls (2018)