I disagree with my fellow critics: The Mummy is not a reboot of The Mummy from 1999 where Brendan Fraser on an archaeological dig accidentally awakens a mummy in a light, adventurous flick providing a few laughs here but no thrills there.
The Mummy about to hit the cinemas on Friday is darker, funnier and owes its roots to The Mummy from 1959, aiming to provide nerve-shattering shock.
I don’t know if “nerve-shattering” is the right choice of words here . . . it’s definitely dark but light at the same time if that makes sense . . . . This is mainly because the lead has been grabbed by the one and only, Tom Cruise. There’s really only one Tom Cruise. His style is unique and even a simple sentence he utters with his unique intonation accompanied by that unique facial expression will make you chuckle in that nice leather seat of Finnkino Scape and make you re-adjust those 3D-glasses.
In addition, the man is a workhorse. He does his own stunts and likes to push himself to the very limit. Even if it really would not have been required. The Mummy could have been made relying on CGI only. But that wouldn’t work for Cruise, he’s old school – a Mission Impossible veteran and an adrenaline junkie; you can literally see him sweat in the movie. He’s fifty-four now and in a better shape than men 20 years younger.
Tom Cruise waving at the Taiwan premiere of ‘The Mummy’. Picture: Universal Pictures
How does he do it? Ok. Let’s not go there, for now. What is important is the movie and what you, dear reader and possible viewer, will gain from watching it. Here’s what the one-pager providing details of the movie says to the press: “From the sweeping sands of the Middle East through hidden labyrinths under modern-day London, The Mummy brings a surprising intensity and balance of wonder and thrills in an imaginative new take that ushers in a new world of gods and monsters.“
They nailed it pretty accurately. If we look into the details a bit deeper we could add that an ancient princess who is awakened in her tomb, Sofia Boutella (Kingsman: The Secret Service, Star Trek Beyond) does a fantastic job as the ancient mummy who once awakened decides to bring the terror among the people of the present. I wouldn’t have wanted to be in her entourage when she was in character prior the shooting.
Annabelle Wallis grabs a selfie with the fans at the Taiwan premiere. Picture: Universal Pictures
Another female lead is played by Annabelle Wallis (X-Men: First Class, King Arthur: Legend of the Sword). She’s the good girl who is interested to reveal the secrets of ancient Egyptians even if it involves risking her life. She is perfect to co-star with Mr Cruise – it’s about the chemistry, chemistry . . . .
Director Alex Kurtzman is more famous for his role as a producer than director. He’s known as the director of the 2012 comedy-drama People Like Us. Whatever the film lacks may, indeed, be his fault (the film has received numerous bad reviews) but, again, whatever he lacks, Cruise and the great cast compensates. The writers of the film are known from films such as Jurassic Park and Spider Man and War of the Worlds . . . all decent films.
The Mummy is the first in the series of Dark Universe, a cinematic universe centered on classic monsters, starring A-list actors. I’m glad that they got Tom Cruise. I couldn’t imagine anyone else pulling this one off so smoothly.
The Mummy premieres in cinemas on June 9.
