Directed by Alex Kurtzman
Written by David Koepp, Christopher McQuarrie and Dylan Kussman
Starring Tom Cruise, Russell Crowe and Sofia Boutella
‘Mindless Entertainment’
Is Hollywood running out of ideas? It sure seems like it. As of late, the industry has developed a bad habit of making unoriginal movies. Whether it is remakes, reboots or unnecessary sequels, these movies have made plenty of money at the box-office. Yet, while these movies are successful from a money-making point-of-view, they often lack quality. Originality, creativity or an engaging story are nowhere to be found. Instead, these movies serve only one purpose: to offer mindless entertainment.
In a nutshell, this perfectly sums up the case with the latest reboot “The Mummy”. A messy, over-the-top monster movie, it lacks the thrills we’ve come to expect from Summer blockbusters. Although visually stunning and at times entertaining, it is a misguided remake that is clumsily put together. Director Alex Kurtzman stages a few exciting action sequences, but they are not enough to make up for a mindless plot, idiotic characters and wasted actors. Despite a talented cast led by Tom Cruise, “The Mummy” is merely a time-pass that is not worth watching on the big-screen.
But hey, what could possibly go wrong when you have the most famous actor in the world in your movie? Unfortunately, quite a lot. Although Tom Cruise is a charismatic actor, not even he can save “The Mummy” from falling apart. Cruise stars in the lead role as Nick Morton, a thief who makes a living out of stealing artifacts. When Nick accidentally stumbles across an ancient tomb on one of his expeditions, he awakens an evil curse. This curse, known as the mummy, seeks to destroy the world. It is up to Nick and his fellow archaeologists to stop the mummy before it’s too late.
It is then that we are swept into a dark universe that doesn’t know what it wants to be: a scary monster movie, a Tom Cruise vehicle or an action adventure?
“The Mummy” tries to be all of these things at once. Due to director Alex Kurtzman’s decision to choose style over substance, not all of it works. This is Kurtzman’s first time making a Summer blockbuster, and unfortunately it shows. The director chooses to emphasize action sequences over storytelling, which comes with consequences. To give credit where it is due, Kurtzman is an expert at staging action sequences. “The Mummy” is packed with thrilling action that keeps the viewer at the edge of their seat. For example, the plane crash sequence is one of the main highlights of the movie. It is incredibly intense and suspenseful, and the craftsmanship on display is impressive.
While the director pays a lot of attention to the action sequences, he is less skilled at storytelling. Although the action sequences are exhilarating, the story is simply not as interesting. The story follows beat for beat the formula of any action movie, and is completely devoid of originality. The script is poorly put together, filled with heavy exposition, dull characters and laughable dialogue. It is hard to care about any of the characters because they are hardly developed and lack interesting personalities. Nothing can make up for these flaws, not even a talented cast.
Despite the star-studded cast, the acting is only passable. The cast is filled with admirable actors, but the only one who leaves a lasting impression is Tom Cruise. Charming, charismatic and at times funny, Cruise is at the top of his game. Although the script does not give him a whole lot to do, he brings energy and a sense of excitement to the movie. He is one of those actors that always elevates every movie he is in, no matter how bad it is. While he cannot save “The Mummy”, Tom Cruise proves to be one of the few highlights of the movie.
Unfortunately, the rest of the cast doesn’t fare too well. Due to underdeveloped characters, the actors are not given much to do. Jake Johnson is simply irritating as the annoying sidekick. Sofia Boutella is a frightening presence but she is not given enough screen time as the mummy. Even Russell Crowe, who is normally at the top of his game, is out of his element in a goofy role. It’s disappointing to see an actor of his caliber in this movie.
When you throw together these wasted actors, a nonsensical plot and an abrupt ending that makes absolutely no sense, you get “The Mummy”. It offers mindless popcorn entertainment, but in a Summer filled with smart and original movies that’s simply not good enough. If you still plan on seeing the movie, just remember to switch off your brain because you definitely won’t need it.
2/5 stars
The Film Buff 
You must be logged in to post a comment.