27/01/2025
🧐🎥The Mummy (2017)
Director: Alex Kurtzman
Starring: Tom Cruise, Russell Crowe, Annabelle Wallis, Sofia Boutella, Jake Johnson, Courtney B. Vance
The Mummy (2017) is a high-octane reimagining of the classic 1932 monster movie, marking the launch of Universal’s ambitious "Dark Universe" franchise. Directed by Alex Kurtzman, the film blends action, horror, and adventure, offering a modern take on the mummy myth, while introducing a supernatural threat that stretches beyond the realm of ancient Egypt.
The film follows Nick Morton (Tom Cruise), a charming yet reckless soldier of fortune who, along with his partner Chris (Jake Johnson), uncovers a tomb in the Middle East that holds a dark and ancient secret. The tomb belongs to an ancient princess, Ahmanet (Sofia Boutella), who was buried alive after a betrayal that left her cursed. When her crypt is disturbed and transported to London, Ahmanet is resurrected, unleashing an ancient evil with plans to bring about the apocalypse.
As the film progresses, Nick becomes entangled in Ahmanet’s vengeful schemes. But there’s more at play than just a fight between man and monster. Nick discovers that he has an unusual connection to the curse, which propels him deeper into the world of ancient supernatural forces. As the power of the mummy grows stronger, Nick must confront the dark forces threatening the world, all while struggling with the deadly implications of his own fate.
The film introduces Russell Crowe in a significant role as Dr. Henry Jekyll, a key character who serves as the foundation for the Dark Universe universe. Jekyll is the leader of an underground organization known as Prodigium, tasked with monitoring and containing supernatural threats. His introduction is a clear attempt to establish a shared universe, paving the way for future monster films within the franchise. However, while the film offers a glimpse of this interconnected world, it primarily focuses on Nick’s battle against Ahmanet.
The Mummy is primarily an action-adventure film, with spectacular set pieces and intense sequences. From the chaotic plane crash scene that opens the film to the thrilling chase scenes through the streets of London, the film is designed to keep the adrenaline pumping. The visual effects are impressive, especially in the sequences involving Ahmanet’s supernatural powers, which include mind-bending illusions and terrifying physical transformations.
Despite its thrilling action and visual spectacle, the film is not without its flaws. The tone often feels uneven, swinging between horror and action-adventure without fully committing to either. Tom Cruise’s performance as the protagonist is solid, though his character can sometimes feel like a standard action hero, lacking the depth needed for a truly compelling lead. The chemistry between him and Annabelle Wallis, who plays archaeologist Jenny Halsey, is also underdeveloped, reducing the emotional impact of their dynamic.
Sofia Boutella delivers a captivating performance as Ahmanet, bringing a chilling presence to the character. Her portrayal of the vengeful mummy is both alluring and menacing, though the character herself, like many of the film’s elements, could have been given more depth and motivation. The film introduces some fascinating concepts surrounding the mummy’s curse and the ancient world, but these ideas often feel rushed or underexplored.
The overall tone of The Mummy is a departure from traditional horror, leaning more into a blockbuster adventure format with supernatural elements. While this makes the film accessible to a broader audience, it may disappoint viewers hoping for a darker, more atmospheric experience akin to the 1999 Mummy reboot. The film struggles to find a balance between its blockbuster action elements and the horror tropes that could have made it stand out.
In the end, The Mummy (2017) is an entertaining, fast-paced film that offers plenty of thrills and supernatural intrigue but falters when it comes to delivering the emotional depth and cohesion needed to truly make it memorable. While it successfully introduces some intriguing characters and sets the stage for a larger universe, it falls short of living up to its potential, leaving the future of the Dark Universe franchise uncertain. Still, for fans of action-packed adventure and monster mythology, it provides an exciting—if somewhat flawed—ride.