Review of The Mummy (2017) by Random V — 15 Jan 2018

Sometimes big budgeted movies are hits, sometimes misses. This was aiming for the humor, but seemed like it didn't know what kind of humor to go for. I mean, don't get me wrong, I laughed at most of the humor, especially the laughter in the face of overwhelming odds. At the same time, what made most of it fall apart was the humor. The first thing that made the movie fall apart was the obvious use of the same visuals from the 1999 MUMMY film with the mummy's face in the sandstorm. I would prefer to see a new power set for the monsters of the DARK UNIVERSE. The second thing that made this fall apart was the humor. I know I just said I laughed at it, but that doesn't mean I think it belonged. Maybe the 2004 VAN HELSING did better what this was trying to do. Sometimes expectations can get in the way of enjoying a movie. In this case the series arc is titled the DARK UNIVERSE. I don't think it's much then to expect a DARK universe. Like horror-level shadows and immediate threats where who knows if the characters are really going to make it. And maybe some don't.

Cruise was his usual self and Boutella had some bizarre FX that worked, though she was super scary in KINGSMAN compared to this. And the rest of the cast did well. Aside from giving Boutella a stronger character, this wasn't a case of poor acting chops. I did very early guess what Crowe's character was all about, though that's not always a bad thing. So when I keep thinking about this feature, I can't help but think the humor was out of place. Maybe it should've been down-played more, if not eliminated entirely. I mean levity in the time of overwhelming odds can be appropriate for the character. If it's appropriate for the character and fits in the story, then it'll work for the audience. In this case it seemed meant for the audience, which may not exactly make sense since the whole movie is supposed to be for the audience. I'm rambling, I get that.

So the theatrical previews were kinda menacing and there was lots of screaming, which appeared promising against overwhelming odds. If the movie would've been that we'd have had something. If they make another Universal Monster movie, I'll check out the preview definitely. See what happens.