Review of The Mummy (2017) by Matt D — 12 Jun 2017

A new mummy movie has been released and the critics rave crucify! But why? I decided to give the movie a try because I love a good monster flick and what the heck it's just a few dollars. What I saw made me question wether or not the critics had seen the same movie I had.

In a decade defined by superhero movies where joe good guy becomes a better good guy with super powers, and destroys the big light in the sky The mummy stands out as different. The characters are not good, they are actually very selfish in the beginning. This selfishness helps to lead each of them to the monster. I don't want to spoil anything but as the movie progresses the characters begin to change in what they view as important from their own safety to the safety of the other. Which is, wait for it, a character arch! I haven't seen one of those in an action movie since I was a kid.

Now I've seen the criticisms and I would like to address a few questions that your cinefile friends might throw your way. First off. Is the movie Sexist? Many critics have proclamed the movie as sexist because a woman slept with Tom cruise and didn't destroy every zombie she sees. However her character is an archeologist who might not have the combat training of an army scout aka Tom Cruise. She also influences Toms character change through her words and actions of sacrifice which in turn makes him react in a similar manner. So Sexist? No just more subtle on strengths.

Is the movie Racist? This one surprised me, I saw many reviews stating that the movie put middle easterners in a bad light. Which is odd since the movie takes place in London and the only middle easterners we see are a radical terrorist group which is located in an area which radical terrorist groups currently have influence. If a movie in the 40s took place in Germany it is not racist if a Nazi is portrayed as a bad guy. Same principle here. The Egyptians are portrayed as competent and successful at containing the curse for thousands of years so as I said before not racist.

In closing the film is very enjoyable. It's a good monster flick with a bit of dark humor and plenty of action. I would highly suggest it and would place it as the 3rd best release of the summer. You could boycott the movie and join thousands of people who develope a sour opinion of the movie based on what strangers say or you can give it a try and make a decision based on what you see. As for me I was pleasantly surprised 4 stars.