Spring Break
'Mummy' comes off too self-aware, comedy falls flat
Review :Sequel does previous films diservice
Steven Kilpatrick
Issue date: 8/7/08 Section: ARTS & LIFE
Before the movie arrived, people joked that Weisz felt above the "Mummy" series because of her recent Oscar win. Believe me when I tell you that even Brendan Fraser is above the franchise at this point.
It's not that the remaining actors failed to bring something to the production. They were active, energetic and, theoretically, capable. But their performances often had the same vibe you get from stage actors who know they're bombing, and nothing felt sincere, least of all the moments that were supposed to.
The jokes were an abridged rehash of the first two films. In case you couldn't tell, Jonathan (John Hanna) is a crazy scamp, with very little of the capable aplomb of the first film remaining. Oh, and 2,000-year-old soldiers are still capable of immature puppy love and getting their butts kicked by people in their twenties.
In terms of legacy, this film-can I call it a film?-this rehashed, detached conglomerate of unrealized nostalgia does nothing for the legacy of the "Mummy" series. I watched them last week in preparation; I promise you the first two are better.
At best, this movie is a decent pun. Even if it is a little clever, you'll shake your head and groan.
It's not that the remaining actors failed to bring something to the production. They were active, energetic and, theoretically, capable. But their performances often had the same vibe you get from stage actors who know they're bombing, and nothing felt sincere, least of all the moments that were supposed to.
The jokes were an abridged rehash of the first two films. In case you couldn't tell, Jonathan (John Hanna) is a crazy scamp, with very little of the capable aplomb of the first film remaining. Oh, and 2,000-year-old soldiers are still capable of immature puppy love and getting their butts kicked by people in their twenties.
In terms of legacy, this film-can I call it a film?-this rehashed, detached conglomerate of unrealized nostalgia does nothing for the legacy of the "Mummy" series. I watched them last week in preparation; I promise you the first two are better.
At best, this movie is a decent pun. Even if it is a little clever, you'll shake your head and groan.
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Steven Kilpatrick
posted 8/07/08 @ 9:31 AM CST
I wanted to thank my editor for rescuing me on this one. I believe I called Jet Li a Japanese Emperor in a moment of true idiocy. Yeah, that makes sense--with the Great Wall of China there and everything. (Continued…)
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