The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor Review [4]

Posted by Erik Luers on 08.08.2008

How's this for an evaluation: it is what it is......

Well, for one thing, the film sure does have a good title. Popular critical consensus would have you believe that this latest Mummy adventure is nothing more than cheap special effects and tired brainless sequences taken from other big budgeted action pictures. I suppose it is, though this film has some real heart to it, not to mention an appreciated sense of fun throughout. While there is nothing particularly groundbreaking here, the film is paced correctly (three big action pieces signal the end of each act) and the performances are hokey but inspired; they're aware that you've come to the theater to see the big, bad dragon emperor. It's sugar coated visual eye candy to be sure, though director Rob Cohen (himself an expert in making things go BOOM!) keeps things moving quickly, as if he is gleefully awaiting to show the audience the next trick up his sleeve, whether it be a gigantic Yeti or a three-headed, fire breathing dragon.

The story takes place during the mid 1940s, as the O' Connells have taken a step back from mummy pursuing in an attempt to enjoy the finer things in life, such as fly fishing, their multi-million dollar mansion and, most importantly, each other. Their son Alex is in China, searching for the whereabouts of the evil dragon emperor's remains (in an inspired ten minute prologue we get to see just how this evil emperor and his army turned into stone; it involves complex spells and a clay substance which emerges from their eyes). The O' Connells are asked to deliver a stone (or crystal; it's all in how you appraise it) to the Shanghai museum where they will conveniently run into their son and Evelyn's own brother, Jonathan (played by the sometimes amusing John Hannah). Just like that, we have a plot placed right onto our doorstep.

Some have inaccurately stated that the mummies in the film look somewhat cheap and fake. I propose this question: how could the living dead possibly look real? Perhaps the filmmakers could have put them in suits and top hats to quiet down the naysayers. Some many say that the film's plot is just an excuse to dangle from one big budget adventure sequence to another, ad nauseum. While that is true, the film isn't really claiming otherwise. Introductions are kept brief; the director knows that we want to get to the good stuff (like staring at Maria Bello, sporting an English accent worthy of a second grade Oscar Wilde production). The acting isn't revolutionary but it provides rather harmless, inoffensive line readings. Yes, gossip columnists may tell you that Jet Li and Michelle Yeoh were mainly cast to open up the film huge in Asian markets but they do not embarrass themselves. I guarantee you that even Sir Olivier would have a hard time keeping a straight face when describing the pool of eternal youth (remember even he had Clash of the Titans to relax and have fun on). Also, the change of scenery is appreciated; after the first two Mummy films, it was about time for Egypt to take a much needed sabbatical.

While not high art, The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor is enjoyable summer entertainment, light on brains but high on fun. Should a film be applauded for aiming low and successfully hitting its mark? I'm not so sure, but I liked this piece, regardless of how many cavities I went onto receive after as a result. I may be in the minority here (which is becoming the place to be nowadays), but I am wholeheartedly recommending this latest installment in a flawed but highly contagious series.

The 411: It's fun, it's loud, and it's loaded with adrenaline, so sue me, I liked it. Turn off your brain and go for the ride; together let's raise the dead.

Final Score:  7.0   [ Good ]