The Mummy (1999)

One of the definitive popcorn movies of the 90's, director Stephen Sommers' remake of the Universal classic "The Mummy" still stands tall as one of the most likable and engaging romps to come out in recent memory.

A team of adventurers set out in search of a legendary lost city in the Egyptian desert. Among them are an inquisitive librarian, her buffoonish brother, and a gun-slinging American acting as their guide. However, they are unaware that their journey will unleash an ancient and deadly force on the world, as they awaken... the mummy.

Reinterpreting the horror classic into an accessible and entertaining adventure, Sommers' film is very much in the same vein as classics like "Jason and the Argonauts" and "Raiders of the Lost Ark." It's big. It's fun. And it's enjoyable from start to finish. It's filled to burst with everything you could possibly want of a popcorn film - archetypal dashing heroes, slimy villains, swashbuckling fights, strong humor and of course a touch of romance.

Stars Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz make for a wonderful duet, with fantastic chemistry and very endearing performances. Especially Fraser, in what may be his finest role. Sommers direction is fun and frenzied, with strong camerawork and a good sense of tone and pace. And there's not enough that can be said about Jerry Goldsmith's lovely score. It's one I still like to pop on now and again to listen to while I work.

"The Mummy" is exactly what it sets out to be - a grand adventure for the audience to sit back and enjoy. It may not be great cinema. But what it is for certain, is great fun. It's a movie I've enjoyed watching for over twenty years now. And I imagine twenty years from now, it's one I'll still pop on now and again for fun.

And I can't help but give it a perfect 5.

TedStixon