The Mummy (1999)

"You better think of something fast, because, if he turns me into a mummy you're the first one I'm coming after."

Librarian and aspiring archaeologist Evie Carnahan (Weisz) is given a map to the lost city of Hamunaptra.  She enlists the help of her cowardly, treasure hungry brother, Jonathan (Hannah), who gave her the map and an intricate box that turns into a key.  To get to the city they need the help of Rick O'Connell (Fraser), an American prisoner who's been there before.

At the site they encounter a group of American treasure hunters, led by Rick's old "friend," Beni (O'Connor).  Rick, Evie, and Jonathan find the mummy of High Priest Imhotep (Vosloo).  That night Evie reads from an ancient book the American team finds, and brings Imhotep back to life.  His resurrection means death for the Americans and destruction for the world, unless they can stop him.  With help from Ardeth Bay (Fehr) and the rest of the Medjai, who guard Imhotep's tomb, can they stop Imhotep from fully regenerating and resurrecting his lost love, the pharoah's mistress Anck-su-Namun (Patricia Velasquez), into Evie's body.


A remake of the 1932 Boris Karloff film.  The plot mimics the original, but the names and places have changed.  In addition, this film embraces the action of the situation... feeling more like an Indiana Jones.  There is more humor and horror than the original.

This was Brendan Fraser's first action film, and made him into a certifiable action star.  His leading man charisma and ability to deliver a sarcastic comment, makes him the perfect leading man.  This film also launched Rachel Weisz into stardom... making Evie plucky but vulnerable, smart and strong-willed.  She owns the role.  John Hannah completes the trio as Jonathan, Evie's bumbling brother.  He works well in the role, delivering consistent laughs and working well with the rest of the team.  The rest of the cast is good, but not as good as the chemistry of the trio.

The film was successful enough to have 2 sequels: The Mummy Returns in 2001 and The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor in 2008.

The Mummy (1999) 125 minutes
Rating: PG-13 for pervasive adventure violence and some partial nudity.
Director: Stephen Sommers
Starring: Brendan Fraser as Rick O'Connell
Rachel Weisz as Evie Carnahan
John Hannah as Jonathan Carnahan
Arnold Vosloo as High Priest Imhotep
Kevin J. O'Connor as Beni
Oded Fehr as Ardeth Bay