In one of the first scenes of The Mummy :Tomb of the Dragon Emperor, Evelyn O’Connell is being questioned at a book reading. When asked whether the character from her mummy books is based on herself, she claims that she is not the woman from the stories. This moment is more than normal character development; instead it is declaration from the filmmakers that this is a different kind of Mummy movie.
Maria Bello has replaced Rachel Weisz as Evelyn O’Connell, Luke Ford has replaced Freddie Boath as Alex O’Connell, and Rob Cohen has stepped into the director’s chair. This third installment in the Mummy franchise promises something new; however, there is not enough development in character or plot for audiences to become interested in the film’s different direction.
The movie seems to beg for attention, while Brendan Fraser’s performance is the only thing that truly merits any. It is sad to see so much talent wasted in a throw away threequel. Jet Li is under used, while Fraser’s talent is simply under utilized.
The Mummy: The Tomb of the Dragon Emperor is Rob Cohen’s first film since the disaster known as Stealth. Cohen is no doubt attempting to reclaim previous box office glory by choosing another chapter in a blockbuster series. With a budget that eclipses a hundred and forty five million dollars, this film puts all of its money up on the screen; however, explosion after explosion is not enough to save The Mummy from feeling dull and boring.
The narrative in the film is so loosely strung together that it becomes unclear when one gun battle ends and the next one begins. Cohen may have approached this project as a Buddhist with a love of Chinese culture, but none of that translates to the screen. Any knowledge of China is brushed over, while rushing to the next computer-generated effect. While a fourth Mummy does not appear to be in works, the ending of The Tomb of the Dragon Emperor points to a new location with new possibilities. Its safe to say, if this installment proves to be financially successful, we could soon be seeing O’Connell back in action. Here’s hoping that the filmmakers won’t return to the same well.
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