This is the sequel to the original two Mummy films starring Brendon Fraser, that were the reboot of the Mummy series of movies that began in the 1930s with Boris Karloff playing the iconic character of an undead priest searching for his lost love. This one takes place many years after the first two, and is located in China rather than Egypt. Alex O'Connell, now a young man of 21 years, has ditched his schooling to pursue an archeological dig of a Chinese emperor whose reputation is of an evil man looking for immortality. Rick and Evelyn O'Connell, still married but having their romance turned a little lackluster for want of the adventures that brought them together, are commissioned by British Intelligence, for which they did missions during World War II, to bring a priceless relic back to the Chinese people. Add to this a rogue Chinese general who wants to bring the entombed emperor back to life in a bid to lead a world revolution, and Evelyn's brother Jonathan, who now runs a nightclub in Shanghai, and you've got the makings for an adventure that is both thrilling and highly entertaining.
While getting less than stellar reviews when it was in the theaters, this film earned more than enough to make it a box office success. I believe that part of the problem was that the critics did not like the fact that Rachel Weisz did not reprise her role of Evelyn due to contract disputes, so the part when to Maria Bello (Assault on Precinct 13). While a good actress, she does not achieve the chemistry with Brendon Fraser that was so instrumental to the other movies, and thus leaves the character of Evie as kind of a sidekick to the others. That being said, the rest of the cast is phenomenal. As well as Fraser and John Hannah, Jet Li (Fearless) plays the undead emperor, brought back to life to take his revenge on the witch that cursed him. Isabella Leong (Missing) is stunning as the daughter of the now immortal witch. Luke Ford (The Black Balloon) takes on the role of Alex with great success. And there is a surprise appearance by the now Academy Award winning Michelle Yeoh as the witch that curses the emperor to his fate. All in all, this is a movie that is a complete joy ride from start to finish, and that I would highly recommend for family night.
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