Common Sense Media Review
First action-adventure in series has violence, no blood.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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The Mummy (1999)
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 27 parent reviews
Parents say this movie offers an entertaining blend of adventure and horror, but it includes intense scenes that may be unsuitable for younger viewers. While some appreciate the action and humor, others note the graphic content and violence, suggesting it’s more appropriate for teens and up due to the depiction of disturbing imagery and some language.
- entertaining blend
- intense scenes
- graphic content
- suitable for teens
- action and humor
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 62 kid reviews
Kids say this movie is an exciting mix of action and adventure, but many reviews highlight its intense violence, disturbing scenes, and inappropriate content for younger viewers. While some audience members found it entertaining and not particularly scary, others warned about its suitability, suggesting it’s best for teens and older audiences due to the graphic elements, including torture, suicide, and excessive drinking.
- intense violence
- inappropriate content
- age recommendation
- entertaining adventure
- graphic scenes
- mixed reviews
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In THE MUMMY, American explorer Rick O'Connell (Brendan Fraser) leads a Cairo librarian, Evelyn Camahan (Rachel Weisz), and her brother, Jonathan (John Hannah), to the lost city of Hamunaptra, where they discover treasure that accidentally awakens a 3,000-year-old cursed mummy. The undead creature—once the high priest Imhotep (Arnold Vosloo)—is bent on resurrecting his mummified former lover, Anck-su-Namun (Patricia Velasquez), by sacrificing Evelyn and bringing forth Bible-size plagues and undead armies.
Is It Any Good?
Action, comedy, and the captivating romance between Rick and Evelyn are at the heart of this movie. At times, The Mummy's out-of-this-world special effects and battle sequences might leave viewers longing for the old-school charm of Lawrence of Arabia or The Ten Commandments. But it's extremely exciting, and the juxtaposition of fictional Egyptian lore and spirituality with Hollywood gusto might inspire viewers to learn more about ancient Egypt.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Egyptian culture is portrayed in The Mummy. How does the fictional world of Hamunaptra build off of existing histories?
How does Evelyn's strength as a scholarly, cultured librarian of color compare to other leading women in cinema today? How do you feel about her becoming a damsel in distress who has to be rescued by men?
How do you feel about many of the film's characters of color, such as Evelyn, being cast with White actors? Do these details detract from your experience?
How does the supernatural aspect of the film affect its violence level? Is it different watching the "undead" get hurt vs. human characters? Why, or why not?
Movie Details
- In theaters : May 7, 1999
- On DVD or streaming : December 19, 1999
- Cast : Brendan Fraser , Oded Fehr , Rachel Weisz
- Director : Stephen Sommers
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Universal Pictures
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Topics : Adventures , Fantasy ( Magic )
- Run time : 124 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : pervasive adventure violence and some partial nudity
- Awards : Academy Award - Other Category Nominee , BAFTA - BAFTA Nominee
- Last updated : April 28, 2026
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