The Mummy (1999)
By Adam Perry,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Above-average action-adventure with lots of violence.

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The Mummy (1999)
Community Reviews
Based on 21 parent reviews
Dated with too many horror features.
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The Last Great Adventure Film
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What's the Story?
In THE MUMMY, American explorer Rick O'Connell (Brendan Frasier) leads a Cairo librarian Evelyn Camahan (Rachel Weisz) and her brother Jonathan to the lost city of Hamunaptra where they discover treasure that accidentally awakens a three thousand-year-old cursed mummy. The undead creature -- once the high priest Imhotep -- is bent on resurrecting his mummified former lover, Anck-su-Namun, by sacrificing Evelyn and bringing forth Bible-size plagues and undead armies. This film is filled with rich content and is a worthy heir to the action-adventure/archaeology-meets-swashbuckling genre made famous by Harrison Ford in the Indiana Jones series.
Is It Any Good?
Action, comedy, and the captivating romance between O'Connell and Evie are at the heart of this movie. At times, the out-of-this-world special effects and battle-sequences have one longing for the old-school charm of Lawrence of Arabia or The Ten Commandments. Regardless, The Mummy is extremely exciting, and at times educational. The juxtaposition of intricate Egyptian history and spirituality, with contemporary Hollywood spirit, might inspire teens to learn more about ancient Egypt.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the way women and indigenous people are portrayed in The Mummy. How does Evie's strength as a scholarly, cultured, biracial librarian compare to other lead female roles in cinema today? How are people of different races depicted? Are they respectful of their cultures?
Families can also talk about the violence in The Mummy. How does the fact that much of it is supernatural affect its impact? How is it different watching the "undead" get hurt than human characters?
Movie Details
- In theaters: May 7, 1999
- On DVD or streaming: December 19, 1999
- Cast: Brendan Fraser , Oded Fehr , Rachel Weisz
- Director: Stephen Sommers
- Studio: Universal Pictures
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- Run time: 124 minutes
- MPAA rating: PG-13
- MPAA explanation: pervasive adventure violence and some partial nudity
- Last updated: August 10, 2023
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