Common Sense Media Review
By Tom Cassidy
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Disney monster adventure has violence, scary scenes.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 11+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Under Wraps (1997)
What's the Story?
In UNDER WRAPS, an ancient Egyptian mummy comes back to life. It's up to horror movie fan Marshall (Mario Yedidia) and his friends Amy (Clara Bryant) and Gilbert (Adam Wylie) to get him back to his sarcophagus so his soul isn't lost forever.
Is It Any Good?
For a film that is presumably aimed at kids, this 1997 Disney Channel Original has a bold opening. Under Wraps starts with a monster smashing through a window, grabbing a parent, and holding their head to a flailing blade. Bold indeed, but maybe not wise. The scene's revealed to be a movie that young friends Marshall and Gilbert are watching in the cinema. It's authentically shot, so only kids with experience of horror movies will be comfortable. Scared, Gilbert leaves, but Marshall's having a great time. So it sets up the characters well, but the movie less so. What follows this hard-edge start is a silly comedy adventure with a bumbling mummy, which plays to a much younger audience than the opening is suitable for.
Under Wraps is at its best when it's imitating E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial's kids-on-bikes youthful adventure feel. Spielberg's classic even gets name checked by Marshall. But families are advised to seek out photos of Harold the mummy before hitting play. The character is certainly unsettling and won't be for everyone. If the visuals and strong horror theme are suitable for your kid, then there's some fun to be had here. Otherwise leave the sarcophagus lid closed.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the scarier moments in Under Wraps. Which scenes did you find most frightening? Why do some people like being scared? Did you feel scared after the movie had finished? How much scary stuff can kids handle?
Discuss some of the violence. Did it feel appropriate for a movie like this? Why, or why not? What's the impact of media violence on kids?
How did Marshall, Amy, and Gilbert show courage, compassion, and teamwork? Why are these important character strengths? Can you think of a time when you've displayed these traits?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : October 25, 1997
- Cast : Mario Yedidia , Adam Wylie , Clara Bryant
- Director : Greg Beeman
- Studio : Disney Channel Original Movies
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Friendship , Fantasy
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Courage , Teamwork
- Run time : 95 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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